Chapter 4
I didn't answer right away. Instead, I took out three items from my bag.
The first was my bank statement, with the 200-dollar "year-end bonus" circled in red.
The second was the old phone with the recording saved on it.
The third was a printout of the 400 thousand-dollar transfer I just received.
I pushed all three items across the table to Richard.
"Mr. Reed, this is NovaTech's financial mismanagement," I said.
"And this is NovaTech's leadership crisis.
"And this," I said, pointing to the 400 thousand-dollar transfer, "is Mr. Reed trying to keep these issues under wraps with hush money."
I didn't mince words. I went straight for the jugular.
I didn't mention Elaine, or family drama, or any personal feelings.
I only talked about the company, the risks, and the management.
Because I knew that for someone like Richard, that was the only thing he cared about.
Richard's eyes lingered on each piece of evidence in turn.
He picked up the bank statement first, his brow knitting.
Next, he reached for the old phone, and I pressed play myself.
Elaine's cutting words echoed once more through the silent room.
"You're nothing but Michael's lapdog..."
As the recording hit that line, I watched as Richard's gaze went cold in a heartbeat.
He wasn't angry at Elaine's arrogance; he was furious that someone would dare call NovaTech's top talent a lapdog.
That was like threatening everything he'd built from scratch.
When the recording finished, he stayed silent.
Finally, he looked at the transfer receipt.
"400 thousand-dollar," he said slowly. "200 grand for you, 200 grand for compensation. Michael's got some nerve, I'll give him that."
"Mr. Reed, this isn't generosity," I corrected him. "It's foolishness.
"He thinks money can fix everything, but he doesn't realize the real problem isn't about money.
"The real issue is that the CFO can casually move millions around just to curry favor with the CEO's wife.
"And that the CEO's wife can decide the fate and salary of a key employee purely on a whim.
"Today, I was the one who got burned. Tomorrow, it could be anyone else who's giving their all for NovaTech.
"When a company's rules can be trampled because of the whims of one woman, that company is already on the brink of collapse."
I didn't hold back. I laid it all out, no sugarcoating.
Richard fell silent.
He looked at me, and for the first time, there was something in his eyes besides scrutiny.
Maybe it was approval.
He picked up his coffee cup and blew gently on the steam.
"You're a smart kid," Richard said, taking his time.
He spoke with deliberate calm. "You're way more clear-headed than my son. He's always blinded by his feelings."
"I've got the picture," he said.
He made a promise, "I built NovaTech from scratch. I won't let anyone tear down what I've built, no matter who it is."
His voice was gentle, but his words hit like a ton of bricks.
I knew I'd gotten what I came for.
I rose to my feet. "Mr. Reed, I've already submitted my resignation. As of today, I'm no longer with NovaTech.
"Thank you for your time."
I nodded slightly and turned to leave.
"Wait," Richard called out, stopping me.
"So, what are you thinking of doing next?" he asked.
"I'm planning to take a break for a while, then see what opportunities come up," I replied honestly.
"That's good," he nodded, a hint of warmth in his voice. "You've really put in the work these past few years.
"Keep my number. Whenever you're ready to jump back in, just give me a call.
"Zenith Holdings will always welcome you back."
That was a pleasant surprise.
I kept my face blank.
"Thank you, Mr. Reed," I said.
I gave him a nod and headed out.
As I stepped out of Zenith Holdings, I finally let out a breath I'd been holding.
The rest was a storm for the Reed family to handle.
I'd made it safely ashore.
When Michael got home, the villa was brightly lit, every room glowing as if someone had been waiting for him.
Elaine was lounging on the sofa in the living room, dressed in a silk robe, a glass of red wine set before her, clearly she'd been waiting for him.
As soon as Michael walked in, Elaine shot to her feet, her face full of panic and hurt.
She said, "Honey, you're back Please, let me explain. It's not what you think..."
Michael ignored her and strode over to her.
He shrugged off his suit jacket, tossed it carelessly onto the sofa, and loosened his tie.
Every move was slow and deliberate, like he was performing some kind of ritual.
Elaine grew anxious by his silence.
"Honey, say something Don't be like this, you're scaring me..." she begged, trying to grab his hand.
Michael pulled back, avoiding her touch.
He stared at Elaine with cold, distant eyes, like she was a total stranger.
"What else is there to explain?"
He finally spoke, his voice cold and emotionless, "Are you going to explain how you and David conspired to move my company's bonuses into your own account?
"Or maybe you want to tell me how you used my name to threaten and humiliate my right-hand at work?
"Elaine, how did I never realize you were so 'talented'?"
His words were like knives, every one hitting Elaine right where it hurt.
Elaine's face went pale.
"I... I didn't mean to. I wasn't thinking straight. I just acted out of impulse," she stammered.
She broke down, big, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.
"I was jealous of her. Jealous she got to be by your side every day, jealous she could help you with everything, jealous that everyone at work said you couldn't live without her.
"I was afraid she'd steal you from me.
"I just wanted to teach her a lesson, to show her who's really in charge here. I swear, I never thought it would get this bad."
She broke down, sobbing hard, playing the victim, like love had made her lose her mind.
Back then, Michael might've hugged her and felt sorry for her.
But tonight, Michael just watched her drama unfold, his eyes icy and distant.
"Jealousy?" Michael said.
He scoffed, cold and dismissive, "So that's what your jealousy costs? 199,800 dollars?
"Just to show her you're the boss, you had to treat her like a dog?
"Elaine, cut the crap. It's pathetic.
"I'm not here to hear your excuses tonight."
With that, Michael pulled a few sheets of paper from his briefcase and tossed them onto the coffee table in front of Elaine.
The heading was impossible to miss, printed in bold black letters.
[Divorce Agreement]