Chapter 1

"The annual bonus pool was about 667,000 dollars. Director Shaw took 650,000 dollars, and I got 10,000 dollars," I said.

I stared at the notification on my phone, the number staring back at me in black and white: 10,000 dollars.

The office was empty, and I was the only one left. From the end of the hallway, I could hear Director's laughter as he confirmed something with someone from the Administration Department.

I'd been in this department for five years.

This year, I brought in four big clients, smashed my targets at 145%, and was the top performer in the department.

And all I got was 10,000 dollars.

"Ryan, you're still here?" Director called out.

He strolled out from the end of the hallway, hands in his pockets, looking totally at ease.

"Mr. Shaw, about the bonus..." I started.

"Hey, don't overthink it," he said, walking over and giving my cubicle wall a friendly tap. "The company has its own reasons. You know how the market is these days., we're lucky to get anything this year. You're still young."

I looked at him.

He was forty-seven, had been in this department for nine years, and never once went out to chase clients himself.

"But the bonus plan at the start of the year said the top performer would get..." I said.

"The plan's just a reference, not a contract," Director said with a smile. "Bonuses aren't just about numbers. It's about the big picture, managing the team, coordinating resources, planning strategy. You'll get it someday. I got 650,000 dollars because the weight's all on me."

He glanced at his watch.

"Alright, head home early. We've got stuff to do tomorrow," he said.

I stood up and started packing up, not saying another word.

As I stepped out of the office, the cold wind cut right through my collar. I pulled out my phone and texted Susan.

I messaged her: [Let's talk when I get home.]

When I walked in, Susan was on the couch, watching TV.

"Did the bonus come through?" she asked.

"Yeah," I replied.

"How much?" she asked.

"Ten thousand dollars," I said.

The remote slipped from her hand.

"How much did you say?" Susan asked.

"Ten thousand dollars," I repeated.

"Last year you got 60,000 dollars, and this year you did even better. How is it possible you only got 10,000 dollars? What's the total pool?" she pressed.

"The pool was about 667,000 dollars. Director took 650,000 dollars," I said.

Susan stared at me for ten seconds, then stood up.

"Is he out of his mind?" she blurted out.

I told her exactly what happened today, not leaving anything out.

"How is someone like that still a director? And you're just going to let him get away with it?" she demanded.

"No way," I said. "I'm taking some time off."

"Time off?" Susan echoed.

"I've got five weeks of leave saved up from the past two years. I'm putting in the request tomorrow," I said.

Susan looked at me, not saying anything right away.

"What are you planning?" she asked.

"I want to see how long this department can survive without me," I replied.

The next morning, I showed up at the office like usual.

Joey was in the break room making coffee. When he saw me, he called out, "Ryan, did you score big with your bonus yesterday? Was it awesome?"

Joey had been here for two years. He was decent at his job, but still a rookie.

"Not bad. What about you?" I asked.

"I got 4,000 dollars. Can't complain," he said, grinning. "Gotta start somewhere, right?"

Four thousand dollars. Even the newbie got 4,000 dollars, and I only got 10,000 dollars.

"Ryan, you must've gotten a nice chunk, right? You're the backbone of this department," Joey said.

I didn't answer. I just grabbed my water and headed back to my desk.

At 9:30, Director strutted out of the elevator, flashing a brand-new watch on his wrist. The silver face gleamed under the lights, catching everyone's eye.

"Morning, everyone!" he called out, clapping his hands. "Let's make this year even better than the last!"

The office responded with a half-hearted chorus of greetings.

"Ryan, come here for a sec," Director called out.

I followed him into his office, and he closed the door behind us.

"We didn't get to finish our conversation yesterday," Director said as he dropped into his chair and crossed one leg over the other. "Got something on your mind?"

"Yeah," I said.

"Go ahead," he said.

"I want to take my annual leave," I said.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Now? The year just kicked off, we haven't even started negotiations for Sunrise's annual renewal, and PrimeLand's new proposal is due next week. You want to take time off right now?" he asked.

"My vacation days are my right," I said. "I've been saving them up for two years, and if I don't use them now, they'll expire."

"Ryan, you really need to think this through," Director said, sitting up straighter. "At a time like this, it's not just about you, it impacts the whole team."

"Let someone else cover for me. Joey can take a shot at it," I said.

"Joey?" Director looked conflicted. "Is he really up to it?"

"We won't know until we try," I replied.

There was a brief silence.

"You really have to take it now?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said.

"How long are you taking off?" he asked.

"Five weeks," I replied.

Director tapped his fingers on the desk.

"Alright. Go to HR and sort out the paperwork," he said.

I stood up and headed for the door, but he called out to me just as I was about to leave.

"Ryan," he said.

"Yeah?" I replied.

"Don't rush into it. Acting on impulse never ends well," he said.

I didn't look back.