Chapter 1

I was married for seven years before I discovered my wife was actually the CEO of the company.

To give her a better life, I gave up many career opportunities.

But she, trying to "test" me, pretended to be poor.

She made my work even harder on purpose.

She blocked promotions, failed my evaluations, and even rejected my startup plan without consulting me.

When I learned the truth and asked for a divorce to pursue my dream, she panicked and offered me a raise, a promotion, and even a check to invest in my dream.

But it wasn't about believing in me. She just wanted control.

She begged me to stay, but I walked away.

Now, it was finally time to live for myself.

*****

My project was a success, but I wasn't the one reaping the rewards.

The big hand they gave me in the meeting room was like a sharp knife straight to my heart.

The projector was still working, displaying "Final Report On Stars Technologies AI Project." In the bottom right corner, it read: "Project Leader: Yale Charles."

Three months of round-the-clock effort, marking countless optimizations of the algorithm iterations, finally helped me win the client's glowing endorsement.

Company policy clearly stated that a major success like my project would get me at least a six-figure bonus. However, the result was way different from what I expected.

General Manager Shirley Lynn, adjusting her glasses, said in a flat tone, "Here is a personnel appointment. Starting today, Mr. Yosef Yates is our new CTO, responsible for the AI Department."

After this announcement, I pinched my fingers tightly into my palms, while Yosef, my good student, stood up awkwardly to accept everyone's congratulations. His shifty eyes refused to meet mine.

"Regarding the project bonus," Shirley pushed her gold-rimmed glasses up a bit and said, "the company has decided to revise the distribution plan."

Even if my eyes never left her moving lips, I just failed to process what she said next.

With 90% of the project bonus cut, I couldn't even afford a team dinner now!

"Not only did they steal my work, but they also insulted me," I thought in fury.

After this absurd meeting, Yosef, the new CTO, stopped me and said, "Yale, I—"

Before he could finish his sentence, I shoved him aside and went to kick open the door to the General Manager's Office.

Storming in, I slammed the project report onto the desk and yelled, "Ms. Lynn, what the hell did you mean at the meeting? How could you—"

Shirley, after noticing me, interrupted me while casually applying hand cream, "The company needs fresh blood. You're just like an old fossil, and your technology is—"

"Bullshit!" I pounded the table with my fist. "The core algorithm is based on my—"

"Know your place!" she snapped, slamming the desk. The strong scent of her perfume made me nauseous. "The company decides how resources are allocated. If you're not happy, hand in your resignation. I'll approve it on the spot." she added.

My fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms. "Having served the company for seven years, I got stabbed in the back by my student and my superior," I thought.

*****

After getting home, I pushed open the door to find my wife Yolanda Scott, making soup in the kitchen. Her busy figure, seen from behind, really broke my heart.

The moment Yolanda realized I was home, she came out wiping her hands. "Weren't you supposed to be at the celebration dinner tonight? Why are you back so early?" she asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.

I yanked off my tie and hurled my briefcase onto the couch. "Yolanda, I'm quitting."

Yolanda's expression changed in an instant. She hurried over, gripped my shoulders, and asked, "What happened?"

After I told her everything, she held me close and murmured, "Honey, you really had a tough day today. But with the job market being so tough right now, you..."

I gripped her hands and let out a bitter sigh. "Ever since I joined the company, they have been taking advantage of me. Do you know how far they've gone? That little shit Yosef. I was the one who trained him."

"Honey," said Yolanda, who gently rubbed my back. "Take it easy. I know how hard this is for you."

Yolanda continued in a comforting tone, "Everyone takes some lumps as an adult. I understand why you want to quit, but you must have a backup plan. Otherwise, what about the mortgage? Our living expenses? And your mother's surgery next month..."

She then quickly grabbed her phone and opened the banking app. "Look! If you quit now, we won't even be able to pay next quarter's HOA fees—"

Unable to wait for her to finish, I snatched the phone and slammed it onto the bed. "Money, money, money! The damn money again. Every time I mention quitting, you just throw it in my face."

"Do you even realize that I don't have a shred of dignity left at work?!" I yelled at her.

Suddenly, Yolanda's eyes welled up with tears. She bit her lips—that familiar little gesture I knew so well. She always did that whenever she knew she was in the wrong.

With her voice quivering, she said, "Alright, honey. Don't be mad. If quitting makes you happy, then go ahead. As long as we—"

Before she could finish, she suddenly covered her mouth and rushed into the bathroom. When I followed her in, I saw her hunched over the toilet, retching.

"You okay?" I asked and instinctively reached out to steady her.