Chapter 9

After David and Samuel got kicked out, the tension in the coffee shop only got thicker.

Richard didn't speak right away. He picked up the fresh cup of coffee the waiter had brought over and took a slow sip.

It was like he was trying to calm himself down.

After a long moment, he set the cup down and looked up at me, his eyes full of apology and a hint of pleading. "Charles, I'm sorry you had to see that.

"I never thought that after a few years of not being hands-on, the company would have rotted from the inside out like this."

I shook my head. "It's not your fault."

"No, it really is my fault," Richard said firmly. "I trusted the wrong people and didn't keep a close enough eye on things. As chairman, that's all on me."

He paused, leaning in, his tone more earnest than ever. "I know asking you to come back as an employee is unfair to you, and honestly, it's disrespectful. So, I want to do things differently."

He locked eyes with me, speaking each word deliberately. "I'm officially inviting you to be a Special Consultant to the Brighton Corp Board of Directors.

"This role isn't tied to any department. You'll report only to the board and me.

"Your mission isn't about handling daily operations. It's about oversight and real reform.

"I'm giving you full authority to revamp our entire sales system, from promotions and training to company culture.

"I want you to dig out every rotten root and toss them for good.

"As for your pay, like I said earlier: a VP-level salary, plus a one percent equity stake.

"This isn't a paycheck. It's our way of showing we're serious about letting you cure what's wrong with this company."

Richard was nothing short of a formidable force, a true mastermind with guts and vision.

He knew better than anyone that the usual job offer wasn't enough to keep me around anymore.

So he threw out the rulebook and created a brand-new position that stood above the entire management team.

This so-called "Special Consultant" might sound like an advisor, but in truth, it was more like being the chairman's special envoy.

He wasn't offering me a job. He was handing me ultimate authority and the blade to slash through all the rot.

His sincerity was beyond question.

But the rift in my heart wasn't something a fancy new title could ever hope to heal.

I fell silent for a moment. "Mr. Lane, I need some time to think about your offer."

Richard's eyes flickered with disappointment, but he quickly masked it.

He nodded. "Of course. I was being too hasty."

He knew that pushing too hard would only backfire.

"But..." He shifted gears, a wry smile flickering across his face. "Let's keep business and personal matters separate.

"Take your time with the consultant role, but right now, we've got an urgent crisis at the company, and I really need your help.

"It's about the national sales training for our top performers next week."

He pointed at the laptop in front of me. "Those 2.0 training materials are yours now, and the company can't touch them without your say-so.

"So, I'd like to officially bring you on, both as myself and representing the company, to be the only instructor for this session.

"As for the fee, name your price. Whatever it is, as long as you're willing to take this on, we'll accept it."

He was lowering himself as much as he could.

This wasn't a negotiation anymore. He was practically begging.

He knew all too well that letting me go meant losing a real talent.

But if they lost the 2.0 training program, Brighton Corp's sales backbone for the next ten years would be at risk.

I looked at his hair, streaked with gray, and those bloodshot eyes.

I couldn't help but sigh inside.

I hated the company and those backstabbing traitors.

But when it came to this old man, the one who built Brighton Corp from nothing and gave me my first dream, no matter what, I couldn't hate him.

I said, "Mr. Lane, since you came to me personally, I'll do you this favor."

Richard's eyes lit up instantly.

"I'll do the training, and I'll use the materials. As for the fee..." I paused, watching his tense expression, then slowly named my price. "Just go with the market rate, 300,000 dollars.

"Also, I need an assistant for this training. I want Henry to be my assistant."

Richard paused, then suddenly understood what I was getting at. A sharp spark flashed in his eyes.

This wasn't about destroying someone. It was about crushing their soul.

He gave a hard nod. "Deal."

I stood up, closed my laptop, and slipped it into my bag. "I'll have my lawyer reach out to your assistant about the contract details. I'll be leaving now, Mr. Lane."

I didn't say another word. I turned, holding the box that carried eighteen years of my youth, and walked out of the café.

Behind me, Richard stood there, watching my back, unmoving for a long time.

He knew that from this day forward, the sky over Brighton Corp was about to change.

And me, Charles, I was no longer the pillar everyone thought they could control.

I was the one bringing the storm.