Chapter 1
My fiancé, the CEO, said profits were down and slashed my pay in half. But the next thing I know, I see his assistant bragging on Instagram.]
[The boss didn’t just give me a raise, he bought me a Mercedes so I wouldn’t get tired on my commute. He’s the sweetest!]]
In the photo, she and my fiancé were beaming in front of a brand–new luxury car.]
I paused for a beat, then tapped ‘like’.
That night, my fiancé called an emergency meeting. He docked my entire month’s salary–claiming I was “disrupting company morale“-and gave it to his assistant as compensation for “emotional distress.”
Everyone looked at me with pity, expecting a meltdown.]]
But I just calmly packed up my desk and placed my resignation letter in front of him.[]
“Docking my pay for ‘bullying‘ a colleague? That’s clearly not enough.”
“I QUIT.“]]
-0
Before the words were even out of my mouth, the assistant, Hannah Sterling, chimed in.]
“Claire Donovan, you can’t quit over something so trivial.”
“You’ve been here so long, and Mr. Moore has always treated you so well. If you quit now, what will people think of him?“]
“Mr. Moore, you have to talk her out of it.“]
For a second, Liam Moore looked like he might actually try.
But after Hannah’s little speech, he got pissed.[]
“Talk her out of what? If she wants to leave, let her. My conscience is clear. I don’t care what anyone says.“[]
He snatched the resignation letter, scribbled his signature, and threw it in my face.[]
The onlookers stared, waiting for the drama to unfold.]
But I didn’t fight back like I used to. I just calmly picked the letter up off the floor.]
“I’ll leave as soon as I’ve handed over my work.“[]
“No need. If you’re going, get out now.“]
Liam pointed to the door, then added coldly, as if just remembering. “And since you’re quitting, there’s no severance.“]
Chapter 1
Seeing this, a few coworkers I was close to urged me to just apologize and not be so impulsive.[]
They all knew I’d helped Liam build this company from the ground up.]
When we were short on cash, I was the one schmoozing investors until I literally puked. When a project fell behind, I led my team through three–day all–nighters. I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into this place.]
Leaving now meant walking away from everything.[]
But my mind was made up. I thanked them, grabbed my things, and walked out.]
As I left, I saw a flicker of something complicated in Liam’s eyes.]
I knew it. He didn’t think I’d actually leave.[]
We’d fought over Hannah countless times. The worst was when Liam publicly humiliated me and gave her my entire annual bonus.
I was furious and threatened to quit then, too. But when it came down to it, I always caved. I’d go back, smooth things over, and pretend nothing happened.[]
He assumed I’d do the same this time.]]
But he didn’t know that my patience had finally run out.]]
Just as I stepped out of the building, a text notification popped up.[]
I opened it. A money transfer from my friend, Olivia.[]
When Liam had told me profits were down and he was cutting my pay, my first instinct had been to worry about his stress. I’d immediately asked Olivia to wire me fifty grand.[]
I was going to give it to him. But then I saw Hannah’s Instagram post.
And just like that, I knew exactly what Liam was doing.
But surprisingly, I felt calm. Not sad. Not consumed by jealousy.[]
Maybe it was because it had happened too many times.]
Liam had done so many absurd things for Hannah that I could hardly tell who his girlfriend was anymore–me, or her.[]
I sent the money back to Olivia with a thank you and headed to the parking garage.[]
I found my beat–up, ten–year–old car, its paint chipped in several places.[]
Parked right next to it was a brand–new Porsche–the one Liam had just given Hannah today.[]
There were plenty of empty spots, but of course she parked there.[]
It was an obvious jab.
こ
Chapter 1
Ten years with Liam, and I mattered less than Hannah, who’d been here for ten months.]
I let out a bitter laugh.]
No more hesitating, I hit the gas and drove away from the company I’d spent years building.]
I barely made it out of the company gate before I was rear–ended.[]
I got out of my car, only to see Liam and Hannah climbing out of the one behind me.[]
“Claire! Why’d you slam on your brakes like that? I didn’t have time to react!” Hannah exclaimed.]
She walked to the front of her car, staring mournfully at the dent. “Such a shame. Liam picked this one out himself.“||
Liam’s face darkened.]]
“Claire, I saw you staring at Hannah’s car in the garage. Be honest, did you do this on purpose? Did you know she was behind you and brake–check her for revenge?“]
I almost laughed in his face.[]
Here we go again.
Blaming me without a second thought.]]
Hannah sighed dramatically.]
“Let it go, Liam. We shouldn’t blame Claire.“]]
“She lost her job because of me. It’s only natural she’s angry.“[]
“It’s all my fault, really. If only I’d been more careful.“[]
She sighed again, a picture of regret.]
It was such an obvious act.
But Liam, of course, bought it completely. He rubbed her shoulder tenderly. “It has nothing to do with you. Don’t take all the blame on yourself.”
Then, he jabbed a finger hard into my forehead.[]
“Claire, why can’t you be more like Hannah?“]
“She knows how to be humble. You’ve been working for years, are you still this petty and immature?“[]
His push made me stumble. Regaining my balance, I found the whole thing ridiculous.[]
For the past year, Hannah had been stealing my credit, playing mind games, and framing me for her mistakes. Now she was the humble, responsible one, and I was petty and immature.[]
Knowing it was pointless to argue, I didn’t bother. I just turned to leave.[]
Chapter 1
But Liam blocked my path again.[]
I braced myself for another rant defending Hannah, but instead, he pulled me aside.[]
He spoke with a tone of grave sincerity.[]
“Claire, I’m only so hard on you because I have high expectations.“]
“Why can’t you just understand that?”
For a moment, his gentle tone confused me.[]
But I figured out his angle soon enough.]
Liam patted my shoulder.[]
“I’ll tear up your resignation. Just think about it and apologize to Hannah.“[]
“And about the accident, you’re 100% at fault. Wire Hannah whatever it costs to fix the damages.“]
There it was.
I glanced up at Hannah.]
She probably knew exactly what he was going to say. Her face was smug as she shot me a triumphant eye–roll.]]
I scoffed.[]
“I’m not paying. Figure out whose fault a rear–end collision is. If you can’t, call the cops.“]
“I’ve got things to do. Later.“]
I turned and walked away.]
Lian’s voice turned to ice behind me. “I gave you a chance. You’re going to regret this!“]
Regret?
Not a chance.]
Back in my car, I texted Olivia.[]
“I quit. I can start at your company tomorrow.“]
♡
