Chapter 2The Mistress Got My Bonus While I Got The Debt

I took a deep, shuddering breath and typed furiously.

[Bella Steele] @RickGraham Rick, would you mind explaining to the team why, after signing a $12 Million contract for the company, your accounting method shows my commission as a negative $8,750, leaving me personally owing the company $250?

[Bella Steele] And why is it that a new intern, Piper Wells, who has been here for one month, received a special bonus of $10,000? What specific, quantifiable contribution valued at $10,000 did she make to the company?

I leaned back, my chest heaving, my hands still trembling slightly.

Graham’s public response popped up in the company chat, the tone instantly harsh and disciplinary.

[Rick Graham] @BellaSteele Who authorized you to discuss a colleague’s compensation in a public forum? This is a severe violation of company policy! As the CEO, I see and acknowledge Piper Wells’ contributions, and her compensation is entirely appropriate! It is not your place to question it!

[Rick Graham] You caused the company a calculated, actual loss! The company chose not to pursue damages, which is an act of extreme goodwill! Do not be ungrateful, do not muddy the waters, and do not try to incite dissent!

It turned out that twisting reality could be done with a straight face and full self-righteousness.

My fingers shook as I typed my final reply: [Bella Steele] Since my hard work securing $12 Million is considered a loss, I will, from today onward, dedicate myself to being a quiet, compliant employee, ensuring I will not generate the company a single dollar of new, negative return!

I closed all my work-related documents and webpages, and clicked open the system’s pre-installed game of Spider Solitaire.

No orders, no negative returns. Simple. I was officially playing the corporate martyr.

At five-thirty, the end of the workday.

I didn’t, as I had countless nights before, glance over any pending tasks or strategize for the next day’s client calls.

I shut down my computer and stood up to leave.

“Bella… you’re leaving already?” Ben from the next cubicle asked instinctively, staring at his pile of unfinished work.

“Yep,” I nodded, my tone even. “Clocked out. Why stay? To create new negative profit?”

As I reached the main exit, Graham’s angry voice boomed behind me: “Bella Steele! Where is the client data analysis report? Mr. Thompson needs it first thing tomorrow!”

I paused, turning back slightly. “Graham, I’m clearly incompetent. You should find a more capable colleague—or one whose contributions are valued—to handle it.”

Graham’s face was dark purple. He roared, “Fine! Piper, you take over the Thompson account! And you’re out as Team Lead, effective immediately!”

Piper’s voice was full of breathless excitement. “I won’t let you down, Mr. Graham!”

I walked out, a cold smile forming. Let’s see her handle it, I thought.