Chapter 4The Golden Exit

Just then, a text came in from an unknown number. It was marked as "Executive Recruiter."

[Mr. Cole, hello. We’ve been tracking your reputation in the industry. We heard you might be on the market. Our client is prepared to offer double your current salary and a Director title. Interested?]

I replied: [Let's talk.]

I slept better that night than I had in years.

The next morning, I went to the office to pack my personal belongings. I ignored the whispers.

Gavin strutted up to my desk, a smug grin on his face.

"Hey, Liam, buddy. Can't take a joke?"

"Just because you had to scrub a toilet, you break up with the CEO? A little dramatic, don't you think?"

He pulled a red envelope from his pocket.

"Tell you what. I'll be the bigger man. Here’s a personal bonus from me to smooth things over."

He handed me the envelope. "There's fifty bucks in there. Take yourself out to lunch."

Fifty dollars.

The company gala had given out thousands in cash prizes to random interns. The top salesman got fifty bucks and a mop.

I slapped his hand away.

It wasn't a hard hit, but Gavin shrieked like he’d been shot and threw himself backward, crashing into my desk.

"Liam! I was just trying to be nice! Why did you hit me?!"

Sarah rushed out of her office.

"Liam! My patience has limits!" she yelled. "Apologize to Gavin right now or get out!"

I shook her hand off my arm. "Sarah, is your memory failing? I quit yesterday. I'm just here to get my box."

Sarah’s face twisted. She blocked my path to the elevator.

"You can leave, but the client list stays. Those 300 pending deals belong to Sterling Estates."

I stopped and looked at her.

"Fine."

I reached into my box, pulled out a stack of files, and dropped them on the nearest desk.

"But I’ll remind you. Those 300 clients signed because of me. Not because of Sterling Estates. And definitely not because of you or Gavin."

Sarah laughed. "You have quite the ego, Liam. Without the company platform, you’re nobody. You think they’ll follow you? Don't flatter yourself."

Gavin chimed in from the floor. "Exactly! We'll take over these accounts and close them by Friday. You think the company stops turning without you?"

I didn't argue. I picked up my box and walked to the elevator.

As the doors slid open, a receptionist came sprinting down the hall, face pale as a ghost.

"Ms. Sterling! Gavin! It’s a disaster!"

"The phones won't stop ringing! It’s the clients! They’re all canceling! Every single one!"