Chapter 4The Possessive Algorithm

Three days later, I officially started at the CEO's office.

Jax was my direct boss.

But he didn't give me work. He just told me to read the company bylaws and recent projects.

He threw a pile of files at me and left.

His lazy attitude didn't look like he was short on people.

I didn't count on him. I asked other colleagues.

A new male colleague, Sam, saw I was bored and kindly shared some filing work.

For convenience, I moved a chair next to him.

When I had questions, I whispered to him.

He was patient, explaining details and sharing tips.

I laughed at his jokes and thanked him earnestly.

Who knew this scene would be seen by Adrian, who came to visit.

He abandoned Jax and beelined for me.

"Why are you sitting here?"

I looked up innocently, files on my lap. "Working."

"And this is—"

He looked at Sam and extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Zoe's boyfriend."

Sam shook it, flattered.

"Mr. Sterling! Hello, I've heard so much about you. I'm Sam."

Jax walked over, arm on Adrian’s shoulder, looking at me.

"Didn't I tell you not to do this?"

"Reading files is boring," I complained. "If you moved me here just to read rules, I'd rather play games downstairs."

Jax was speechless.

Adrian tried to soothe me. "Babe, you stay busy. I'll talk to him."

When they left, the office went quiet.

But Sam's attitude changed.

Polite, respectful, ingratiating, but distant.

He took back half the files.

"Maybe I shouldn't bother you. I thought about it, this is my job. It's not right to ask for help."

I didn't know what to say.

True, I wasn't here to make friends.

But I hated this sudden alienation.

It reminded me of my last job.

I had a work bestie there.

Even when the boss harassed me, I stayed because of her.

Then suddenly, she ignored me.

No reason.

She stopped asking me to lunch, stopped sharing snacks, and joked with everyone but me.

Cold violence was the last straw.

I quit soon after.

Six months later, returning to the workforce, it was happening again.

Was I just not cut out for work?

I stopped trying.

I did whatever Jax said, even if he gave me busywork.

I had no energy.

I went home dejected.

Adrian hugged me. "What's wrong? You look like a wilted flower."

"It's your fault!"

I pinched his cheek. "Now everyone in the office knows I'm your girlfriend and treats me like glass!"

"I'm sorry."

Adrian lowered his head apologetically. "I made it hard for you. I shouldn't have said that."

His look made me unable to blame him.

He was my boyfriend.

It wasn't wrong to say it.

"Forget it."

I sighed. "I'll stick it out. If I get tired of working, I'll come back here and be a bum."

He kissed my cheek.

"Or be my wife."

After dinner, Adrian worked in the study. I scrolled Instagram on the sofa.

I accepted new friend requests from the office.

I liked their posts.

My finger paused.

I saw a post from Lisa, the only colleague from my old job I kept in touch with.

She posted a photo of Maya—my old work bestie—shopping for luxury bags.

Caption: [The simple life of a rich lady.]

Maya couldn't afford those bags before. I didn't know she struck gold.

I liked the post.

Lisa messaged me: [Did you see? Maya got rich!]

I replied: [Yeah, congrats to her.]

Lisa: [But it seems to have something to do with you.]

[?]

[What do you mean?]

Lisa: [Shortly after you quit, she quit too. We met by chance today. She said her luxury goods were thanks to your rich boyfriend.]

My brain exploded.