Chapter 4My AI Twin Stole My Commission

I looked at her, my face a mask of calm.

"What did I say that wasn't true? The company did it, but I'm not allowed to talk about it? What right do you have to dock my pay? If you can't stand the sight of me, just pay my severance, and I'll be gone in a heartbeat."

"You really think I can't touch you!" she shrieked, slamming her hand on my desk.

I was done arguing. I grabbed my bag and walked out.

I wasn't afraid of her. But facing Mr. Carter, I felt a pang of guilt. I had promised him I would personally oversee his project, and now, I was leaving.

"Mr. Carter, I'm afraid I won't be able to continue managing your project," I began. "But don't worry, I'll entrust it to my most capable colleague. And if you run into any communication issues, you can still contact me anytime." I added, "The contract also clearly states that if you're not satisfied with the first version the company delivers, you can cancel the contract at any time."

To my surprise, Mr. Carter was less interested in the project and more interested in my resignation.

"Sophie, you're really quitting?" His voice was filled with excitement. "Then come work for me! Be my sales director. You know how many times I've tried to poach you."

I laughed, feeling a little overwhelmed. I told him I'd think about it and headed back to the office.

When I walked in, I found my desk completely empty.

"Where are my things?" I asked Emily.

She pointed, her face flushed with indignation. "Vivian said your presence was bad for team morale. She moved all your stuff... over there."

I turned. A new desk had been set up right next to the restrooms. All my belongings were haphazardly thrown into a cardboard box on top of it.

Vivian emerged from her office, arms crossed, leaning against a partition with a smug look on her face. "So, how does our sales champion like her new office? You're the one who said salespeople have flexible hours and are rarely in the office. I figured you wouldn't mind where you sat."

I gave the desk a single glance and walked straight to Mark's office.

Mark was an alum from my university. When he was starting his company, he begged me to join him. Out of loyalty to our shared alma mater, I turned down several better offers to join his tiny startup, operating out of a cramped residential apartment.

For six long years, I helped him build the company to where it was today: a full floor in a prime commercial skyscraper.

I needed to know if this was all Vivian's doing, or if she was acting with his approval.