The Company Demanded Everything From Me, So I Let It Burn Chapter 05

The Company Demanded Everything From Me, So I Let It Burn Chapter 05

“I was wrong for ignoring company policy and blurring the boundaries of my job. I repeatedly reviewed coworkers’ contracts for free even though it wasn’t my responsibility.”

“I was wrong for failing to separate work from my personal time. I repeatedly stayed late to help the company negotiate deals.”

“I understand my mistake now. Starting today, I’ll do exactly the work I’m responsible for. Once I’m off the clock, I won’t work one minute more.”

The room erupted.

“How is that supposed to work? How are we supposed to get contracts signed without you?”

“You can’t just stop helping. What are the rest of us supposed to do? That’s incredibly selfish.”

Vanessa’s face darkened.

“Ethan, that’s what you took away from all this? That’s your idea of reflection?”

“You think you can threaten me with this? Let me be clear. It’s not going to work.”

With that, Vanessa stormed out.

Over the next few days, they took away my desk and reassigned me to janitorial work.

At Evan’s urging, my coworkers spent the day laughing, snacking, and making a point of creating

more mess for me to clean.

Every time Evan passed me, he pinched his nose dramatically.

“Hey, keep your distance after you clean the restroom. You reek. If that smell makes me sick, you think you can afford the medical bill?”

I did exactly what they told me, no matter how insulting the task. Compared with before, I was

almost unnervingly cooperative.

Then Wednesday came, the day of Sterling Group’s final bidding session and the day my three-year

equity grant fully vested.

The moment our team arrived, the room started buzzing.

“Vantage is here again. They’ve taken this contract several years running.”

“Yeah. Their pricing is always freakishly accurate, like they know the number ahead of time. I’d bet they win again today.”

Daniel Bennett, an executive with one of the competing bidders, called over with a half-joking complaint.

“Ms. Grant, you could’ve warned us Vantage was coming, We would’ve saved ourselves the trip. Once you show up, the rest of us are basically here for decoration.”

Vanessa gave the expected modest response, but the smile at the corner of her mouth gave her

away.

As part of the process, Evan delivered Vantage’s presentation and won plenty of praise. When he stepped down, he leaned toward me and spoke under his breath.

“See the difference between us? Ms. Grant already told me that once we win this bid, I’m getting promoted to Director of Finance.”

“And you? You’ll be cleaning toilets for the rest of your life.”

I looked down at my watch and said nothing

Vanessa’s phone rang. She picked up at once, her posture turning almost deferential.

“Yes, Mr. Hayes. Don’t worry. We’ve got it this year too…”

I couldn’t hear what the board chairman said, but whatever it was made Vanessa’s face light up.

After the call, she leaned toward her assistant.

“Book the celebration dinner for tonight. Same place as last year.”

Then she turned to the rest of the team and announced,

“Thanks, everyone, for coming out to go through the motions. Once this is over, everyone gets

double bonuses this month.”

The team cheered, already spending money they hadn’t received yet.

No one from Vantage seemed to have the slightest doubt that the Sterling contract was already ours.

Then came the final step: submitting our price.

My coworkers started prodding me with bored impatience.

“Come on, Ethan. Put the number in already. Don’t hold everyone up.”

“Seriously. I want to hit the mall after this. Once the bonus lands, I’m finally buying that bag I passed on last time.”

The moderator called for Vantage’s submission again. Every eye in the room swung toward me.

Vanessa snapped,

“Get up there. What are you waiting for?!”

I didn’t look away from my watch.

“Tick.”

The minute hand clicked onto five exactly.

I rose with a smile.

“Sorry. As of right now, I no longer work for Vantage. I have no obligation to submit your final bid.’