Fined for snacking during overtime
chapter 1
Olivia was absolutely furious with my attitude. "Ethan, write a public apology, you'll deliver it at the all-staff meeting!"
I looked at her face, crimson from anger, and clenched my fists. Then, calmly, I said, "Fine by me!"
My colleagues all stared at me, disbelief written on their faces.
Olivia spun around, high heels clicking, and went up to the 23rd floor. I stayed at my desk.
A little while later, a notice popped up in the company-wide SnapChat group.
"Sales Department's Ethan has repeatedly violated company policies. After careful consideration, it has been decided to deduct this month's commission, totaling $600,000, and she is required to present a public apology at today's all-staff meeting at 2 PM as a warning to others!"
My colleagues looked at me in shock. Zachary, at the desk opposite mine, sent me a private SnapChat: "Olivia's having a total meltdown, don't argue with her. Just suck it up, that's $600,000!"
I just smiled. Sucking it up wouldn't do any good; she wanted to kick me to the curb after Id served my purpose.
She'd been eyeing my position for ages.
When Mr. Gold, the old chairman, headhunted me, he promised I wouldn't have to clock in or out, I'd have complete freedom, and could eat or drink as I pleased, as long as I delivered results.
I practically ran half the sales department on my own.
This Monarch Corp. contract, worth billions, I handled the renewal myself, and wrapped it up in just a week.
Olivia probably thought my job was too easy and was just green with envy!
I SnapChatted back to Zachary: "Just wait. This afternoon isn't just my public shaming; someone's also going to try and take my place."
Zachary looked shocked, but I ignored him, calmly sitting at my desk, organizing and printing all my client files.
Then I formatted all the data on my work phone. After doing both, I started writing my apology.
Olivia came down at one point, saw me writing, and couldn't help but flash a smug smile.
At 2 PM, she arrived with some people. The all-staff meeting in the 23rd-floor conference room, with over a hundred people, was packed.
Olivia's voice was sharp and clear. "I'll reiterate: a company is a company. Don't think it's your home. Despite countless warnings, some people just don't listen!"
"Don't think you're so special just because the chairman personally hired you. Anyone can close a deal just by schmoozing and having a fancy dinner!"
"Ethan, get up here and deliver your apology. Let everyone see how you messed up!"
I stood up and walked to the front, under a mix of confused and secretly gloating stares.
"Manager Olivia is right. I shouldn't have eaten that snack bar in the office. From today forward, I will strictly adhere to company discipline and never cross the line again!"
"Manager Olivia, I'm not much for words. If you don't want me to eat, I won't eat. Being a salesperson isn't such a big deal anyway."
"Good to know! Given your repeated offenses, the senior management has decided to revoke your position as Sales Director, effective today, and demote you to a regular sales associate."
"This is our new Director, Ian. He's an MBA from abroad and will lead us to new heights!"
A smattering of applause broke out. Olivia pulled a smarmy-looking guy forward. Zachary and I exchanged glances; he was completely floored.
Finally, Olivia added, "Ethan, organize all your client files and hand them over. They'll be reallocated!"
I readily agreed, printed everything out, and handed it over immediately.
These clients? If you can handle them, go right ahead!
Seeing my cooperation, Olivia seemed a little suspicious. She checked everything carefully, ensuring nothing was missing, and finally let it go.
Ian, meanwhile, was strutting around like he owned the place. He came straight from the 23rd floor to my desk and tapped on it. "Ethan, hurry up, pack all your things right now. Otherwise, if anything goes missing, you'll be held responsible."