The Price of Greed

During a weekly meeting, a new intern suddenly swapped the projection. The screen lit up with my attendance records, and all my colleagues’ eyes turned to me. The girl lifted her chin, a mix of arrogance and ignorance in her gaze, then slammed a stack of photos onto the conference table. “Mr. Anderson, I’d like to report her! She’s been using the company car to shuttle her family around, treating company resources like her personal vehicle. This must be dealt with immediately!” The room fell into an eerie silence. I looked at the eager intern, feeling a trace of sympathy. The “company car” she was complaining about was my luxury car. Three years ago, I had lent it to the company for appearances in business settings. Yet, I never charged a cent. Chapter 1 The room felt heavy, like frost had settled over it. It wasn’t cold inside, but a chill still crept over me. On the screen, a photo of a white car gleamed under the light. It was parked right outside International Elementary. The angle caught the exact moment I bent down to pick up a child, even the last digits of the license plate crystal clear. The intern, Winnie Taylor, leaned forward with both hands braced against the table. Her young face was practically glowing with the thrill of “standing up for justice” on behalf of the company. She stared at me as if she’d just caught a rat stealing cheese. “According to the company vehicle policy, cars are for business use only. But Ms. Clark has been treating the company car like her personal vehicle, driving it to pick up her kid, going grocery shopping, even taking it home on weekends.” Her voice was sharp and loud. The next slide flipped to a spreadsheet. “I did a quick calculation. For her daily commute and weekend use, that’s about 60 miles a day. With the fuel costs and depreciation, that’s at least a few thousand dollars a month.” She turned to the man at the head of the table. “Mr. Anderson, the company is in a transition phase right now. We need to control costs, but management is treating company assets like their own property. How is anyone supposed to accept that? This has to be dealt with.” The boss, Noah Anderson, was my old classmate and the founder of this company. Back when the business was struggling, he couldn’t even make payroll. I emptied my bank account and maxed out my credit cards to cover it. Later, when he needed to keep up appearances in front of clients, I simply brought over my new car. All I said back then was, “Use it. The company comes first.” He used it for three years, while I paid for all the gas, insurance, and maintenance myself. When the driver was off, I was the one driving to the airport to pick up clients. Everyone in the company knew that the car was mine. Yet now, Noah sat there, frowning. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the table, his usual habit when weighing a situation. “Ava.” His tone was so cold, it was like he didn’t know me at all. “Is what Winnie said true?” I looked at him, and something in my chest suddenly hollowed out. True? Three years ago, when he asked to borrow the car, he said, “Once the company makes money, I’ll get you a new one.” A year ago, when the company ran out of cash, I even mortgaged the car to pay employee salaries. He’d patted my shoulder and said, “This car saved the company. It’s all thanks to you.” Yet, he was asking me this? I lifted my gaze and swept it across the room. Just a few days ago, Trevor from Marketing drove this very car to pick up his father from the hospital, even bragging about “the company car” on social media. Now, he sat there with his head down, typing, pretending not to see anything. Macy at the front desk borrowed the car every month to go for drives. At that moment, she looked at me with pure disgust, like I was some unforgivable criminal. Chapter 2 So in the face of interest, feelings really were worth nothing. “What do you think, Mr. Anderson?” I asked, my tone calm. Noah turned his head away from me. “The evidence is right here. Ava, even if you’re my friend and one of the founding team members, rules are rules. Public and private must be kept separate. That’s the bottom line.” He paused for a moment, then added, “Hand over the car keys for now. From here on, the vehicle will be managed by the administration. As for the costs Winnie calculated, Finance will verify them, and they’ll be deducted from your salary starting next month.” A victorious smile spread across Winnie’s face. “Mr. Anderson handled that well! I think Ms. Clark should also make a public self-criticism in front of the company.” Noah glanced at me, hesitating briefly. “That won’t be necessary. A company-wide email notice of criticism will do.” A notice? Deduction? Taking the car? I looked at that familiar face, yet it felt like I was staring at a stranger. It was clearly my car. However, I didn’t explain or slam the ownership documents onto the table. Because by now I understood. Winnie wanted to step on me to climb higher. Noah wanted to use this opportunity to fully take the car into the company. Three years was enough time to create an illusion and for people to believe that something had always belonged to them. Slowly, I stood up. Then I took the car keys out of my bag and placed them on the table. The metal hit the surface with a crisp sound. “The keys are here. I accept these decisions.” I looked at Noah, the corner of my lips lifting slightly. “I hope this car continues to bring the company good luck.” Clearly, Noah hadn’t expected me to be this straightforward. He froze for a second, and then his expression visibly relaxed. “Ava, it’s best that you handle it this way. I have my difficulties too.” Winnie immediately grabbed the keys, clutching them tightly as if she were holding onto her future. “If you’d cooperated earlier, this wouldn’t have been necessary. Why wait until I reported you?” I looked at her, and all that remained in my heart was a trace of pity. She didn’t understand the weight of that key. Winnie thought she had gained power. In reality, she had only lit the fuse. This company will soon be finished. … Half an hour later, a company-wide notice quietly appeared in everyone’s system. The title was especially eye-catching. [Notice on Disciplinary Action Regarding Director Ava Clark’s Misuse of Company Vehicle.] The body of the notice laid out my “violations” in full detail. The long-term occupation of a high-end company reception vehicle for personal use, such as commuting and daily errands. It was a serious violation of company asset management policies, and a negative example to others… I sat in my office, listening through the glass walls to the low murmurs spreading across the open workspace outside. “I never would’ve guessed. Ms. Clark always acts so cold and aloof, but turns out she loves taking advantage.” “That’s a luxury car. She drove it every day to pick up her kid. That’s pretty bold, if you ask me.” “I think she’s treated the company like her own home for a while now. Even Mr. Anderson isn’t that casual.” “This cleanup is great. Winnie really did something this time.” I lifted my cup and took a sip of coffee. The bitterness spread in my mouth, but it couldn’t cover the coldness settling in my chest. Suddenly, the office door was pushed open without a knock. Winnie walked in, holding a report in her hand. “Ms. Clark, Finance has finished the calculations.” She tossed the document onto my desk. “Based on the past three years of usage records, you need to reimburse fuel, depreciation, and toll fees for a total of 128,000 dollars.” She stood there, looking down at me from across the desk. “Mr. Anderson has already signed off. You have three days to pay in full. If you don’t, it will be directly deducted from your year-end bonus and equity dividends.” Chapter 3 I picked up the report and glanced at it. The calculations were impressively detailed. Even the trips I made on weekends to the dealership for maintenance had been listed under “personal use”. “$128,000.” I let out a soft laugh. “Winnie, you’re pretty good at accounting.” “Of course.” She lifted her chin. “Ms. Clark, I know you’re not happy about this. But rules are rules. If you’ve enjoyed benefits you shouldn’t have, then you have to pay the price.” “Enjoyed?” I set the report down and leaned back in my chair, looking at her. “Do you know how much this car costs in insurance per year?” Winnie froze for a moment. “Isn’t that covered by the company?” “No. I pay for it myself. Fifty thousand a year.” “And the maintenance?” “I pay for that, too. Over ten thousand each time.” Her tone immediately turned flustered. “T-That’s still your responsibility! After all, you’ve been driving it for so long!” I continued, “Then, three years ago, who was the one who brought this car to the company?” “Who even remembers that? It belongs to the company now.” She sounded impatient. “Ms. Clark, stop bringing up useless things. Just pay the money. I’ve already taken the keys. From now on, if you need to use a car, you’ll have to submit a request for my approval.” Her approval? An intern who had been at the company for less than three months was approving the Operations Director’s vehicle requests. The thought was so absurd that it was almost laughable. “Alright.” I picked up a pen and signed my name on the confirmation form. “I’ll take responsibility for this amount.” Winnie immediately snatched the paper away, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. “Ms. Clark, knowing when to adapt is what makes someone smart. Oh, right, Mr. Anderson asked me to pass along a message. “There’s an important client visiting next Monday. They specifically requested this car for transportation. Make sure you clear out all your personal belongings. No child seats, toys, or anything like that. It’ll affect the company’s image.” “Got it.” I agreed without hesitation. She turned and left, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, as if announcing her victory. I watched her back, then took out my phone. I checked my account balance, then made a call. “Mr. Carter, it’s me, Ava. “I’d like to consult about a legal issue regarding a company occupying personal property, and recovering expenses that were paid in advance. “I have all the evidence. I’ve kept every transfer record and every receipt.” After hanging up, I pulled open the bottom drawer and took out a manila folder. Inside were all the original documents for that car. The purchase contract, the invoice, the tax certificate, and the vehicle registration. The name on the registration was clearly written—Ava. Three years ago, to help Noah keep up appearances, I let the company use the car. At the time, he even suggested signing a lease agreement, offering me twenty thousand a month in rent. I had smiled and refused. “Forget it. We’re all on the same team. The company’s just starting out, better to save where we can.” So, in the end, nothing was signed. I thought it was goodwill back then. Now that I think about it, it was just a knife I handed over to myself. Since they wanted to follow the rules and settle accounts, we’d settle everything, one item at a time. I stood up and walked out of the office to the underground parking garage. The car was parked in the boss’ reserved spot. Winnie stood beside it, directing a few people from administration as they busied themselves around the car. “Throw this seat cushion away. It looks tacky. “And take off that hanging ornament too. It’s a mess. “Get that box out of the trunk. Who knows if it’s personal items?” Chapter 4 That set of seat cushions was custom-made leather, costing eight thousand dollars. The hanging ornament was a protective charm my daughter had handmade, and the box in the trunk contained gifts I had paid for myself, prepared for clients. I stood behind a pillar, watching them toss everything onto the ground like they were raiding a house, leaving it all to be stepped on. Winnie even got into the driver’s seat, held the steering wheel, took a photo, and posted it on her social media. The caption read: [New car in hand. Hard work pays off. Keep pushing.] I looked at the post and casually gave it a like. “Keep it up, Winnie. “Just make sure you drive carefully. “After all, this car doesn’t have the best temper. “It only recognizes its owner.” I said inwardly. … Early the next morning, the HR manager called me into a meeting room. “Ava, your private use of a company vehicle has caused quite an impact within the company. After discussion, management has decided to temporarily revoke part of your authority.” This manager, in his forties, had always been on decent terms with me. However, he seemed unusually stiff now, his gaze constantly avoiding mine. “Mr. Anderson’s intention is that for this week, you won’t be involved in frontline operations. You’ll mainly focus on… self-reflection, and handing over your responsibilities.” “To whom?” I looked up at him. “Winnie.” My brow lifted slightly. “The intern?” “Mr. Anderson believes that although she lacks experience, she has strong principles and isn’t afraid to speak up or take charge. The company plans to make an exception and promote her, letting her take over part of your duties for now.” Promotion. I see. Stepping on me to climb higher had earned Winnie her position. It was a well-calculated move. “Okay.” I didn’t say anything more. When I returned to the office, Winnie had already set up a temporary desk beside mine. She had changed into a sharp, tailored suit, her hair neatly styled. She almost looked the part. “Ava,” she changed how she addressed me. There was no respect in her tone. “Mr. Anderson asked me to coordinate with you on client materials, especially for Mr. Parker. He’ll be visiting next Monday, so I need to get familiar with everything in advance.” Mr. Damien Parker. He was the company’s biggest client right now, and the partnership I had wrestled back from a competitor three years ago, driving that car. Mr. Parker cared a lot about appearances and even more about presence. Back then, when he first sat in my car, he ran his hand over the leather seat and smiled. “Ms. Clark, a car reflects its owner. You’re bold and straightforward. I feel confident working with you.” Now, Winnie wanted to take over that achievement. “All the materials are in the shared system. Look them up yourself,” I said evenly. “Some details probably aren’t in the documents, right?” Winnie leaned in slightly. “Like what kind of tea Mr. Parker prefers, any dietary restrictions at business dinners, and his usual hobbies?” Looking at her ambitious face, I couldn’t help but find it a little amusing. “Mr. Parker likes Earl Gray tea, doesn’t eat seafood, and plays golf in his free time.” I only told her half the truth. It was true that he liked Earl Gray and didn’t eat seafood, but what he hated most was people who put on airs and tried too hard to impress. “Got it.” Winnie quickly jotted it down in her notebook. “Thanks, Ava. Oh, and I’ve already handed the car keys to the driver, John. Mr. Anderson said the car will only be used to receive clients at Mr. Parker’s level from now on. Otherwise, it stays locked in the garage.” “Sounds good.” I nodded. That afternoon, I went to the service center. “Ms. Clark, long time no see.” The manager greeted me warmly. “How’s the car been running lately? Any issues?” Chapter 5 “No issues.” I handed over the spare key. “Do a full inspection, and upgrade the tracking system while you’re at it.” “Of course. Is the car outside now?” “No.” I gave a faint smile. “Someone will bring it in a couple of days.” “Huh?” The manager looked confused. “Just remember that once the car enters the shop, lock it immediately. Without my permission, no one is allowed to drive it away.” Although the manager didn’t understand why, he still nodded. “Understood. The car is registered under your name. We’ll follow your instructions.” By the time I left, the sky had turned overcast, like it was about to rain. I called a taxi back to the company. Just as the car pulled up downstairs, I saw that white car driving out of the underground garage. John was behind the wheel. Winnie sat in the passenger seat, and Noah was in the back, eyes closed. They were heading out to meet a new client. The window rolled down. When Winnie saw me standing by the roadside, she deliberately had John stop for a moment. “Oh, Ava, waiting for a ride?” She leaned out, smiling smugly. “Mr. Anderson has a business engagement today, so we’re using the car first. It’s so hot out. Don’t overwork yourself. Head home early and take care of your kid.” Noah opened his eyes and glanced at me. “Ava, your taxi fare can be reimbursed.” Then the window rolled back up. The white car sped off, its wheels kicking up a splash of water that nearly hit my skirt. I stood there, watching the taillights disappear into the distance, a cold smile slowly forming on my lips. Reimbursed? I smirked. "Noah, you’ve probably forgotten that the fuel card for that car is linked to my account." Sure enough, not long after, my phone vibrated. A notification popped up. [Your fuel card was charged eighty-five dollars at 3.30 p.m.] Using my car, burning my fuel, doing their business, and then mocking me for taking a taxi. These people were feeding off someone else, yet not the least bit ashamed. I took a deep breath and dialed the customer service. “Hello, I’d like to report a fuel card lost. “Yes. Freeze it immediately.” After hanging up, I opened the remote system. On the screen, the vehicle was moving east at sixty miles per hour. My finger hovered over the “remote lock” button, pausing for a moment. Locking it now would be too easy on them. If I were to lock it, it would be when it mattered most. I closed the program and called another taxi. “Sir, take me to the largest office leasing agency in the city.” “Got it. Hold on tight.” Since we were settling accounts, we might as well settle everything completely. The office building that the company was using right now was actually my property. Back when Noah had just started the business and couldn’t afford a decent place, I rented him this entire floor, left to me by my father, at a very low price. Next month, the lease will be up. Hadn’t Winnie been talking about cutting costs? Then we’d start with the rent. … Over the next few days, I found myself unusually free, while Winnie was running around nonstop. She had to sort out the operations department and prepare everything for Mr. Parker’s visit. To her, that car was like a medal. Every day, she had John clean it multiple times, afraid even a speck of dust might land on it. She also kept posting selfies in the car on social media, her captions bold and showy. [Capability isn’t just written in a title. It’s reflected in the position you deserve.] [As long as you do your job well, the effort is worth it.] Quite a few colleagues liked and agreed, praising her as young and promising. Chapter 6 Only I knew that she was lighting the fire under herself. On Friday night, I was at home building blocks with my daughter when Noah suddenly called. “Ava, where are you?” His voice sounded irritated. “At home with my kid,” I replied calmly. “Why isn’t the fuel card working? John went to fill up and said it’s frozen!” “Oh, that’s a personal card I applied for. I lost it a couple of days ago, so I reported it,” I said, continuing to stack the blocks. “You…” Noah choked for a moment, then shouted after a few seconds. “Unfreeze it immediately! We have an important client to pick up tomorrow!” “To lift the freeze, I have to go to the counter in person. They’re closed on weekends, and I don’t have time.” “Ava! Are you doing this on purpose?” Noah snapped. “It’s just some reimbursement. Do you have to be so petty? If this delays company business, can you take responsibility?” “Mr. Anderson.” I cut him off, my voice cold as ice. “First of all, that was my card. I can stop it whenever I want. Second, if the company is using the car, why has it been charging my fuel card this whole time? The monthly fuel allowance Finance gives the driver, where exactly did that go?” The line went silent. That allowance did exist. However, where it ended up—Noah knew, as did John. Before, I didn’t argue because I thought the company was just starting out, and everyone had it tough. Now, I wasn’t going to tolerate it anymore. “Fine, Ava. Fine.” Noah gritted his teeth. “The company will pay for its own fuel! From now on, don’t expect to benefit from anything in this company!” “That’s fine,” I said lightly. After hanging up, I looked out at the pitch-black night and let out a soft laugh. The real show was just beginning. On Sunday night, I made copies of all the receipts for the expenses I had covered over the years, and then I pulled out the lease agreement. The contract clearly stated the end date, which was tomorrow. If it wasn’t renewed, their continued use of the space would count as illegal occupancy. After thinking for a moment, I sent a message to the agent. [Tomorrow at 10 a.m., bring a new client to view the property.] The reply came quickly. [Got it, Ava. Your location is in high demand. A financial firm is willing to pay double the rent.] [That works. As long as it’s not the current company, anyone can rent it.] Once I had arranged everything, I poured myself a glass of red wine and gently swirled it. Tomorrow was going to be lively. Mr. Parker will be coming for an inspection. The agent will be bringing people to view the office. Winnie will also be trying to prove herself. And I would start pulling in the net. I took out a sheet of paper and listed everything that could be calculated, one by one. Vehicle value: 4,000,000. Purchase tax: 320,000. Three years of insurance: 120,000. Three years of maintenance: 100,000. Three years of fuel: 80,000. Rent difference: 1,500,000. Salary advances: 600,000. Total: 6,720,000. That was only what could be calculated. It didn’t include my connections or the three years of effort I had put in. Looking at that number, I felt nothing but irony. I had spent millions raising a group of ungrateful people. Not only that, but they even turned around and accused me of taking advantage of the company. A penalty of $128,000? What a joke. Tomorrow, I will make them pay it all back with interest. … The next morning, the company was filled with a tense yet excited atmosphere. Everyone was pretending to be especially busy. Winnie wore a brand-new white business suit, her makeup flawless. She stood straight at the company entrance like she was waiting for an inspection, her face full of anticipation. Chapter 7 John parked the car in the most visible spot at the entrance. The car’s body was polished spotless. Even the tires were jet black, without a trace of dust. Noah had also changed into his most presentable suit. He kept rubbing his watch nervously, his expression tense. “How much longer until Mr. Parker arrives?” he asked urgently. “He just landed. He should reach the park in about forty minutes,” Winnie replied immediately. There was undeniable excitement in her voice. Meanwhile, I sat at my desk, slowly packing up my personal belongings. Photo frames, a mug, a small potted plant, and neatly organized stacks of documents. Everyone else was so busy tidying the office and adjusting the setup that no one paid attention to what I was doing. Or rather, they didn’t care. In their eyes, I was already a sidelined former director, while Winnie was the company’s future. At 9.30 a.m., Winnie’s phone suddenly rang. “Mr. Parker has arrived at the park entrance? Okay, okay, I’ll have the driver bring the car over to pick you up right away!” As per usual protocol, to show respect, Mr. Parker’s convoy would stop outside the park, and we would send a reception car to escort him in. It was standard business etiquette. Winnie immediately turned and shouted, “John, quick! Drive the car to the entrance to pick up Mr. Parker!” John responded and got into the driver’s seat, pressing the start button. Nothing happened. He pressed it again, harder. The car still didn’t move. Sweat instantly formed on John’s forehead, his face turning pale. “What’s going on?” Winnie rushed over in her heels, her voice sharp with urgency. “Hurry up! Mr. Parker is waiting!” “It won’t start…” John fumbled with the controls. “It was fine just now. Why won’t it start all of a sudden?!” “That’s impossible! Did you forget to press the brake?” Winnie stomped her foot. “I did! I definitely did!” John hurried to explain. Noah heard the commotion and ran over, his face dark. “What’s going on? Why now of all times?” he asked, suppressing his anger. “Mr. Anderson, the car… It’s locked.” John stared at the flashing red light on the dashboard, his voice trembling. “The anti-theft system activated. The engine’s locked.” “What?” Noah’s expression changed instantly. He yanked John out of the seat and got in himself. No matter how many times he pressed the ignition, the car gave no response. It was like a massive white piece of scrap metal. “Where’s the spare key?” Noah roared. “In… in the admin safe,” Winnie stammered. “Go get it!” Winnie ran back into the company in a panic. Two minutes later, she rushed out, breathless, clutching the spare key. However, even with the spare key, the car remained completely unresponsive. This car’s anti-theft system was top-tier. Once remotely locked, no one without the owner’s authorization could start it. Time ticked by. At the park entrance, Mr. Parker’s convoy had already been waiting for five minutes. Winnie’s phone rang again. It was Mr. Parker’s secretary, and his tone was clearly displeased. “Mr. Anderson, what is the meaning of this? Are you going to keep Mr. Parker waiting outside?” Sweat ran down Noah’s forehead, soaking into his collar. Suddenly, he turned his head and looked at me. At that moment, I was standing at the company entrance, holding a box filled with my things, watching the scene unfold. “Ava!” Noah strode over and grabbed my arm, his grip shockingly tight. “Was this your doing? Why won’t the car start?” Chapter 8 I glanced at the hand gripping my arm, frowned, and stepped back, pulling free. “Mr. Anderson, if the car’s broken, you should call a mechanic. Why are you asking me? I don’t fix cars,” I said calmly. “Don’t play dumb! You’re the only one who can control this car!” Noah shouted, his eyes red. “Unlock it now! Mr. Parker is still waiting at the entrance!” “Unlock it?” I smiled and set the box down. “Mr. Anderson, did you forget? Last Friday, Ms. Taylor took this car ‘under company management’. The keys are in her hands, and the management rights are with you. If something’s wrong with the car now, how does it have anything to do with me?” “You…” Noah was trembling with anger. Winnie ran over as well, her eyes red. “Ava! Did you do this on purpose? Are you trying to ruin the company? Do you know how important Mr. Parker's project is?” “Of course I do.” I nodded. “But what does that have to do with me? I’m just an employee under suspension for self-reflection. Shouldn’t something as important as client reception be handled by someone like Ms. Taylor, who has ‘strong principles’?” “Are you going to unlock it or not?” Noah’s tone turned threatening. “Ava, I’m ordering you to unlock it now!” “Ordering me?” I looked up at him, the smile gone. “Noah, what gives you the right to order me?” “Because I’m the boss!” “The boss?” I took out a document from my bag, which was a copy of the vehicle registration, and held it out to him. “Then let me remind you that this car is my personal property. When it runs and when it doesn’t is up to me. “Right now, I’m not happy. So it doesn’t move.” Noah froze. Winnie stood stiffly beside him. Even her sobbing stopped. At that moment, a white car slowly pulled up to the company entrance. The window rolled down, revealing Damien’s stern face. Clearly, he had grown impatient and had his driver pull in directly. His gaze swept over the immobilized car, over Noah drenched in sweat, the tearful Winnie, before finally landing on me holding a box. Damien frowned, his expression darkening. “Mr. Anderson, is this how your company receives guests?” His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a heavy pressure. Noah hurried over, bending slightly with an apologetic smile. “Mr. Parker, I’m so sorry! The car suddenly had an issue. We’ll fix it right away!” However, Damien didn’t look at him. “Ms. Clark?” He stepped out of the car and walked over, glancing at the box. “Are you… leaving?” I looked at him and gave a faint smile. “Yes, Mr. Parker. This company has no place for me anymore. Even my own car has been taken. Being pushed out is only a matter of time.” The air fell silent. Noah’s face turned instantly pale, his body swaying. … Damien’s expression grew even darker. After years in business, he understood the situation at a glance. “Mr. Anderson,” Damien said, turning around, his voice low. “Three years ago, I chose to work with you because of Ms. Clark.” Noah nodded frantically, sweat pouring down his face. “Yes, yes, Mr. Parker, this is all a misunderstanding—” “A misunderstanding?” Damien let out a cold laugh. “You occupy Ms. Clark’s personal car and push her out of the company. Is that what you call a misunderstanding?” He pointed at the car. “I’ve sat in that car. Back then, Ms. Clark told me it was her personal vehicle used to receive clients. So how has it now become a misused company car?” Winnie trembled at the side, opening her mouth to explain. Chapter 9 “Mr. Parker, actually, Ms. Clark violated company policy—” “Shut up!” Noah shot her a fierce glare. He knew that bringing up company policy now would only make things worse. Turning back to me, his tone almost pleading, he said, “Ava, I’m begging you. Please explain things to Mr. Parker. It’s just an internal conflict. We can settle it privately…” I looked at him, so humbled now, and felt nothing. “Mr. Anderson, now you’re worried about losing reputation? When you issued that notice criticizing me, why weren’t you worried then? When you had Winnie throw my things on the ground to be trampled, why weren’t you afraid?” I lifted the box. “Mr. Parker, I’m sorry you had to witness this. From today on, I have nothing to do with this company. I’m taking this car back, too.” I took out my phone and opened the remote control in front of everyone. Then I said softly, “Unlock.” The next second, the car lights flashed twice, followed by two crisp beeps. The lock was released. “John, step out of the car,” I said. John had been frozen in fear. Only after hearing me did he scramble out. “Mr. Parker, if you don’t mind, I can drive you to your next appointment. As for this company…” I glanced at Noah, slumped on the ground, and Winnie, crying uncontrollably. “I think they’d be better off taking a taxi to their meetings.” Damien couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Good! Ms. Clark, I like your style! As it happens, I have a new project that needs a reliable partner. Shall we talk on the way?” Noah completely panicked. He knew very well that if Mr. Parker walked away, the company would lose its biggest source of funding. “Mr. Parker! Please don’t go! We haven’t finished discussing our cooperation!” He rushed forward, trying to grab Damien. The bodyguards immediately stepped in to block him. “Mr. Anderson,” Damien said coldly. “Before doing business, learn how to be a decent person. Without integrity, business won’t last.” With that, he walked toward the back seat of my car. I opened the door. “Mr. Parker, please.” Then I got into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life with a low hum. Through the rearview mirror, I saw Noah collapsed on the ground, his face ashen. Winnie covered her face, crying uncontrollably. The colleagues who had once mocked me all stood frozen at the entrance, their expressions panicked. The car slowly drove out of the park, leaving all the chaos and humiliation behind. “Ms. Clark, that was beautifully done,” Damien said with a smile from the back seat. “You’re too kind,” I replied calmly. “But,” he continued, “are you really just going to leave like this? That’s letting them off too easily.” I glanced at the clock in the car. The agent should have arrived at the building by now. My phone vibrated. It was a message from the agent. [Ava, we’ve arrived downstairs. Mr. Anderson looks in bad shape, and the front desk won’t let us in.] I replied. [Call the police directly and report illegal occupation of my property. Give them copies of the lease and property documents.] The response came quickly. [Understood. We’ll handle it immediately.] I put down my phone, a cold smile slowly forming on my lips. The real show was just beginning.