Chapter 4: Favoritism Exposed

"Why?" The HR manager laughed. "Because everyone else is working overtime, but you? You’re off on vacation."

Her laugh was hollow, the kind that makes your skin crawl. It felt like she’d been waiting for this moment.

"Weren’t you the one who suggested I take a vacation? I also filed an approved PTO request. Now, when work comes up, I come back immediately, and you’re using this as an excuse to demote me?"

The HR manager’s expression didn’t change. "Why not? While everyone else is hustling, you go on vacation. That shows a lack of commitment and team spirit. The sales department doesn’t need a supervisor like you."

She didn’t even bother with the company handbook—just her own rules. My pulse hammered in my ears.

Just then, the office door opened again.

Scott Zimmerman walked in briskly, a mocking expression on his face.

He didn’t bother to knock. He just strutted in, as if he’d been waiting for his cue.

"Well, Derek, figured it out yet? If you have, hurry up and pack your things. Go sit at my old desk."

"Move all your stuff from the door over there. It’s blocking my view."

The audacity in his voice was almost impressive, if it didn’t make me want to punch a wall.

"Derek’s a veteran. Be nice to him. You’ll need his help in the future," the HR manager scolded Scott.

Her tone softened just enough to sound like she was being fair, but the look she shot him said it all—he’d get away with whatever he wanted.

Looking at the two of them, I suddenly realized—the HR manager’s full name is Linda Zimmerman. Their facial features and last names were so similar, and they were so familiar with each other.

Their smiles, the little inside jokes, the way she grinned at him—warm, proud, not a hint of the frost she saved for me—said everything. It was all so obvious now. My stomach dropped.

What else was unclear?

All those late nights, all that hustle—and it didn’t matter. Not when you didn’t have the right last name.

A surge of anger shot up my spine. I snapped:

"Do you think the CEO knows about your little scheme?"

The HR manager smiled. "Do you think, if the CEO didn’t approve, I—a mere HR manager—could decide who replaces a supervisor?"

She cocked her head, almost daring me to say more.

Seeing me speechless, she gave me a sidelong glance, her smile still cold.

"Since you still haven’t reflected on your mistakes, we’ll be docking your performance bonus for these two months as a warning to the others."

"Fine."

I pointed at them, sneering.

"So that’s how it is? Then I’ll go ask the CEO what he really thinks."

I didn’t wait for a response. I stormed out, fists balled, ignoring the stares in the hallway.