Chapter 3: Showdown in HR

I took a deep breath, fighting to keep my voice steady. “Karen, I’m not trying to argue. I just want to know why the $15,000 went to him. I have plenty of evidence showing I contributed over 95%.”

I slid my project proposal across the desk—the one I’d slaved over for weeks. Karen slapped it aside and shot up from her chair.

“Eric has connections. Did you really think you alone earned that $15,000?”

Her voice was sharp. “Worker bees will always be worker bees. You get that?”

I was stunned. “What, all the clients are his dad’s friends or something?”

She ducked her head, like a kid caught sneaking out after curfew. “Get out! Don’t come whining in my office!”

She kicked me out, slamming the door behind me. I stormed out, seething, and kicked the trash can by the copier, sending empty K-cups rolling. My hands shook as I gripped the edge of her desk, knuckles whitening. Every eye in the bullpen was on us.

Right then, Karen flung open her door again: “Matt, give it up already. Hand your resignation letter to me.”

I almost laughed. “Resign? Why should I? If the company’s got some nerve, fire me.”

“I’ve worked here five years—give me six months’ pay and I’ll walk.”

“You...” Karen was practically vibrating with rage.

“You what? You’re all smiles when the boss is around, but the rest of the time, you’re just a bully in bad foundation.”

I let out a long breath. “Feels good to finally say what I think.”

Karen’s face went beet red, exploding on the spot. “Matt, you jerk!”

I sneered and strode back to my desk. My coworkers snickered and gave me thumbs-up. My heart was pounding, but for once, I felt the cold satisfaction of finally standing up for myself in a place that’d only ever expected me to keep my head down. The tension in the office was thick and electric.