The CEO Humiliated Me,His Biggest Client Chose Me Instead

New Year's Eve. I was crouched on a street corner, slurping instant noodles between client visits, when my phone buzzed with my year-end bonus notification.

$42.00. Down to the cent. The insult couldn't have been more deliberate.

Meanwhile, the company group chat exploded with gratitude.

"Thank you, boss, for the $66,000 bonus! Next year's gonna be incredible!"

"Following Mr. Whitney is the best decision I ever made—$180,000 this year! Finally upgrading my car!"

"I've only been here three months and got $8,800?! I'm never leaving this company!"