Chapter 1

Ten minutes before the product launch, I discovered my name badge had been switched.

The spot that originally read "Chief Algorithm Architect" now said "Project Consultant."

And the surgical navigation algorithm I'd spent three years developing had been handed over by Adrian Knox to Nora, the newly hired product manager.

He said, "It's her first time facing investors. She can't afford to make mistakes. You're more experienced---provide technical support from below the stage."

I looked at the presentation slides scrolling on the backstage screen.

Every page contained my data, my models, my late-night work logs. But in the credits section, Nora's name was listed first, while mine had been squeezed into the last line.

Three years ago, when the company ran out of funds and nearly went under, I mortgaged my patents to help Adrian survive until today.

Now he was giving away my position and expecting me to applaud for someone else.

I removed my badge and tossed it into the nearby recycling bin.

"Fine."

"Since I'm just a consultant, there's no need to deploy this core algorithm tonight either."