Chapter 3

*[Here is my number. If you have time, we can talk in detail.]*

Two years ago, fresh out of college, I knew about Isabella's company. It was a significant player locally. But back then, I believed a startup would offer me more comprehensive development.

Back then, Blake and Joanna were friendlier. The colleagues were harmonious. We really did feel like a family. I watched the company grow, pouring my sweat into every brick and beam of this place.

But now I finally understood.

The bricks and beams of a company never belong to the employees.

At 9:30 p.m., I shut down my computer and emailed the content pitch to the boss. I also exported the raw footage I had shot during work. Aside from my daily tasks, I had my own account recording daily life. Usually, I was too busy to edit, but today was different.

For two years, I had completed every task above and beyond standard.

I didn't owe this company a thing.

Saturday was my day off. Yesterday, I had chatted with Isabella Lambert, and we scheduled an interview for Monday.

With my mind made up, I finally allowed myself to sleep in. But before I could even eat breakfast, Joanna messaged me, ordering me to come to the office to monitor the data.

*[Joanna, today is my day off,]* I reminded her.

Her call came through immediately.

"Rose Floyd, why has your attitude been so terrible lately?" she demanded. "If I had time, I'd watch it myself! Haohhao is sick, and Blake is on a business trip. You're his elder, for god's sake. What is wrong with coming over to check the data? You're one of us. Why are you making such a fuss over a simple favor?"

Speechless.

"Joanna, your family matters have nothing to do with me. I get one day off a week. I have no obligation to come in today."

I hung up.

She called again.

And again.

When she realized I was serious, she sent a barrage of texts.

*[Rose Floyd, I am so disappointed in you.]*

*[You watched Haohhao grow up. I didn't expect you to be so cold-hearted when he's sick!]*

*[Blake was even talking about signing a share-gifting agreement for you and raising your bonus. You're freezing us out.]*

I didn't reply to a single one.

Then I saw her post on social media. A public condemnation.

*[These days, sincerity is never returned. My son is sick. I asked Ms. Floyd to come check the data, and she ignored me. I gave her a job, paid for her travel to learn, and gave her a raise. My son even calls her "Auntie," but in the end, she has no heart.]*

She attached screenshots of our chat.

Below the post, a mob of commenters cursed me for having no conscience.

*[Talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Once her wings hardened, she stopped caring about the people who helped her.]*

*[What an ingrate. Watch out, OP—after she resigns, she'll probably try to expose your company and bite back.]*

A headache bloomed behind my temples. Their family drama had nothing to do with me. The last time Joanna claimed Haohhao was sick and demanded I cover for her, she had actually gone out partying. Not to mention, I brought them millions in revenue, yet I was still forced to pick up their kid, run errands, and buy their groceries.

Why didn't she put *that* in her post?

I took screenshots of the entire chat history.

Including the parts she left out.

The next day at work, Joanna glared at me the moment I walked in. Her eyebrows shot up, her expression harsh.

"Yesterday, Haohhao had a fever of thirty-nine degrees. Blake was away. I told you to come watch the data, and you still refused. Rose Floyd, do you still listen to company orders or not?"

My voice dropped an octave, firm and cold.

"Joanna, I am a company employee, not your family's nanny."

"Your son's illness is not my responsibility. My responsibility is to do my job."

Her chest heaved with indignation. Her lip curled in contempt.