Chapter 2

"Well, look who finally wised up," Jaden remarked, taken aback.

"I once believed that patience and genuine effort could win over even the most guarded hearts," I responded with a heavy sigh. "I guess I was just too idealistic."

Jaden made a disapproving sound. "I warned you that Mabel wasn't right for you. But did you heed my advice? No, you had to learn the hard way. When have I ever led you astray?"

I offered a wry grin but remained silent. The fact was, uninvited counsel rarely helped—some lessons could only be learned through personal experience.

After a brief silence, Jaden' voice grew gentler. "I'm pleased you've come to your senses. I'll start arranging meetings with more suitable partners right away!"

"And visit more frequently," he added. "Your mother worries about you. She thinks I've been too strict with you."

"Alright," I conceded.

Following a pause, Jaden continued, "While you're at it, why not leave that job of yours? I'll be closing those projects anyway."

"Which projects?" I inquired, puzzled.

"You cheeky rascal," Jaden chuckled. "Did you really think you were such a big shot, sealing all those deals over a few drinks? Without my behind-the-scenes influence, that small company of yours would've collapsed long ago."

I was momentarily stunned. Then it dawned on me. All this time, I'd believed my success was due to my own efforts, but it turned out he'd been supporting me all along.

That evening, I never returned home.

I had forgotten about the endless chores, the mundane work tasks, and even Mabel.

I felt unburdened, and for once, I slept soundly, without any dreams.

When I awoke, it was already eleven. I got dressed and casually made my way to the office.

At the entrance, I encountered Mabel, who was waiting for the elevator.

Mabel glared at me and snapped, "Why are you so late? Your bonus for this month is forfeit!"

I entered nonchalantly. "Whatever, it's insignificant anyway."

Mabel misinterpreted my indifference as acceptance. Her eyes gleamed with derision. "Weren't you all high and mighty on the phone yesterday? Talking about quitting, staying out all night... and now you dare show up for work? Probably spent all your money, didn't you?"

Mabel wore that self-satisfied expression, as if she knew everything, as if I couldn't manage without her.

She held her chin up, proud as a peacock.

I knew she was expecting me to beg and apologize.

But I simply smiled faintly and handed her the resignation letter I had prepared.

"Ms. Allen, I'm afraid you've misunderstood. I'm not here to work. I'm here to resign."

Mabel was clearly blindsided by my declaration. Her face showed a mix of astonishment and skepticism.

"Brent, what's gotten into you?" she demanded, her tone sharp.

I shrugged casually. "Ms. Allen, you always say that the company doesn't keep unproductive employees.

Since you seem to think I'm just coasting along and not contributing, I don't have the audacity to stay here any longer."

"Furthermore," I continued, my voice laced with irony, "you clearly believe Atlas is far more competent than me.

I might as well quit now and let him take over, right?"

As if on cue, Atlas appeared, clutching a bundle of documents. He'd evidently overheard the entire conversation.

His eyes welled up with tears. "Brent," he whimpered, "are you arguing with Ms. Allen because you're envious of me?"

"Everything I do is for the benefit of the company," he continued, his voice breaking with emotion. "I just want to assist Ms. Allen!"

"It's all my fault," he sobbed. "I didn't know my place. I've caused a misunderstanding between you both. Ms. Allen, perhaps you should just fire me!"

His act was so exaggerated, so blatantly insincere, that anyone could see through it—anyone except Mabel.

Her expression softened with compassion. "Don't blame yourself, Atlas," she consoled. "You're doing excellent work."

She then turned her cold gaze back to me. "Look at Atlas," she said, her voice filled with contempt. "He's so mature and committed. And then there's you, always jealous, always slacking off. You're so childish."

I noticed Atlas peek out from behind Mabel and flash me a smug look, like a dog marking its territory.

In the past, this would have infuriated me with jealousy. But now, I just observed the whole spectacle with detached amusement. They were like two performers putting on a show for my entertainment.

Atlas then produced a contract from his pocket. "Ms. Allen," he said, "I need your signature on this. I've been working on it for three days without rest."

"Of course," Mabel replied, taking the contract without hesitation. She was about to sign when I intervened.

"There's an issue with that contract," I said, frowning. "You shouldn't sign it."