After helping my struggling CEO girlfriend make a comeback, the first thing she did was force me to transfer my shares to her old flame and change the name on my core patent. Everyone thought she had lost her mind for making such an outrageous demand. Shaking with disbelief, I said nothing, simply handing over the stock certificate and transferring all the patents to her. Seeing this, even her old flame mocked me, calling me a lovesick fool, the biggest idiot in the world. But I calmly asked my system: “System, you said that if I sincerely treated Megan well and she betrayed me, everything she gained during our relationship would be returned to me as compensation. Does that still apply?” Time seemed to stop, and I heard the faint hum of the system responding: “Strategy failure detected. In 24 hours, Megan will be saddled with eight million in debt and will have nothing, just like seven years ago. Meanwhile, you, the host, will own the entire company and all assets under Megan’s name.” “As for the shares you just gave away, since they were transferred under Megan’s coercion, they will also be returned to you in 24 hours.” And with that, the system vanished. Suddenly, taunts filled with malice echoed in my ears. “Declan, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you admitting you’re a complete LOSER?” “Weren’t you the one who kept Megan from letting me into the company? Now, who’s the one left out in the cold?” Before me stood a smug-looking man holding the stock transfer document. Rowan. Megan’s old flame, who had abandoned her when she was at her lowest. Six months ago, Megan and I had constant arguments over her insistence on bringing him into the company. In the end, I lost. In the meeting room, everyone looked at me with a mix of pity and ridicule. They all thought I had brought this upon myself. Megan’s gaze slowly moved from the patent transfer document, a smile forming on her crimson lips: “Declan, I thought you’d hold on, but I didn’t expect you to be so reasonable today. Don’t worry, you’ve been a hero following me for seven years, I won’t treat you poorly…” Rowan huffed, deliberately smearing my reputation: “Megan, look at Declan’s cold face. He’s clearly out for revenge. How can you trust someone like him to stay in the company?” He tugged at Megan’s sleeve, acting all affectionate: “Megan, I don’t want anyone else beside you. I just want to stand by your side, okay?” I knew he wanted to completely push me out of the company and take my position as vice president. Megan, who once promised to love me forever, now looked at Rowan with doting eyes, as if burdened by a sweet responsibility: “Alright, don’t go too far.” Turning to me, she said seriously: “Declan, you’ve worked hard these years. How about you take a break? Let Rowan handle the company affairs. He’s more talented and suitable for this job than you.” The room was filled with shock. No one expected the aloof Megan to be so biased, ousting a key figure like me just because of Rowan’s words. Even the most patient person would be angered by such humiliation. They were all waiting for me to flip the table. If it were the old me, perhaps I would have fought Rowan for Megan’s affection. But now, the idea of a grown man fighting over a woman seemed childish to me. In everyone’s eyes, I said nothing and walked towards Rowan. Feeling guilty, Rowan stepped back, swallowing nervously: “What, you disagree? Why are you staring at me like that without saying anything?” Megan frowned, about to chide him. But I removed my name badge, shoved it into Rowan’s hand, and smiled: “Miss Megan is right. It’s time for me to step down. From now on, the company depends on you, Mr. Rowan.” I smirked internally. All I wanted was to see them fall from their peak arrogance into the dust. Everyone there, veterans of the office, knew how to assess the situation. After the initial shock, they all congratulated Rowan: “Mr. Rowan, I’ve always known you were extraordinary, destined for greatness! We’re counting on you and Miss Megan to lead us!” “Indeed, Mr. Rowan, you’re impressive, way beyond Declan. This vice-president position is yours.” For a moment, the meeting room was filled with laughter and cheers. And I was just something to be stepped on and used for their praise. Megan was full of tenderness, her lips curled up, happier than if she herself had been praised. Just as I was about to leave, Megan stopped me. I instinctively wanted to avoid her touch. The next second, she pinned Rowan’s supervisor badge on my chest and patted my shoulder with a light laugh. “Declan, although you’re not the vice president anymore, I can still promise you a supervisor position. Work hard, okay?” Her tone was so formal, like a casual boss. No one would think we were lovers sharing a bed for seven years. When Megan’s hand came down, she discreetly squeezed my cold fingertips and then quickly let go. I shivered. I knew her fleeting gentleness was just a trainer’s reward for a well-behaved dog. It was like before; whenever she called me into her office, saying a few insincere words and offering coffee, I’d be full of energy, working until morning. Now, I wouldn’t be mentally manipulated, swayed by the little sweetness she gave. I shook my head, took off the supervisor badge, placed it on the meeting table, and turned to leave. Behind me, Megan was a bit stunned, instinctively rubbing her fingers. Her once foolproof tactics suddenly failed. Rowan, seeing me leave, suddenly acted out, shouting: “Declan, it’s work hours, are you planning to skip work?” He deliberately stuck out his leg to trip me. I stumbled, falling to the floor with no dignity. Pain radiated through my limbs, especially my chest, as my throat continuously choked up a metallic taste. At the same time, a royal blue ring box rolled out of my pocket. I instinctively reached out to put the ring back in, but a leather shoe stomped on my hand. The hard sole ground into my hand, drawing blood. The intense pain forced me to let go. Rowan picked up the ring box, sneering: “ZC and MX. Declan, this looks like your and Megan’s initials.” “Is it true you secretly love Megan, even preparing an engagement ring? Were you planning to propose?”
His tone was full of ridicule, as if he had seen the most ludicrous joke in the world. The meeting room erupted into laughter, all mocking my foolish delusion. “Just him? He only got the VP position due to seniority. Our Miss Megan was a rich heiress, a perfect match with Mr. Rowan!” “Some people dream of what they can’t have. He peeks at Megan’s office all the time. I kept quiet out of respect, but now, a proposal? Does he think he’s worthy?” Amidst the jeers, Megan’s long lashes trembled, covering her eyes, making it hard for me to read her expression. But she remained silent. I chuckled bitterly. In seven years with Megan, I proposed countless times. She always hesitated, declined, telling me to wait until the company went public. To achieve that, I worked tirelessly, paying off her debts and helping her rise again. But now the company was public, and I happily brought the ring to work, only to be dragged into the meeting room and presented with two contracts to sign. One for stock transfer, the other for patent transfer, squeezing me dry. Coming back to reality, Rowan still mocked me, playing with the ring I spent seven years designing: “Megan! Look at this ring with your favorite wave design. This idiot probably doesn’t know we got our marriage certificate yesterday!” Marriage certificate, wedding. Those words left me stunned. Suddenly, Megan’s always-cool face turned red, her delicate features shy. Her reaction fueled the gossip of those present, all congratulating Rowan and Megan on starting a family soon. The atmosphere was even more lively. It felt more like a wedding than a company. I was the complete fool. While I dreamed of marrying Megan and working for the company, she had already married someone else. I quietly got up, cradling my injured hand, ready to leave. But Megan grabbed my arm, returning the ring to my palm, gently: “Declan, this is valuable. Take it back. Rowan went too far today. I’ll give you half a day off. Go bandage your hand at the hospital.” A slap, and then a sweet treat. I’d had enough. I tossed the ring into a nearby trash can, saying flatly: It felt more like a wedding venue than a company. I felt like a complete fool. While I was daydreaming about marrying Lydia and working hard for the company, she had already tied the knot with someone else. I quietly got up, clutching my injured hand, and turned to leave. Lydia stopped me, placed the ring back in my hand, and gently said, “Declan, this is quite valuable. You should keep it. Rowan was out of line today, so I’m giving you half a day off. Go get your hand bandaged at the hospital.” A slap in the face, followed by a consolation prize. I’d had enough. I threw the ring into the nearby trash can and said calmly, “Just some trash I forgot to throw away.” Then, I turned and walked away. The ring made a clear clinking sound as it hit the trash can. That sound also marked the end of my love for Lydia. As I walked out of the company, I realized that it had started sleeting at some point. The cold wind was biting, chilling me to the bone. On a bench by the roadside, a couple huddled together for warmth, sharing a scarf. Feeling a bit lost, I slowly walked to another bench and sat down. Seven years ago, in similar weather, I found Lydia huddled on a roadside bench, wearing thin clothes. She was once the golden girl, and I was just a poor student who silently admired her. Later, when we graduated, her family was betrayed by the Rowan family, went bankrupt, and her father jumped from a building. Her mother followed suit. When I took her in, she was burdened with an eight million debt and had no relatives to turn to. Back then, I vowed to help her, and unexpectedly triggered a companion system. The system promised that if I helped Lydia to rise again and walk down the aisle, I would receive a reward worth billions upon completing the mission. The system assured me, “Lydia’s character is deeply devoted and loyal; she would never betray your efforts. If she ever wrongs you, everything you helped her gain will be returned to you as compensation!” I never put much stock in its promises; I believed in sincerity for sincerity. I turned down offers from international firms, started from scratch to help Lydia pay off her debts, and helped her rebuild her life, simply because I wanted her to be happy. Lydia did grow closer to me, even confessed her love. But sweetness was ultimately just an illusion. Six months ago, Rowan, who had squandered his family’s wealth, shamelessly sought Lydia’s forgiveness. Lydia, who claimed to take Rowan in for revenge, panicked and rushed him to the hospital for tests just because he complained of a stomachache after skipping breakfast. Since then, she’s been taking care of him, sharing meals together. Yet when I was sick and hospitalized, she no longer cared, dismissing it with, “Adults don’t have it easy. Just endure it.” When I argued with her, she claimed she had a clear conscience, blaming me for being jealous and reckless. At that time, I thought Lydia just couldn’t let go. Now I understand, she never intended to let go. Some hearts are as cold as stone, impervious to warmth. The system was right, Lydia was indeed deeply devoted and loyal. But her devotion and loyalty were always to her childhood friend who once abandoned her. The slanting rain struck my face, cold and biting. In my mind, I couldn’t shake the image of Lydia blushing as she admitted her engagement to Rowan. But Lydia doesn’t know that everything she now possesses will vanish tomorrow. And Rowan is nothing but a greedy man. Back then, he broke off the engagement with her for the sake of family interests, even kicking her when she was down by demanding the return of gifts he had given her over the years. By then, I’ll see if the Rowan she pines for will still want her when he finds out she has nothing.
Having come to terms with everything, I found myself soaked by the rain and snow. I hailed a cab and went home. Once home, I began packing things. But I wasn’t packing my own belongings; I was packing Lydia’s things instead. Although the property deed currently bears Lydia’s name, tomorrow, this house will be mine. I was halfway through when Lydia came back. “Spring cleaning?” She threw her wool coat at me, saying, “While you’re at it, hand wash this coat for me. It got splashed with snow water when I got out of the car.” I casually tossed her coat onto the sofa and coldly asked, “Why are you back now?” Usually, at this time, she’s always out having dinner with Rowan. She kicked off her high heels, changed into slippers, and casually explained, “Oh, it’s cold outside today, I brought Rowan a coat so he won’t get sick… wouldn’t want people saying our company mistreats employees.” Her excuses flowed easily, and I used to think I was being petty. Seeing no reaction from me, she pinched my cheek, laughing, “What’s with the sour face, handsome Declan? You didn’t really think Rowan and I are getting married, did you? He was just joking. But since he’s the vice president now, for the company’s image, I couldn’t say no, right?” “As for our marriage, don’t rush. The company just went public, I’ll agree once it stabilizes, alright?” I felt nothing for her attempts to please me. I didn’t even bother arguing why she once said workplace relationships were bad, avoiding me at all costs, but now allowed rumors of her and Rowan’s marriage to spread throughout the company. Seeing I still didn’t respond, Lydia got serious. She was in a good mood today, taking my still swollen and raw hand and gently blowing on it, coaxing, “Still hurt? I scolded him well today. He accidentally stepped on you, you know? You’re a man, don’t mind it.” I remained silent. Her patience wore thin, she turned and went into the room, rummaging through the wardrobe, issuing orders without looking up. “By the way, tomorrow is Rowan’s first day in office. Write him a plan to quickly adapt to the VP position, and draft a speech for him. He’s not good at these formalities, and you’re good at it.” I forced a sarcastic smile. Every time Lydia gave me a little sweetness, she had to make me pay something in return. She’s so stingy. I used to think Lydia appreciated my performance. Now I realize she just saw me as a useful tool. She found a black down jacket in my wardrobe. After finding the clothes, she didn’t leave. She took out a backless red gown from her wardrobe. Then slammed the door shut. Five minutes later, she opened the door, ordering me, “Declan, bring me my curling iron from the bathroom!” She was talking while applying lipstick in front of the mirror, blending it with her finger. Wearing a backless dress and heavy makeup in the dead of winter, it’s clear she’s not just going out for a meal. A woman dresses up for someone she loves. Lydia was always so plain in front of me. Now I see, she just doesn’t love me. I obediently brought Lydia the curling iron. Since she chose to be with that hypocritical Rowan, I choose to respect and bless her. Lydia smiled sweetly, curling her hair while continuing to paint a picture, “Declan, don’t worry. Although the shares are gone, you won’t miss out on the year-end bonus.” As she spoke, her phone screen suddenly lit up, a message from someone nicknamed “Star” appeared: “Why aren’t you here yet? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time, how about we try a waterbed this time?” I suddenly remembered Lydia recently changed her nickname to “Star is Mine.” She said the star represents her dream, and now the company’s public dream is about to come true, so she changed the name. Turns out, that was a lie too. Lydia instantly locked her phone and hurriedly said to me, “Declan, something came up at the company, I might have to work overnight tonight, don’t wait up for me.” I felt my stomach churn, truly disgusting. She now thinks she has me completely under control, not even pretending anymore. After Lydia left, I threw all her things out the door. No more thoughts, I had a good night’s sleep. The next day, I felt refreshed, waking up to the system saying: “Lydia’s company and all assets have been transferred to the host, with a total value of 1.5 billion in compensation. Please check your account.” I stretched, put on clothes, and prepared to take over the newly acquired company. The moment I stepped into the company, I was greeted by a bunch of ribbon decorations and balloons. A banner directly in front of me read seven big words: “Welcome Vice President Rowan!” The office furniture was pushed aside, the center turned into a table for drinks and desserts. Lydia once said the company is a place for work, it must be serious, never allowing such celebrations, yet she made an exception for Rowan. Wearing a tailored suit, Rowan saw me and deliberately made things difficult: “Declan, you’ve gone too far. You knew today is my first day as VP and you showed up late on purpose?”
He’s not wrong. I was late on purpose. Rowan spoke, and everyone who was previously fawning over him with clinking glasses turned to watch me, waiting to see me make a fool of myself. Lydia’s hand was still on Rowan’s shoulder, adjusting his tie. Seeing me, she lowered her hand and joined Rowan, saying, “Declan, why are you so late? You didn’t complete what I arranged yesterday, and today you confront your superior. Shouldn’t you bow to Rowan and apologize?” I stood still. Rowan put on an act: Actually, he was right—I was late on purpose. When Rowan spoke, the crowd that had been praising him turned to me, eager to see me embarrass myself. Megan, who was adjusting Rowan’s tie, saw me and lowered her hand. She and Rowan said in unison: “Declan, why are you so late? I gave you tasks yesterday that you didn’t complete, and now you’re talking back to your superior. Shouldn’t you apologize to Rowan?” I stood still, unfazed. Rowan put on a show of concern: “Megan, Declan used to be the Vice President, so he might have a bit of pride.” He looked at me with a spiteful grin. “Declan, as the Vice President, I have to enforce discipline. If everyone starts at 9 AM, you must be here by 7 AM. Miss it once, and I’ll cut your attendance bonus. How does that sound?” I scoffed: “You think you have the authority to cut my attendance bonus?” Seeing I was not giving Rowan any respect, Megan slammed the table and threatened: “Declan, watch your tone! Do you think just because the company went public, I can’t fire you?” The crowd, seeing the CEO’s anger, joined in: “Declan, have you lost your mind? Anger our Megan, and you’ll suffer!” “Exactly, you’re just a small-time supervisor now, and you dare speak like this? Do you want to quit?” Their smug expressions were a stark contrast to when they used to flatter me, calling me ‘Brother Declan.’ I met Megan’s glare and calmly said: “Then go ahead and fire me if you can.” Rowan looked at me incredulously, sizing me up with a cold smile: “Declan, are you insane from the shock? Once you’re fired, which company would want you? You want to resign? I’ll help you—” Before he could finish, Megan interrupted with a sharp command: “Enough arguing!” She looked at me arrogantly: “Declan, stop making a scene. There’s a pile of work waiting for you. I’ll give you one more chance to make up for it.” After she spoke, everyone in the room exchanged glances and, in a coordinated move, piled their files into my arms. Before I could react, my arms were buried under a mountain of files, almost breaking them. Rowan, full of mockery, jeered: “Megan’s right. Declan, go to the lab, complete 18 sets of data, and submit five reports by the end of the day, or I’ll dock your salary!” Even if I worked non-stop for a month, I couldn’t finish it all. It was obviously a setup. They thought I had no other option, that I had to beg them? I laughed bitterly and let go. Files scattered to the floor. Everyone looked stunned. I asked coldly: “Have you ever seen a company’s owner do this much work?” Rowan seemed to think of something and sneered: “Owner? Declan, are you still dreaming you hold that ten percent stake? Megan and I are the real owners of the company!” Megan, impatient, snapped: “Declan, don’t get arrogant just because you have a bit of authority. Our publicly traded company has plenty of talent eager to join. Giving you a supervisor position is already generous.” “If you keep this up, you’ll start from an intern! Better review the company’s bylaws!” The crowd, even more indignant, chimed in: “Declan, don’t refuse a good offer only to suffer the consequences. If you don’t want to work, then leave. Anger Megan, and you’ll regret it!” I smirked, pushed through the crowd, pulled out a boss’s chair, and sat down. Crossing my arms, I looked around at their shocked faces and said seriously: “I’m giving you all one last chance to apologize. Otherwise, don’t blame me for firing all of you.” Seeing me so calm, everyone started to panic and instinctively looked at Megan. Megan, eyes wide with embarrassment, said: “Do you really doubt me? Can’t you tell who your boss is?” She shouted for the head of the legal department: “Bring out the ownership certificate for the company!” Rowan, regaining his composure, looked smug: “Declan, you’ve really blown it this time, angering Megan. Do you know what you’re doing? Fraud. Our legal department isn’t to be underestimated.” “If you don’t want to end up in jail, kneel and beg us. Maybe if you please us, we’ll let you off.” Someone even tried to pull me out of the chair. Just then, the head of the legal department found the certificate. Megan, without even looking, coldly said: “Tell them who the real owner of the company is!” The legal head looked at Megan with a complex expression before respectfully handing the certificate to me, asking: “Chairman, Megan and Rowan have been using your name for fraud. Do you want me to draft a lawsuit for fraud charges?”
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