When I returned from my business trip, I found my slippers still damp. I asked my wife Selena if we’d had any visitors. She paused for a moment, then smiled and answered: “How could that be? You know I’m terrible at socializing. I just stayed home alone all weekend.” I smiled noncommittally. When she went out shopping, I carefully checked every corner of the house. Someone had used the razor in the bathroom. The robe in the closet had been worn. Most egregious of all, an entire box of condoms was missing from the nightstand. Two days. Twelve condoms. Seemed like the guy had quite the stamina. I suppressed my rage and pulled out my phone to message the property manager: “Pull all surveillance footage from the past two days. Remember, this stays between us!” The next day when I got to the office, the surveillance email was already waiting in my inbox. I clicked it open and dragged the progress bar. The footage was clear, the timestamps precise. Starting three days ago, a man had indeed been frequently entering and leaving my home. The last recording stopped one hour before I arrived home: The elevator doors opened. He walked out with his arm around Selena’s waist. Outside the closed entrance door, they kissed passionately, unable to tear themselves apart. Selena’s hand even slipped inside his coat, with an initiative and fervor I’d never seen from her. I recognized him immediately. Gavin Sterling, Selena’s newly hired assistant. I’d seen his resume. Twenty-five years old, just back from studying in Europe. Six-foot-two, great physique, handsome face. The video froze on the image of him lowering his head to kiss Selena’s neck. A knock sounded at the door just then. The door opened, and in walked Gavin himself. He wore a perfectly tailored light gray suit that accentuated his height and long legs. His hair was impeccably styled, and his eyes carried the undisguised sharp energy of youth, even a hint of lazy arrogance. He held a file folder in his hands. “Mr. Carter. Ms. Hayes asked me to bring over this year-end bonus confirmation list. It needs your signature.” He walked to my desk and set down the folder. I looked up at him. He remained completely composed, even smiling at me. That smile carried some indescribable meaning. Usually with these kinds of documents, when Selena delivered them or had the secretary bring them, I’d basically scan the total amount and sign off. But today, I reached out, took the folder, and opened it. I flipped through page by page. The bonus amounts ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands, consistent with the company’s performance this year. When I turned to the last page, my movement stopped. Gavin’s name read: Year-end bonus: one million dollars, plus a complimentary car. My gaze lingered on those numbers for two seconds before I looked up. Gavin. “Mr. Carter, is there a problem?” He inquired, his tone still polite, but with a hint of impatience. “Ms. Hayes is waiting for me.” I said nothing more and signed my name. “Thank you, Mr. Carter.” He took back the folder I handed him, flipped through to confirm the signature, and closed it. Just as he turned around, I clearly saw his lips move rapidly a few times. No sound, but the mouth shape distinctly formed three words: “Old bastard.”
He didn’t even bother closing the door as he left. I sat in my chair, unmoving. The cap of my pen slowly clicked back into place with a soft “click.” Sunlight streamed in through the window, falling across one corner of the desk, somewhat glaring. I pressed the intercom for my secretary. “Mr. Carter?” “Close the door.” “Yes, sir.” After a soft closing sound, the office returned to silence. I looked at the minimized icon of the surveillance email, my finger rubbing against the mouse, but ultimately I didn’t click it open again. Ten minutes later, the front desk called. “Mr. Carter, Ms. Hayes and Gavin just left together. They took… your Porsche.” “I see.” I hung up. I stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. Downstairs, that black Porsche Panamera slowly drove out of the parking garage, merged into traffic, and quickly disappeared from view. The glass reflected my image—suited and expressionless. A few minutes later, I opened the in-car surveillance app. The image was clear, the audio crisp. Gavin’s left hand rested on the steering wheel, his right hand casually placed on Selena’s stockinged leg. His fingers stroked up and down with practiced familiarity. Selena had one hand on his arm, her face tilted slightly upward to look at him, her eyes and brows full of smiles, her cheeks flushed. The dignified beige suit jacket she’d worn at the office today had already been removed, tossed in the back seat. She wore only a silk blouse, the top two buttons undone. Where was even half the serious, professional demeanor she showed at the company? “You said earlier that he looked at it carefully?” Selena’s voice came through, carrying a soft coquettish tone and a trace of barely perceptible nervousness. “Flipped through several pages, even paused on mine.” Gavin chuckled lightly, his fingers tracing a line across her leg. “What, scared?” “I’m just a bit surprised.” Selena paused, her body leaning closer to him. “Usually with my documents, he never looks closely, just signs right away.” “You’re worried he noticed something?” Gavin glanced at her sideways, a smirk on his lips. “Relax, that old fool’s head is filled with nothing but business and money. Spends all day figuring out how to make the next million, never imagining he’s being played for a fool right under his nose.” Selena playfully swatted him, the force light: “That’s such an awful thing to say.” “Awful?” Gavin laughed out loud, his hand moving higher, slipping under the edge of her skirt. “There are even worse things I could say. Want to hear them? Yesterday, who was whispering in my ear—” “Shut up!” Selena covered his mouth, her face redder, but her eyes glistened with seductive charm. Red light. The car stopped. Gavin took the opportunity to grab her hand, pulling it to his lips and kissing her palm, then turned his head and kissed her. Not a chaste peck, but a deep and lingering kiss. Selena only gave his shoulder a token push before melting in his arms, her arms wrapping around his neck, responding fervently. I watched expressionlessly. Only when the car behind honked and the light turned green did Gavin reluctantly release her, licking his lips before driving on. Selena leaned back in her seat, straightening her disheveled hair and blouse, her chest rising and falling slightly, the flush still on her face. “Did you book the hotel?” She asked, her voice still slightly breathless. “Booked. The usual place.” “Suite with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river. You love that spot, don’t you?” “Mm.” Selena hummed softly, her hand returning to his leg, fingertips drawing circles. “So… what about my reward? I went to some trouble to balance those books. A million plus a car—those old fossils on the board nearly saw through it.” “I know my Selena is the most capable.” Gavin freed a hand to pinch her cheek, his eyes filled with undisguised desire and pride. “I’ll make sure to reward you properly later.” The car entered the busy commercial district, finally turning into a five-star hotel. I didn’t watch any further and closed the app.
Seven days later, the company annual gala. The banquet hall glowed brilliantly, crystal chandeliers illuminating clinking glasses below. I stood by the main table exchanging pleasantries with several board members, though my gaze occasionally swept toward the entrance. Selena and Gavin were the last to arrive. The two entered the hall side by side. Selena wore a wine-red off-shoulder gown, her makeup exquisite. The lingering flush on her cheeks was somewhat conspicuous, like the afterglow of a rushed arrival. Gavin walked beside her in a navy blue velvet suit, the youthful arrogance in his eyes completely unrestrained, even deliberately flaunted. I watched from a distance and let out a soft snort through my nose. I raised my glass, took a sip, and said nothing. “Mr. Carter.” Director Lewis beside me clinked glasses with a smile. “The company had excellent performance this year. We should be celebrating.” “Indeed we should.” I smiled back and drained my glass. After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively. The MC took the stage, voice energetic as he introduced tonight’s main event. The year-end bonus presentation. The hall erupted in cheers and applause, all eyes focused on the stage. I straightened my suit jacket and walked onto the stage. Taking the microphone, my gaze slowly swept across the crowd. Face after face filled with anticipation and excitement. Selena sat at the edge of the main table, posture elegant, though her hands resting on her lap tightened slightly. Gavin sat right beside her, back ramrod straight, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with complete certainty and pride. “First,” I began, my voice carrying through the speakers across the hall, “I want to thank everyone for their hard work this past year.” Thunderous applause. Following the list, I began announcing year-end bonuses one by one. Each name called brought an employee beaming to the stage, accepting their envelope with both hands and profuse thanks. Bonuses ranged from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands. Everyone wore broad smiles. Gavin watched the entire time. When a mid-level manager collected a two-hundred-thousand-dollar bonus, I caught him pulling his lips into what was nearly an undisguised sneer of contempt. He turned his head and said something quietly to Selena. She smiled with pursed lips and patted the back of his hand. The gesture was natural and intimate. Some in the audience noticed, casting curious glances their way. Gavin not only didn’t restrain himself but actually straightened his back even more, as if enjoying this secretive attention. Soon, the regular awards were distributed. The MC raised his voice appropriately: “Next up is tonight’s most exciting moment—the Annual Special Contribution Award!” “One million dollars cash, plus a BMW 7 Series!” The hall fell abruptly silent, then erupted in even more heated discussion. Everyone knew the weight of this award. “Who could it be? Maybe Vice President Smith?” “I think it’s Director Walker from Marketing. Their department doubled its performance this year.” “Could it be… Gavin?” someone said in a lowered voice. “He’s Ms. Hayes’ right-hand man.” Gavin clearly heard this remark. The curve of his lips deepened, a gleam of triumph in his eyes. Beside him, Selena gently smoothed her dress, maintaining a dignified smile on her face. I picked up the golden envelope and slowly opened it. “This year, the company welcomed a particularly special new member.” My gaze swept across the audience below. “She joined the R&D department less than six months ago, yet led the completion of the Starhaven Project’s core algorithm breakthrough, saving the company nearly ten million dollars and pioneering a new technical pathway.” Whispers began circulating below. Listening, Gavin’s triumphant expression slowly froze. Selena’s smile vanished as well. I continued: “She’s young, yet possesses astonishing talent and focus. She’s low-key, yet has achieved brilliant results.” “By unanimous decision of the board of directors, this year’s Special Contribution Award goes to…” I paused, my gaze landing precisely on Gavin’s face. His face had already begun turning pale, that smile frozen there like a crude mask. I withdrew my gaze and announced loudly: “From R&D, Quinn Rivers!” “Annual Special Contribution Award!”
Applause and cheers exploded simultaneously. The spotlight swept to an inconspicuous table in the corner. A young woman wearing black-framed glasses with her hair in a ponytail scrambled to her feet, her face written with bewilderment and disbelief. A colleague beside her gave her a push, and only then did she come to her senses, walking to the stage uncertainly. Gavin’s face, in that instant, turned completely purple. It was a color mixing shock, humiliation, and rage. He clenched his fists violently, knuckles white from the pressure, his previously straight back slightly hunched. He stared fixedly at Quinn on stage. Selena had clearly panicked as well. She quickly turned, one hand pressing on Gavin’s tense arm, her lips moving rapidly, saying something in a low voice. Gavin seemed not to hear at all, his chest heaving violently. Selena grew more anxious, finally secretly grabbing his hand under the table, her fingers tightly clasping his palm, trying to contain his about-to-explode emotions. From the stage, I saw everything clearly. Quinn had reached me, her face still dazed. I handed over the enormous bonus plaque and car key model. Her hands trembled as she received them. “Thank… thank you, Mr. Carter… thank you, company…” She was so excited she could barely form words. “You’ve earned it.” I smiled and shook her hand, patting her shoulder. Applause continued below. Many stood to cheer. Quinn clutched the awards, her face red as an apple, bowing repeatedly. After stammering through her acceptance speech, she walked off stage in a daze with her prizes. I cleared my throat and raised the microphone. “Everyone, quiet down please.” The banquet hall gradually fell silent, all eyes refocusing on the stage. “The year-end bonuses have been fully distributed.” “However, this year there is one more… very special reward.” Small commotion stirred below, curious whispers spreading. I nodded to my secretary standing at the side of the stage. She held a square gift box covered in deep blue velvet with silver ribbons, gleaming subtly under the lights. She walked onto the stage with steady steps and placed the box on the lectern before me. The box wasn’t large, but very refined. Gavin’s previously livid face underwent a change the instant he saw the box. The unwillingness and fury in his eyes receded like the tide, replaced by rekindled anticipation. He sat up straight, looking toward Selena. Selena also frowned slightly, confusion in her eyes. But soon, she gave Gavin an extremely subtle nod, as if reassuring him, or hinting at something. I reached out, lightly running my hand over the smooth velvet surface. “This reward has no set amount and isn’t related to performance.” My voice was steady, even carrying a trace of warm smile. “It only represents the company’s appreciation for a certain employee’s… unique ‘contribution.’” Gavin’s back straightened further, the corners of his mouth lifting uncontrollably. His eyes flashed with “just as I thought” understanding and a trace of arrogance. He probably assumed the million dollars and car were just a public front, and this “special reward” was the real grand gift prepared for him. Perhaps an enormous check, or something even more valuable like equity or property keys? The audience speculated similarly, gazes moving between Gavin and me. I raised my head, precisely catching his gaze, and smiled slightly. “Gavin.” I called his name. In an instant, the anticipation on Gavin’s face reached its peak. He took a deep breath, straightened the navy velvet suit he wore, trying to appear composed, but the eagerness and pride in his eyes nearly overflowed. He walked to stand before me, his lips forming a smile that could be called brilliant. “Mr. Carter.” His voice rang out, unable to suppress his excitement. I didn’t say much, just gestured toward the box on the lectern. Gavin stepped forward and lifted the velvet box with both hands. It felt somewhat light. A flash of doubt crossed his eyes, but was quickly covered by greater anticipation. He turned to face the audience, holding up the box like displaying a trophy, glancing toward Selena. Then, facing the entire hall, he declared loudly: “Thank you, Mr. Carter! Thank you for the company’s recognition! I will definitely continue working hard and not disappoint this… special favor the company has shown me!” Scattered applause rose from below. Clearly, his popularity in the company wasn’t good. Selena in her seat also showed a relieved smile, gently clapping. Gavin looked triumphant, eagerly beginning to untie the silver ribbon on the box. The velvet lid was finally lifted. The smile on his face, the moment he saw what was inside, completely froze. Inside the box was no check, no keys, nothing of value. Only five chicken butts. Each one plump and glistening with oil.
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