Chapter 6: Outcast

The next morning at work, I found all my things piled in the hallway outside the office door. Marcus was helping me sort them.

“What happened?” I asked, confused.

Marcus glanced back, saw me, and stood up. His eyes were full of anger. He gestured toward the office and whispered, “Emily has moved into your office.”

“Grant Chandler personally arranged it. He said when you arrive, I should tell you to move to the open office area with us for easier communication.”

I glanced at my colleagues. The same people who used to call me ‘Derek’ with such warmth were now pretending to fix their hair or focus on work, all acting as if they hadn’t seen me.

I said calmly, “It’s fine, it doesn’t matter where I sit.”

Marcus and I moved my things to the only empty spot in the farthest corner—the place furthest from the air conditioner and windows, where no one would sit if they had a choice.

The spot was stuffy, with a constant draft from the hallway. It was basically corporate Siberia.

Just as I finished organizing my desk, Grant Chandler arrived with Emily.

He clapped loudly. “Everyone, stop what you’re doing. I have an announcement.”

His voice was loud, and colleagues quickly stood up, waiting respectfully.

He cleared his throat. “From now on, Emily is promoted to Operations Manager and will co-manage the Operations Department with Derek.”

Colleagues were stunned, exchanging glances. Someone quickly recovered and started clapping to congratulate her, and the rest followed suit.

Grant Chandler nodded in satisfaction and continued, “Emily is a graduate student from a top university and has experience at a Fortune 500 company. I hired her at a high salary.”

He looked at me. “Derek, from now on, cooperate with Manager Emily’s work. If you have questions, consult Manager Emily. Although you have years of experience, your highest degree is only a bachelor’s.”

He was publicly humiliating me.

I clenched my fists, forced myself to relax, then smiled and applauded. “Then I hope that under Manager Emily’s leadership, our operations department will reach even greater heights.”

My voice sounded too bright, almost brittle. I knew the others could hear the strain.