Chapter 7: Ghost in the Machine

All morning, my phone and email were unusually quiet. The work group chat, once lively, was now silent.

When I went to the break room, I ran into Marcus, who was nursing a cup of coffee.

He leaned against the counter, staring into his mug like it could give him advice.

I asked, “Did you all set up a new group chat? Why haven’t I received any messages?”

He nodded and whispered, “Yeah, Grant set it up himself. He added everyone except you. All operations matters now go through Emily, and Grant told her to report directly to Vice President Parker if she’s unsure.”

Seeing my face change, Marcus quickly explained, “Derek, don’t get me wrong. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to upset you.”

I felt the blood rush to my head. Wasn’t this classic workplace ostracism?

But this was just the beginning.

In the days that followed, I quickly realized my so-called Operations Manager role had been completely hollowed out. My work account permissions were changed—I couldn’t access any core company content. Senior management assigned tasks directly to Emily, and team members bypassed me entirely. Even the partners I managed were gradually handed over to Emily by Grant Chandler.

But what chilled me most were the dozen or so team members I’d personally trained. Over the years, I’d taken responsibility for them, fought for their raises, leave, and extended maternity leave, and helped them solve countless tough problems. But when I became the target, they all turned on me without hesitation.

This company was rotten to its core.

I stood in the restroom staring at my own reflection, realizing I had become a ghost in my own workplace.