Chapter 2: Checkmate in the Boss’s Office

I didn’t let myself hesitate. I walked out the door, down the hallway, past Marvin’s desk—head held high. Felt pretty damn good.

It happened to be around payday, and after checking my bank account every day and seeing nothing, I called payroll. My stomach twisted every morning.

Each morning, I’d refresh my banking app, hoping for a miracle. After a week of nothing, I finally gave up and dialed HR. Enough was enough.

Ms. Grant in accounting was a seasoned pro. No matter how I asked, she just dodged the question and wouldn’t give me a straight answer. She’d been through this before.

She had a way of smiling through the phone, telling me to "check back next week" or "let her look into it." I knew the runaround when I heard it. I wasn’t buying it.

With no other choice, I went back to the company to sort it out. My nerves were shot, but I wasn’t letting them off the hook.

I steeled myself for the awkward walk through the lobby, nodding at the receptionist who gave me a sympathetic look. I marched straight to the boss’s office, determined not to leave empty-handed. My hands were sweating.

Back in the boss’s office, he looked smug. Like he’d been waiting for me to crawl back.

He leaned back, feet propped on the desk, like he’d been waiting for this moment. He didn’t even try to hide his grin.

“What, couldn’t make it out there? I told you, master’s grads aren’t worth much these days. The higher your education, the less companies want you. I’m generous, so I’ll dock this month’s pay and rehire you.”

He actually sounded like he was doing me a favor. I bit back a laugh. This guy was unbelievable.

I shook my head, refusing to play along.

I kept my voice steady. "I’m not coming back. I’m here to collect the salary and performance bonus you still owe me." I wasn’t backing down.

His smugness vanished. He frowned, impatient. The tables had turned.

He leaned forward, lips pressed thin. I could see the irritation building behind his eyes.

“Don’t you get it? Because you left without notice, your salary and bonus have been docked. You’re not getting a penny this month.”

He said it like it was a done deal, as if I’d just shrug and walk away. Not this time.

With my hands in my pockets, thumb on the recorder I’d already started, I forced a smile. Let’s see how he likes this.

I’d come prepared. I could feel the small recorder in my jacket, blinking quietly. This time, I’d have proof—no more "he said, she said."

“Words aren’t enough. How about we put it in a contract?”

I kept my tone light, but I watched his face carefully. Let’s see how far he’d go. The ball was in his court now.

A sly look flashed in his eyes. He thought he had me cornered. Not quite.

He thought he was about to win. I could see it in the way his mouth curled up at the edges. He had no idea.

“At least you know what’s good for you. You master’s grads—only I’m willing to hire you and give you a chance to learn. If you’re not grateful, at least don’t expect a high salary.”

He actually believed his own hype. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

Completely unsuspecting, he repeated all the conditions he’d discussed with me a few days ago. Then he pulled out a laptop, slid it across the desk, and told me to draft the contract right there. The arrogance was almost impressive.

He slid the laptop across the desk, fingers drumming impatiently. I opened a blank doc and started typing, careful to get every word just right. No mistakes.

Of course, I didn’t refuse. I wrote down every term as he said, reading them back to him one by one. I wanted everything on the record.

I made sure to speak slowly, making each clause crystal clear. No room for misunderstanding. Not this time.

“First, all employees with a master’s degree have a fixed salary of $1,500, with no performance bonuses, correct?”

He nodded. “The company is giving you a chance to learn. Once you’ve learned enough, we’ll of course pay you more.”

He said it with a straight face, as if the words made sense. I almost choked.

“Second, if I want a raise, I have to personally bring in two million in net profit for the company, which didn’t even make half a million last year, right?”

He agreed without hesitation. Not a single doubt.

He didn’t even blink. “A raise is a big deal. If you get one without outstanding contributions, it’ll cause unrest. How am I supposed to run the company then?”

“Third, if I don’t generate two million in net profit in a year, I have to work here for ten years before I can get a raise, right?”

He still didn’t catch on. “Our company cares about people. If you can stick it out for ten years, we’ll definitely take care of you.”

He actually sounded proud of the offer. I almost laughed.

“Finally, because I resigned, the company will deduct all my salary and bonuses?”

This time, he shook his head, finally showing a hint of caution.

He waved his hand. “Just your salary. The bonus was never yours to begin with.”

He picked up his coffee, took a sip, and continued slowly. Drawing out the moment, savoring his own words.

He savored his own words.

“You only finished this project because the company gave you access, and your colleagues guided you. If there’s a bonus, it should go to me, the boss, and the other senior staff in IT. It has nothing to do with you.”

He sounded so sure of himself, I almost wanted to laugh. Almost.

I asked again, just to make sure I had it right.

“Even if they do nothing at work, avoid all responsibility, and dump everything on me, that still counts as guidance?”

He looked displeased. “That’s them giving you a chance to grow. If you’re not grateful, at least don’t be sarcastic.”

He glared, as if daring me to argue. I just nodded, keeping my face blank. Poker face mode: on.

I nodded, printed the contract on his office printer. The machine hummed and clicked.

The printer whirred and spat out the pages. I stacked them neatly, sliding them across the desk. My heart thudded.

“All right, the contract’s ready. Boss, please sign and date it.”

I handed him a pen, watching his face for any sign of doubt. This was it.

He finally looked a little suspicious. The wheels were finally turning.

His eyes narrowed. He hesitated, glancing between me and the contract. Suspicion crept in.

“You seem eager for me to sign?”

He raised an eyebrow, but I just smiled. Innocent as could be.

I didn’t hide it. “I’ve got other things to do. The sooner this is settled, the better.”

I made sure to sound casual, as if this was just another task on my list. No big deal.

He nodded in satisfaction. “That’s the right attitude. You young folks just don’t want to suffer. When I was your age, I didn’t even make $1,500 a month, but I got through it, didn’t I?”

He launched into his usual speech about the good old days, but I tuned him out. My eyes were fixed on the contract as he signed, sealing his own fate.

He had no idea I’d recorded every word.