Chapter 4
1082 Words
Perhaps it was because my contract had only a month left, but my mood improved, and I felt more energetic.
I'd been going to meetings more often and organizing the handover of my work. Bill wanted me to mentor Karen before I left, but I decided against it since it was not in my contract.
Besides, I had bigger plans to focus on—like my future.
This was what life was like. When one opportunity slipped away, another one always appeared.
In my five years at the Moore Group, I'd built some incredible connections and resources.
Capital was always about chasing profits, and as long as I had a solid business model that brought higher returns to investors, I wouldn't have to worry about funding. I could easily find investors willing to back my company.
Knock, knock. The sound pulled me out of my thoughts. The director of the operations department walked in looking a bit helpless, carrying a folder.
"Hey, Mr. Lambert, our biggest export partner's proposal was rejected by Ms. Moore without hesitation as soon as she heard you were in charge of it!"
I took the document and gave it a once-over. It was typical of Karen to do something like this, turning work into a personal grudge match.
The proposal was to add a shipping route to Waveland Port, which would let the Moore Group dominate the three major domestic ports seamlessly. It would save money for our partners and boost our orders—a total win-win. Yet she dismissed it outright.
It didn't matter, though. I did my part by suggesting it, and as the president, Karen should be the one to make decisions. What happened to the Moore Group was beyond my concern.
"Just go with Ms. Moore's directive and reject it," I said expressionlessly.
"Mr. Lambert, this partner is crucial for our company. Shouldn't you try to persuade Ms. Moore one more time?"
"No need," I said firmly.
The operations director hesitated, "With so many new trade companies popping up, we might lose this partner!"
I closed the folder and handed it back, emphasizing the importance of respecting Karen's choices.
He didn't press further and left, though I could see disappointment in his eyes.
Actually, it was not a bad thing. Soon, they would be dealing with this kind of approval process every day. Karen was their president, and they'd need to adjust to her style.
I worked until evening, and my stomach ached, reminding me that I had skipped lunch again.
I picked up my phone to order takeout when it rang.
"Your queen is calling! Your queen is calling!" That silly ringtone was Karen's doing.
"Are you deaf or something? Didn't you see my w******p message? I told you to come over and serve me when I'm eating. Where are you?"
"I have a lot of work," I said calmly.
Karen snapped, "No excuses, Andy. Listen, you have five minutes to get your stupid *ss over here!"
She hung up before I could respond, as arrogant as ever.
I sighed and checked the location she sent on w******p.
It was a villa in the city that the Moore family owned, one Karen often used for parties.
Her lifestyle hadn't changed in the last five years—night after night of parties, living lavishly. Even five years ago, when she nearly got into trouble from drinking, she didn't change a thing.
While I didn't quite get it, I still had a month left on my contract, and until then, I was obliged to look after her.
***
Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the villa. I was quite familiar with the route. The sounds of music and laughter guided me to the lawn by the pool.
As I glanced across the pool, my heart skipped a beat. Surrounding Karen were familiar faces, all my college alumni. I even spotted my old roommate right away.
'Has Karen organized this party as a sort of college reunion?' Before I could delve further into my thoughts, voices called out to me from across the pool.
"Oh, look, it's Andy, our university's genius!"
"Andy was so high and mighty back in school. What makes him come over to the party?"
"He was such a campus heartthrob, with girls queuing up to date him."
"Hey Andy, why are you standing there? Come over here!"
Waving me over was Oliver Johnson, our class representative, who had a bit of a snobbish streak. He was respectful only to those he found useful, and since I was our professor's favorite, he used to treat me with respect, too.
Just as I was about to walk around the pool, Karen called out, her voice laced with drunken mischief.
"Stop! Andy, if you ignored my messages, you've gotta pay. Swim over here with a doggie paddle."
As soon as she said it, I saw the shocked expressions from the crowd on the other side of the pool.
Without a word, I jumped into the pool and swam over as Karen had instructed.
Climbing onto the lawn, I stood before her. One of my former roommates, someone I'd gotten along well with, jumped up to offer me a seat.
"Hey Andy, have a seat here."
Karen kicked the chair aside, sneering, "Do you think you deserve to sit? Stand here and serve drinks."
"Yes, Ms. Moore." I took the wine glass from her hand and stood by her side obediently.
"You're a f*cking eyesore. Stand behind me," Karen snapped.
"Yes." I moved back without reacting.
Everyone was stunned. Some looked at me with disdain, others in surprise, and a few seemed like they wanted to intervene but held back.
Breaking the awkward silence, Oliver started clapping, his tone mocking.
"Oh, our genius is exceptional! Who else here could endure this kind of humiliation? Hahaha."
"You don't know Andy well enough. How about I make him bark like a dog for some real entertainment?" Karen glanced back at me, her intent obvious.
Before my old classmates, the composure I'd maintained over the years started to waver. I tightened my grip on the wine glass.
"Andy, don't ruin my fun," Karen said, emphasizing each word.
I took a deep breath and barked, "Woof, woof, woof..."
Oliver clapped again, taunting, "Isn't there an old saying about this?"
He looked around the group before turning his mocking gaze on me, "The ones who ace their studies end up working like slaves. They will never be the boss themselves!"
- Writer
