Called a Mooch, I Answered with Fire

I let out a cold laugh. It was so absurd it almost amused me.

“Ryan, if you hadn’t posted videos of me doing street marketing—and called me a gold-digging loser—how the hell would I damage the company’s image?” I stepped forward. “You’re the culprit here. If anyone should be fired, it’s you.”

Ryan slammed his hand on the desk.

“Ethan Carter, you’re just a bottom-tier salesman. Who gave you the right to talk back to me? Show some respect to your superiors!”

I actually laughed—respect? Coming from him?

That’s when Olivia walked in. After hearing what happened, she frowned at Ryan.

“Ryan, you don’t understand the full situation. Don’t make rash decisions.”

Ryan’s eyes immediately reddened, playing the victim.

“Olivia, I’m only thinking about the company.”

He jabbed a finger toward my chest.

“What’s so great about him? He’s just a gold digger living off you! Why do you always defend him? If he’s gone, I can take this company to the next level!”

I turned to Olivia and laughed under my breath.

“I held back because of you. And this is how he repays that kindness?”

I stared her straight in the eyes.

“Olivia, I only want one answer. The company chooses me—or him?”

Her brows knitted together, displeased.

“Ethan… he just graduated. He doesn’t understand how the company works yet. Do you really have to be so harsh? Can’t you be more forgiving?”

Forgiving?

I let him humiliate me publicly at the gala—I forgave.

He made me hand out flyers and called me a gold digger online—I forgave.

How much more forgiveness did she expect?

Should I clap for him when he fires me too?

Olivia looked away, avoiding my eyes.

Her silence poured gasoline on Ryan’s arrogance.

“Ethan, Olivia only tolerates you because you’re her husband. Don’t push your luck.”

He stepped beside her, practically pressing himself against her shoulder.

“You’re just a leech. Want to force Olivia to choose? Fine. Olivia, it’s him or me.”

Olivia looked between us—first at my calm, icy face… then at Ryan’s angry one.

And then she stepped closer to Ryan.

“Ethan, maybe you should take a temporary leave… cool off for a while?”

My world lurched. I stared at her, stunned.

“You’re really choosing him? He doesn’t know my value to this company—but you do.”

Finally, she snapped—exhaling her frustration like she’d been holding it in too long.

“What do you want me to do? You’re important to me, but he’s my closest college junior—he’s important too! I’m just one person. I can only choose one!”

So she chose him.

That moment… something inside me went silent. After a breath, I nodded.

“Fine. I’ll leave.”

She froze—mouth opening slightly—but said nothing.

Ryan leaned in even closer, eyes filled with triumph.

“You heard her, freeloader. Get lost.”

I gave Olivia one last lingering look… then turned and walked out.

Barely a minute after I stepped out of the building, my phone buzzed.

It was a message from Olivia:

"Babe, I didn’t mean what I said. Please don’t take it seriously. You have to understand me—I’m stuck between you two. Go home and rest. Once I calm Ryan down, I’ll make it up to you tonight… any way you want"