Corporate Math: Negative Commission

Jessica Sanders was apparently Richard's relative.

She received 100,000 dollars for so-called potential contributions, yet the 12-million-dollar deal that I bagged made me owe the company 250 dollars.

Rage and resentment bubbled up in me.

I snickered while opening the company's group chat. "How much did I get? I'll tell you all how much I got."

I uploaded my payslip.

I took a deep breath and started typing furiously.

[Mr. Gray, could you please explain to everyone how I signed a twelve-million contract, yet according to your calculations, my commission came out to negative 8,750, and I ended up owing the company 250?]

[How could the new intern, who's only been here for a month, get a 100,000 dollar bonus? What has she specifically done for the company to be worth that much?]

I leaned back in my chair, my chest heaving, my hands trembling slightly.

Richard replied in the group sternly.

[Eva, how could you discuss another colleague's pay on a public channel? This is a serious violation of company policy! As for Jessica's contribution to the company, I, as the boss, see it well. Her reward was completely justified. It's not your place to question it.

[You caused the company actual losses. This was confirmed by a strict cost assessment. The company has chosen not to hold you accountable, and that is already more generosity than you deserve. Don't push your luck by trying to cause a scene!]

It turned out that one could bullshit with such confidence.

With trembling fingers, I typed my response.

[Since signing a 12 million contract counts as a loss, then from today onward, I will behave and stay in my lane. I will be absolutely sure I never cause the company even the slightest loss again!]

I closed every work document and browser tab, then opened the system's built-in card game.

No deals made meant that there were no losses. Great.

So, I would stop working.

At half past five on the dot, I shut my computer and got up to leave. There would be no more working late, no more checking to see what other work there was to complete, or thinking of the important details to discuss with the clients.

"Eva, a-are you leaving already?" Brandon West, sitting next to me, asked in surprise. He still had a pile of work not done.

I nodded and replied calmly, "It's the end of the day. I'm not going to sit around and create more losses."

When I was by the door, I heard Richard bark, "Eva! Where is the client's data analysis report? Mr. Wood needs it by tomorrow morning!"

I stopped in my tracks and replied indifferently, "Mr. Gray, I'm not up for it. You should find someone more capable, or perhaps, the colleague who just got a bonus."

Richard's gaze darkened as he yelled, "Alright, fine! Then, Jessica will take over Mr. Wood's deal. You can say goodbye to being a team leader as well!"

Jessica excitedly interjected, "Mr. Gray, I won't let you down!"

I turned to leave with a sneer. I wanted to see if she could actually do it.

The next day, Richard could be heard having a call in his office.

"Mr. Wood, Eva's not feeling well recently. We've assigned an even more senior colleague to take her place. There will be no problems!"

My heart skipped a beat. He was talking to Albert Wood, the one whom I signed the 12-million-dollar contract with.

I snickered.

A senior colleague?

Who else in the company could untangle the labyrinth of customized requirements in that project as clearly as I could?

Richard came over to my desk.

"Eva, the company has decided to focus on developing Jessica. She'll take over as the project team leader. You need to adjust your mindset. Don't let emotions get in the way. The company doesn't depend on any one person. It'll go on just fine without you!"

I replied with a smile, "Of course, Mr. Gray. It's fine by me."

Jessica sat down smugly on the team leader’s seat I once held.