No More Free Rides

That twisted, robber-style logic actually made me laugh.

"Mr. Carter, I stopped the shuttle because the administrative department ruled that I was in violation and fined me for it." I pushed the penalty notice toward him.

He did not even glance at it. He waved his hand and knocked it aside.

"Don't give me that useless procedural nonsense! You're a sales manager. You're supposed to see the bigger picture!

"The Smith Group is about to acquire Bluebell Bio Tech, and right at this critical moment, this kind of mess happens. If it delays the acquisition, can you afford the consequences?"

I froze for a second.

That was when I remembered mentioning to my dad before that I wanted to bring Bluebell Bio Tech under the Smith Group.

I had not expected him to already set things in motion.

Seeing me fall silent, James Carter loosened his tie and pointed at the copy of the rental contract, speaking with complete confidence.

"Since you've been paying for the vans these past three years, that means you clearly don't care about this amount of money.

"I'm giving you a chance to fix this. The fine is already paid, but you must restore the shuttle service immediately.

"You'll still pay for it yourself. Go rent two better buses right now, calm everyone down, and restore the company's reputation."

The conference room went dead silent. Wade and Selena both looked openly pleased.

I stared at the man in front of me, his face full of smug authority, and asked calmly,

"Mr. Carter, are you saying that not only will the fine not be refunded, but I'm also expected to keep paying out of my own pocket to do charity work for the company? On what grounds?"

"On the grounds that I'm senior management!"

His attitude shifted completely. "Jennifer, don't think I don't know where your money comes from. Without this company platform, do you think you'd have access to those high-level resources?"

His voice turned colder, carrying an obvious threat.

"I'll make this clear. Either you contact the rental company right now and restore the shuttle service, and from now on you personally cover all the costs as your responsibility for this incident…

"Or you can pack your things and leave. This company doesn't need someone who only thinks about herself and refuses to take responsibility."

Selena immediately chimed in, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

"Exactly. Ms. Smith, you've benefited so much over the years. What's wrong with giving a little back now? Don't be so stingy."

I did not argue, and I did not get angry. I simply looked at him calmly.

"Since you think I don't belong in this company, Mr. Carter, then I'll leave."

He clearly had not expected me to agree so quickly. He paused, then his embarrassment turned into anger.

"Leave? Fine! Get out right now! Don't expect a single cent of severance! Wade, process her exit immediately. I want her gone now!"

Security "escorted" me out of the building. The whole sales department was in an uproar, but no one dared to speak up for me.

Selena even followed me to the entrance, her face full of smug satisfaction.

"Well, Ms. Smith. Oh wait, I should just call you Jennifer now, right? How does it feel to be fired? That's what you get for going against me."

I looked at her, my expression calm, like I was looking at a complete stranger.

Just then, a black luxury car slowly pulled up at the company entrance.

The driver, wearing gloves, stepped out quickly. He ignored the stunned security guards and Selena, and took the box from my hands.

"Ms. Smith, Mr. Smith has already been informed of your termination. He asked me to pick you up."

His tone was respectful and controlled.

"He said that since this 'experience' is now over, it's time for you to return and take over group affairs. The acquisition of Bluebell Bio Tech is still awaiting your signature."