The Layoff That Made Me Legendary

My contract with the company is about to come to an end, and I'm already planning to renew it. But a few days before that, my boss, Dustin Kline, requested that I lower the percentage of my bonus in the project.

The reason he gave is that I'm still young. Even if I were to take over other projects, I'd also do a good job.

Dustin even made empty promises to me just so he could get me to give the projects I'm in charge of to Sandy Richmond, the new department manager in the company.

When I refused to do so, he threatened to not give me my salary in order to get me to comply.

The next day, the company is reduced to a laughing stock at the product launch event. Our client thinks the company's technological skills are too weak to back up the big talk, so they refuse to pay the remainder of the contracted sum.

When Dustin begs me for help, I just look at him in amusement.

"I refuse to get manipulated by anyone in this workplace. You're more than capable of dealing with your own problems. I believe in you, Mr. Kline."

At that moment, I was sitting in Dustin Kline's office, listening to his toxic motivational talk.

"Brooke, you're still young. So, how about handing over your current project to the new hire, Sandy Richmond, and let her achieve some results first?"

It sounded like a question, but his tone was firm and left no room for discussion.

I was utterly confused. If the goal was to help Sandy secure her position by having her take on a new project, why did he have to drag me into it?

I might not have much education, but he had better not try to fool me.

"Mr. Kline, according to the contract, today is my last day as an intern. How will my salary be handled?"

Dustin saw my clear yet puzzled expression, and a look of "just as I expected" appeared on his face.

"You young people shouldn't always focus on money. Your internship salary will remain as before."

I was still bewildered and didn't quite catch on.

Seizing the opportunity, Dustin continued, "Brooke, look—you're still young and not as experienced as those who have been in the workplace for years. As a project lead, you're just not quite qualified yet.

"Why don't you hand over your project to the new department manager, Sandy? The company has reassigned you to a new position, right at the desk next door."

I gathered my thoughts. So, they wanted to exploit cheap labor and take credit for my work as well.

I raised an eyebrow and looked at Dustin with a smile. "And what if I refuse?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, Dustin's expression darkened instantly. "If that's the case, it might be quite difficult to justify approving your salary for the month."

I thought for a moment, then replied, "Fine, I'll follow your arrangements, Mr. Kline."

As expected, Dustin broke into a smile once more. "That's the spirit. Bigger things await you. Keep up the good work."

Dustin had really outdone himself.

I slogged my guts out on this project. While others worked their regular hours, I pulled endless overtime. In the early stages, I was doing the work of three people all by myself.

And now they wanted to screw me over and walk away with everything when my contract was up? It was quite rare to come across someone who didn't care about repeat business like this.

After stepping out of Dustin's office, I noticed my teammates whispering among themselves, and one even rolled their eyes at me.

At my workstation, Sandy was directing others to move my computer, while the rest of my belongings had been carelessly tossed into a corner.

Sandy covered her mouth in feigned surprise when she saw me.

"That was fast. Brooke, don't be upset. Pull yourself together and come to my office later to do a handover."

"Sure, I'll head over once I've packed up my things," I replied calmly.

Staring at Sandy's despicable expression, I mentally gave her a kick. Her award-worthy performance was such a pick-me move.

"Ms. Richmond is Mr. Kline's girlfriend, so how could a regular employee like Brooke ever measure up to her?"

"Finally, someone's putting her in her place."

Even without Dustin's announcement, everyone already knew the project had changed hands.

Judging by the gleeful looks from colleagues who joined around the same time as I did, it was clear they were nothing but fair-weather friends.