It was ridiculous, really. Bryan had stolen my project, so if something went wrong, it was his responsibility to begin with. And yet, Caitlin could actually praise him for just doing his job?

Caitlin's face hardened as she pointed a finger at me. "Zane, I'll give you one last chance—"

I cut her off. "Stop. No matter how many times you say it, I'm not going to help clean up your messes anymore. Since Bryan is so capable, what do you have to worry about if you just leave it to him?"

Because I kept pushing back, Caitlin's face turned red with rage.

"I gave you a chance. Don't you regret this. Not only am I approving your resignation, but I'll also make sure you're blacklisted across the entire industry. Let's see who else would want you besides me!"

She dragged a bewildered Francis into Bryan's car and sped off.

I shook my head, completely unconcerned. Then, I tossed the flowers into the trash and turned to walk into the bar.

I was in the middle of having a great time when Uncle Donovan called to ask me about the blacklisting.

After I briefly explained the situation, he let out a cold snort and said, "Caitlin has gotten way too cocky for her own good. She's barely made a name for herself and she's already pulling stunts like this? Don't worry. I'll help you get even."

I hung up in a daze and kept partying with Wendell. When I finally got home, I was out like a light.

The next day, Michelle Koch from HR called to ask me to come back to the company to go through the offboarding process.

After grabbing breakfast, I took a cab to the company. I was heading toward Michelle's office when I ran right into Caitlin, who clearly hadn't been home all night.

She still hadn't gotten over her anger from the day before.

With her arms folded, she said mockingly, "And here I thought you'd hold out and play tough for a few more days. Instead, you came crawling back to beg after just one night. Too bad for you, you're too late. Bryan already resolved everything, so I don't need you anymore."

So that was why she had approved my resignation. It turned out she simply no longer had any use for me.

Bryan, thinking I was intimidated, put on a show of fake sympathy.

"Caitlin, don't be so ruthless. After all, Zane has been with the company for a long time. At least let him keep a job so he can make ends meet."

Caitlin covered her mouth and giggled.

"Since Bryan asked me to go easy on you, I might be willing to let you stick around as a security guard—if you apologize for how you behaved yesterday. But don't think I'll forgive you that easily. As for us getting back together, that depends on how you behave."

I shook my head. "No, thanks. I'm just here to complete the handover."

Caitlin raised an eyebrow and scoffed. "I see you're as stubborn as ever."

Behind her, I saw Uncle Donovan and the company chairman, Irvin Fischer, chatting and laughing as they walked toward us.

Caitlin spotted them too and said smugly, "See? I told you Mr. Eaton is Bryan's relative, and you didn't believe me. He already put in a word to have Mr. Fischer appoint me as CEO. Zane, even without you, I can still climb higher. But without me, you're nothing."

She shot me a sidelong glance and led Bryan over to greet them.

Uncle Donovan approached with a smile and said to Mr. Fischer, "It just so happens my nephew is here today too. Come to think of it, I've never formally introduced the two of you."

Caitlin's face lit up with delight as she pushed Bryan forward. "Bryan is outstanding at his job. He must have inherited your family's excellent genes."

Uncle Donovan let out a cold snort at that, then waved me over.

"Come here."

Caitlin smirked at me, clearly enjoying this. "Mr. Eaton, rest assured that I've already fired Zane for crossing Bryan. If you're still not satisfied, we can—"

Mr. Fischer couldn't take it anymore and exploded in fury. "You fool! Zane is Donovan's nephew! You abused your authority by not only pushing him out as the project lead but also firing him! Caitlin, is this how you run a company? You're fired! Pack your things and get out right now!"