Gracie was about to leave with her "loot" when I called her out. "The finance department said the project bonus was transferred to you. Send it back—I need to split it based on each individual's workload."

At that, the coworkers perked up with excitement. "Finally, the bonus is here! The project took months to grind through!"

"Right? Did you see Mr. Pearson's face? He was so sour and clearly didn't want to lose to us!"

"Our team rules, thanks to Ms. Simpson's ability! Serves them right for losing, even after all the dirty tricks they pulled!"

Listening to them, I couldn't help but drift back to those late nights and hard work. I didn't get promoted to a senior supervisor role, but at least the bonus was a little consolation.

Still, I waited for a long time, only for Gracie to do nothing. Everyone's eyes turned toward her.

At last, she seemed to break. "Why is everyone staring at me? Isn't the bonus mine?"

The office went silent. There were no words to describe the mix of disbelief and speechlessness in everyone's mind.

"What kind of delusion are you having? Why would you receive tens of thousands of bonus on your first day at work?"

The anger that bubbled up was almost uncontrollable, and I turned to Matthew, who was standing beside me. "Mr. Zohart, why did you approve it when the finance department tried to wire it to her?"

"I-I just started and wasn't really sure," he stuttered. "I thought as long as the number matched, it was fine…"

Still, seeing the situation escalate, he immediately tried to mediate. "Gracie, transfer the money back to Claire now! She's the most senior here and knows how to split bonuses properly!"

"But Matty, I…" she whined defiantly. "I spent it!"

In the crowded office, Gracie's sharp words pierced everyone's ears like needles.

"I mean, the bonus should've been mine! You all have regular salaries, while I only have an intern wage," she argued.

"The bonus is the only way I'll make as much as you! The Zoharts always give me anything I want. Why are you guys acting so… so inconsiderate?"

Then, she jabbed a finger at me. "Especially you, Claire Simpson! You fanned the flames and rallied others to pick on me. Do you think I'm an easy target just because I came from a poor family?

"I'm the future daughter-in-law of the Zoharts, while you guys are just a bunch of office drones!"

Hearing that, Matthew froze for a moment before hurriedly waving his hands to stop things from escalating. "That's nonsense, Gracie. We—"

"You're not being truthful to yourself, Matty. You don't have to be afraid of this hag. You're the real heir of this company!"

My anger shot through the roof as I listened to their nonsense. That was it.

I was already frustrated from not getting promoted or a raise, but now, I had to endure a nepotistic brat yelling in my face? Who cared if she would be anyone's daughter-in-law? Even if Matthew's father showed up, I wouldn't stand for it!

With that, I ripped off my work badge and slammed it on the desk with a loud clang. "I'm done! I quit!"

At the peak of tension, Matthew's eyes darted around nervously. He suddenly dropped to his knees and clutched my leg, crying even louder than Gracie.

"You can't leave! I don't know how to do anything! If the team leader who actually gets things done quits, won't my family's empire collapse?"

The next second, a familiar voice came from behind. "Relax. Claire's not the only capable team leader in Zohart Group."