The 99th Rejection Chapter 2

"So, the prodigal son finally comes to his senses?" Thomas said, surprised.

"I used to think that with enough time and sincerity, I could melt even the coldest heart," I replied with a sigh. "Guess I was just naive."

Thomas clicked his tongue disapprovingly. "I told you, Evelyn was never the right one for you. But did you listen? No, you had to hit rock bottom first. When have I ever steered you wrong?"

I gave a wry smile and said nothing. The truth was, no one needed unsolicited advice—some lessons you just had to learn the hard way.

After a moment, Thomas' tone softened. "I'm glad you've finally come around. I'll arrange for you to meet some suitable matches right away."

"And come home more often," he added. "Your mother misses you terribly. She blames me, says I've been too hard on you."

"Okay," I agreed.

After a pause, Thomas said, "While you're at it, why don't you quit that job of yours? I'll shut down those projects anyway."

"What projects?" I asked, confused.

"You cocky little punk," Thomas said with a laugh. "You really thought you were such a hotshot, closing all those big deals over a few drinks? Without me pulling strings behind the scenes, that tiny company of yours would've gone belly up ages ago."

I froze for a moment. Then it hit me. All these years, I'd thought everything I'd built was through my efforts, but it turned out he'd been helping me all along.

That night, I never made it home.

I had forgotten all about the endless housework, the trivial work tasks, and even Evelyn.

I felt so light, and for once, I had a good night's sleep, dreamless and deep.

When I opened my eyes again, it was already eleven. I got dressed and leisurely made my way to the company.

Right at the entrance, I bumped into Evelyn, who was waiting for the elevator.

Evelyn frowned at me and scolded, "What are you doing here so late? Your bonus for this month is canceled!"

I walked in nonchalantly. "Whatever, it's peanuts anyway."

Evelyn mistook my indifference for acceptance. Her eyes glinted with mockery. "Weren't you all high and mighty on the phone yesterday? Talking about quitting, staying out all night... and now you have the nerve to show up for work? Probably blew all your cash, huh?"

Evelyn had that smug look on her face like she knew everything like I couldn't survive without her.

She held her head high, arrogant as a swan.

I knew she was waiting for me to grovel and apologize.

But I just smiled faintly and handed her the resignation letter I had prepared.

"Ms. Johnson, I'm afraid you're mistaken. I'm not here to work. I'm here to resign."

Evelyn was clearly caught off guard by my outburst. Her expression was a mixture of shock and disbelief. "Christopher, what the hell has gotten into you?" she asked, her voice sharp.

I shrugged nonchalantly. "Ms. Johnson, you always tell us that the company doesn't keep dead weight around. Since you seem to think I'm just skating by and not pulling my weight, I don't have the nerve to stay here any longer."

"Besides," I continued, my voice dripping with sarcasm, "you clearly think Andrew is way more capable than me. I should just quit now and let him take over, right?"

As if on cue, Andrew appeared, clutching a stack of files to his chest. He'd obviously heard the whole exchange.

His eyes welled up with tears. "Christopher," he whimpered, "are you fighting with Ms. Johnson because you're jealous of me?"

"Everything I do is for the company," he went on, his voice cracking with emotion. "I just want to help Ms. Johnson!"

"It's all my fault," he sobbed. "I didn't know my place. I've made you both misunderstand. Ms. Johnson, maybe you should just fire me!"

His performance was so over-the-top, so blatantly fake, that anyone could see through it—anyone except Evelyn.

Her eyes softened with sympathy. "Don't blame yourself, Andrew," she soothed. "You're doing a great job."

She then turned her icy gaze back to me. "Look at Andrew," she said, her voice filled with disdain. "He's so mature and dedicated. And then there's you, always jealous, always goofing off. You're so immature."

I saw Andrew peek out from behind Evelyn and shoot me a smug look, like a dog marking his territory.

In the past, this would have driven me crazy with jealousy. But now, I just watched the whole charade with detached amusement. They were like two clowns putting on a show for my entertainment.

Andrew then pulled a contract from his pocket. "Ms. Johnson," he said, "I need you to sign this. I've been working on it for three days straight."

"Of course," Evelyn replied, taking the contract without a second thought. She was about to sign when I spoke up.

"There's something wrong with that contract," I said, frowning. "You shouldn't sign it."