Fired For Leaking Secrets To A Stray Cat

On the first work day after the holidays, Samuel Cooper, the department director, suddenly corners me at my workplace with an HR executive and two security guards.

"Levi Young, you are fired! Now, hand over your work badge!"

I frown instantly at Samuel. As I look at the growing crowd, I reply calmly, "Mr. Cooper, are you burning bridges now?"

The Christmas holidays have lasted for nine days. But I'm the only one who has been working throughout the holidays. As soon as work starts after the holidays, Samuel wants to fire me right away.

Samuel huffs coldly at me. "You leaked the company's core secrets! The fact that I'm not demanding compensation from you shows how kind-hearted I am! How dare you proclaim your so-called grievances before me!"

"I… leaked the company's secrets?"

I've been working at this company for five years. Sure, I've managed countless projects, but I have never made any mistakes as well.

The sight of my stunned expression makes Samuel scoff in return.

"That's enough. Cut it with the act! The security camera in the office has recorded everything clearly! On the night of Christmas Eve, you recited a long string of numbers and alphabets into your phone! What else could it be other than an encrypted message?"

I'm left feeling flabbergasted for a few more seconds before realization dawns on me.

The thing is… I was sharing the Wi-Fi password to a stray at the company that night!

As soon as Samuel Cooper finished speaking, the HR representative beside him handed over a resignation agreement that had obviously been prepared in advance.

"Mr. Cooper specifically pleaded your case with the headquarters. They're even waiving the compensation penalty for breach of contract. Just sign the resignation agreement and pack your bags."

My head buzzed from the sheer absurdity of it all.

Right before the holidays, I had practically drunk myself sick and gotten a stomach ulcer just to secure deals worth over 100 million dollars for the company.

I had planned to finally relax during the holidays, but out of nowhere, Samuel had announced that the department would draw lots to decide who would stay behind for overtime duty.

It made no sense to me at that time. We were a tech company. There was absolutely no reason for anyone to be on call during the holidays.

Nevertheless, I went along with the management's decision and joined the draw.

Of course, out of everyone there, I was the unlucky one who got picked. The luxury week-long vacation I had booked months in advance had to be canceled on the spot.

What I never expected was that the moment my nine straight days of overtime work ended, I would immediately be called in and laid off.

Seeing that I was speechless, Samuel lost his patience. He snatched the agreement from HR and slapped it right in my face. The sharp edges of the papers scraped across the bridge of my nose, drawing blood.

I took a