Ham for Shares? Fine, Enjoy Losing Everything

I lead my team to develop a new drug formula that passed its first clinical trial. It becomes the key to the company's IPO. So, the board votes unanimously to award me an additional 5% in shares.

But at the celebration party, my shares turn into three hams.

I assume it is a prank by my colleagues.

But to my surprise, Draco Faraday looks at me with disgust and says, "Don't think I don't know. You used your position as team leader to assign all the experimentation to Avery. Then, you take the credit for the results. This reward should go to her. As for you, you should be satisfied with the ham!"

Seeing Avery Blake looking both flattered and overwhelmed, I am rendered speechless.

I argue, "Avery is an art major. Does she even understand chemical formulas?"

Draco's expression darkens. "Cross-disciplinary expertise is her strength, not a weakness. I won't argue with you this time. If it happens again, I'll fire you!”

When I try to defend myself, he snaps, "Starting today, Avery is the team leader. You should get a taste of how it feels to be exploited."

I look at him in disbelief for a moment before nodding forcefully with a sneer. "Fine. From now on, I won't assist if the projects run into any issues. Don't regret it."

Draco looks at Avery approvingly."The only thing I regret is not making Avery the person in charge sooner."

The moment those words fell, my colleagues all raised their glasses toward Avery Blake.

"Congratulations, Ms. Blake! Lead us to greater success from here on!"

"Avery, you're amazing! Studying abroad really sets you apart, unlike some people who only know the same old tricks!"

I said nothing and simply stared at them.

Melissa Richmond, Avery's ever-loyal follower, let out a mocking laugh. "Some people really have no talent at all, but when it comes to throwing attitude, they're absolute pros."

Someone chuckled and chimed in, "Cut her some slack. Anyone would fall apart after watching ten million dollars in shares turn into a hundred and fifty dollars' worth of ham. I wouldn't be able to take it either."

Melissa added self-righteously, "Avery earned this with her own ability. It's not like she climbed up through connections."

"Mr. Faraday has remarkable insight. Avery is exactly the kind of talent the company needs. At this pace, going public is inevitable."

Avery smiled modestly. "It's a team effort. I only played a small part."

Draco Faraday gently took her hand. "You always downplay yourself, Avery. It's the greatest blessing of my life to have met you."

As I watched the two of them standing there like the perfect couple, a chill crept through my chest.

Back then, Avery had used Draco to steal the Faraday family's proprietary formula, driving Faraday Pharmaceuticals to the brink of collapse. His parents had been so furious and heartbroken that they died with deep resentment.

I had been the one who remained in the lab day and night