Lost the Company for “True Love”

All I did was grab an extra bottle of water after getting back from a field assignment.

That was enough for the new finance manager to call me out in front of the entire office.

“Claire, do you have any shame? You bring in nothing every month, live off base salary, and still think you can take advantage of the company?

“Transfer ten thousand into the team penalty pool. That’s your fine.”

I looked at her for a moment, then said calmly,

“Who do you think you are? If anyone’s going to fine me, Adrian can say it to my face.”

What she didn’t know—I wasn’t only the company’s top dealmaker, but also Adrian’s wife.

Eight years. A secret marriage no one knew about.

Was he really going to take her side instead of standing up for me?

The answer came fast.

“Claire, just do what Rebecca says. It’s not a big deal. Don’t be petty.”

I let out a quiet laugh.

Then I looked him straight in the eye.

“Adrian, if you think I’m petty…

“I’ll request a full AI payroll audit.

“Let’s see who really owes whom.”

Adrian Cole was already losing patience.

“Claire Bennett, are you done yet? Is this really worth making such a scene over? Just pay the penalty, and I’ll transfer it back to you later. Happy now?”

He glanced at Rebecca Shaw, his tone softening.

“She’s new. If you embarrass her on her first day, how is she supposed to manage the team?”

I looked at him.

So her dignity mattered.

Mine didn’t.

Rebecca smirked at me.

“Didn’t you hear Mr. Cole, Claire?”

She tapped the payroll report in her hand.

“I’ve reviewed your records. Top performer? That’s a joke. The AI payroll system is completely objective. If you’re only getting the minimum base salary every month, that means you’re not contributing anything meaningful.”

She crossed her arms, her voice turning sharp.

“People like you sit around doing nothing while collecting a paycheck. Honestly, you should’ve been fired a long time ago. Mr. Cole kept you out of kindness. A ten-thousand-dollar penalty is already generous.”

I looked at Adrian, holding onto the last bit of hope.

“Adrian… is that what you think too?

“If you have anything to say, say it now.”

If he had defended me, even a little, I would’ve let it go.

Like I always did.

But Adrian avoided my eyes.

Then he spoke.

“Enough. Rebecca is just stating facts. This is settled. Stop making things worse.”

Rebecca immediately slipped her arm through his.

“Adrian, I knew you wouldn’t forget those years we had in college.

“I booked dinner tonight. Let’s go together.”

Adrian nodded without hesitation.

As if he’d already forgotten what day it was.

My birthday.

Then I noticed the bracelet on Rebecca’s wrist.

He had ordered it two weeks ago.

I thought it was for me.

Turns out, I was wrong.

The anger surged up, but my voice stayed calm.

“Adrian, you know exactly why my base