"Mr. Rowe, I manage six accounts in different verticals. I pitch content for six different directions every day. I get two days off a month. Even when I'm home, I'm replying to clients. I brought in million-dollar revenue, yet my year-end bonus was 1,000 dollars and three boxes of fruit." My voice remained steady. "I can wait for you to hire people next year, but management can't survive on four thousand five, can they?"
Blake's face darkened instantly at the mention of money.
"The company is struggling right now. Rent, utilities—these are all costs. Even with revenue, the net profit isn't high." He sighed, pivoting to lecture me on the job market. "Companies out there are all bait-and-switch operations—just sales jobs in disguise. What can you actually learn in a place like that?"
He stood up and walked around the desk to pat my shoulder, his tone dripping with earnest manipulation.
"Ms. Floyd, I'm grooming you like my own little sister. I take you on business trips to learn on the company's dime. Haven't I brought you to every team-building event? When we go public, you get stock options. When we hire, you get management. Why are you calculating over petty short-term profits? Don't worry—follow me, and I won't treat you badly."
My nails dug into my palms.
It was always the same script.
"I understand," I said flatly.
He waved a hand, dismissing me. "Polish that copy a bit more. And work overtime tonight to finish the documents for my business trip tomorrow."
I turned on my heel and walked out.
The moment I was back at my desk, I sent Isabella Lambert my contact information.
*[Here is my number. If you have time, we can talk in detail.]*
Two years ago, fresh out of college, I knew about Isabella's company. It was a significant player locally. But back then, I believed a startup would offer me more comprehensive development.
Back then, Blake and Joanna were friendlier. The colleagues were harmonious. We really did feel like a family. I watched the company grow, pouring my sweat into every brick and beam of this place.
But now I finally understood.
The bricks and beams of a company never belong to the employees.
At 9:30 p.m., I shut down my computer and emailed the content pitch to the boss. I also exported the raw footage I had shot during work. Aside from my daily tasks, I had my own account recording daily life. Usually, I was too busy to edit, but today was different.