That was the funniest joke I’d ever heard.
Claire glared at me, bewildered. “What are you laughing at? Did I say something wrong?”
I let the smile fade from my face. “Claire, my future is my own responsibility. I’ll figure it out — no need for you to worry.”
“How exactly are you going to figure it out? With what?”
She clearly didn’t believe me, her voice thick with derision.
“At a time like this you’re still being stubborn? Ethan, can’t you just face reality for once?”
“I’m telling you right now — if you don’t have a proposal tomorrow, we’re done. I’m not going to support a deadbeat like you.”
It sounded like a final ultimatum — cruel and decisive.
“Claire, don’t say that to him...”
Jason gently grabbed her arm, his voice full of fake consolation.
“Ethan, maybe you’re just exhausted lately. Maybe you just need a break. It’s just... what a shame about this opportunity — you two could’ve been promoted together...”
Then he took a deep breath, like he’d made a great sacrifice.
“Claire... maybe we should just give this project back to Ethan?”
“After all, he worked so hard on it... I-I don’t mind if I don’t get promoted...”
He put on a show of noble self-sacrifice.
“Don’t be ridiculous!”
Claire immediately cut him off, her tone sharp and decisive.
“Jason, you put so much effort into this project. Some people can’t even secure a new project on their own, so they just want to take credit for yours?”
She got more and more agitated.
“Jason, you’re just too kind! There’s no discussion — this project is yours! No one’s taking it from you!”
Watching her twist the truth so righteously was almost laughable.
“Are you two done performing?”
I stood, my gaze sweeping over their faces.
“How I handle not having a proposal is my problem.”
“As for breaking up? Do whatever you want.”
“Everything else — we’ll see tomorrow at the promotion review.”
Claire gave a short, cold laugh, her eyes full of contempt.
“Fine. I want to see what trick you think you can pull.”
“Don’t forget — tomorrow morning before nine, make sure to print five copies of our business proposal and deliver them to the boardroom. Not one less!”
With that, she grabbed Jason and stormed off.
The next day, the promotion review meeting started as scheduled.
Through the floor-to-ceiling glass, I could see Claire and Jason seated near the front, casting nervous glances at the door.
Finally, the general manager called out: