"This company is mine. I built it with my own money. Clearly, none of you understand the pecking order. Effective immediately, the tech department is dissolved. Bella, you wanted to skip work? Fine. Don't bother coming back. Ever."
I didn't even get a chance to respond.
Blair kicked me and my entire team out of the chat.
Morgan's message arrived seconds later.
"Bella, even though you worked twenty days this month, your unauthorized absence today means your entire monthly salary is forfeited. Don't bother coming in to process paperwork. You're terminated."
I read the message and smiled.
They say HR is just the boss's lapdog.
Well. Next month, I'd be the boss.
I couldn't wait to see who that dog barked for then.
After dissolving the tech department, Blair didn't offer severance. She docked everyone's pay instead.
Guilt gnawed at me. I was about to post something in the tech department's internal group chat when messages started flooding in.
"Boss, who cares if we're disbanded? We're with you no matter what!"
"Director Lambert, with your skills, you could land a job anywhere. Why keep slaving away for Blair White?"
"Forget job hunting—just start your own company!"