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RICHARD

I BENT OVER THE TABLE, the din of the busy restaurant fading into the background as I struggled to contain e to yell, I keptfrom the words “What did you say? I’m sure I didn’t hear you correctly”

David relaxed back in his chair, not at all concerned bypromoted to partner”

My hand tightened around lass so hard, I was surprised it didn’t shatter “That was supposed to be my promotion”

He shrugged “Things changed”

“I worked ht in over nine million You told me if I surpassed last year, I’d be made partner”

He waved his hand “And Tyler brought in twelve million”

I sla a shit if it drew attention to us “That’s because the bastard went behind n idea wasripped me off!”

“Your word against his, Richard”

“Bullshit This is all bullshit”

“The decision is made, and the offer has been extended Put in the effort, and maybe next year will be your year”

“That’s it?”

“That’s it You’ll get a generous bonus”

A bonus

I didn’t want another fucking bonus I wanted that promotion It should have been mine

I stood up so fastthe floor with a loud thud I drew ht and scowled down at him Given the fact that David didn’t break the 5’8” , he looked rather small

David raised his eyebrow “Careful, Richard Remember, at Anderson Inc, we’re all about teamwork You’re still part of the team—an important one”

I regarded hio fuck hiht”

Shaking my head, I walked away

I strode intothe door behind me My assistant looked up, startled, a half-eaten sandwich in her hand

“What did I fucking tell you about eating at your desk?” I snapped

She scrambled to her feet “Y–you were out,” she stuttered “I orking on your expenses I thought”

“Well, whatever you thought was fucking wrong” Reaching across her desk, I plucked the offending sandwich fro at the concoction “Peanut butter and jam? Is that the best you can do on what they pay you?” I cursed as the jae of my jacket “Goddamnit!”

Her already pale face blanched further as she looked at the red sray suit “Mr VanRyan, I’ht away”

“Daht you will Get me a sandhile you’re out”

She blinked “I–I thought you went to lunch?”