Part 2The 15-Year-Obsolete Patent

My compliance only seemed to fuel Chloe's ego. She added two more rules: a strict attendance policy and a mandatory client feedback log. The team groaned in protest. Client meetings often ran late, or were in different cities, making it impossible to clock in and out on time.

But Diana quickly shut them down.

"Rules are rules," she snapped. "We just had to fine someone five thousand dollars. Have you all forgotten already?"

"Let me be clear," she continued, "we brought Chloe in to whip this department into shape!"

The room fell silent. I didn't say a word. Clock in? Fine. Submit a design every day? No problem. I wasn't worried. In a week, maybe even five days, they would regret this.

That day, Chloe settled into my old office, barking orders. I, on the other hand, worked calmly. I used an AI generator to create a design, submitted it, clocked out, and left on the dot.

Jenna caught me on my way out. "The workaholic is leaving on time? What's going on?"

"Just following the new company policy," I said with a wave.

Jenna had always been after my job. Now, not only was she not promoted, but she was stuck with a new, overbearing boss. Seeing me leave, she shut down her computer and left too.

I couldn't remember the last time I'd left work at a reasonable hour. It was always endless revisions, late-night client calls, only to end up using the first draft after all. This was a new, and not unwelcome, feeling.

On my way home, I picked up groceries. My husband was surprised to see me home so early. When I told him I'd been demoted, he was worried. "Is it because of me?"

"It has nothing to do with you," I reassured him. "Honestly, the company needed a shake-up. Why should the Gen Z kids have all the fun?"

He seemed relieved. That evening, for the first time in ages, I relaxed. I set up the projector and watched a movie, even posted about it online.

Jenna commented: "Look at you, living the life!"

I replied with a smiley face. A moment later, the company group chat blew up.

Diana was subtweeting me. "Some people just know how to relax. I wonder if their work is done. I wonder if they're earning enough to afford such a lifestyle!"

I laughed at her petty jab and tagged her in the chat. "Diana, it's important to have a work-life balance. I'm all for enjoying life when I can, but I've never slacked off on my work."

Then, I posted all my recent project reports and proposals in the chat. The senior executives were in that group too. I had nothing to hide.

A second later, Diana sent me a private message, demanding I delete the posts. I ignored her and muted the chat.

The next morning, I was summoned to her office. "Let's cut to the chase, Kate," she said. "You need to hand over your projects. And pay the fine."

"The handover is no problem," I replied. "But I don't have the money for the fine. You can deduct it from my salary."

"My husband's surgery was expensive. I'm broke."

Her eyes narrowed. "Don't play games with me, Kate."

"I'm not. I requested the time off a week in advance. I told you three months ago that my husband was having surgery and that money was tight. That's why I took on those extra high-profile clients, which you approved."

"I desperately need the money," I continued. "I don't have five thousand dollars to spare right now. But my commission and bonus this month should cover it. Just take it from there."