Chapter 3: The Escape

Even I, slow as I am, could guess who wanted me gone.

The layoff list came straight from the top.

Fuming, I called my college roommate:

“Parker, is your project still hiring like you mentioned before?”

He sounded delighted on the other end:

“Alex the Genius, you finally have time for me!”

“Just say the word. Whatever project you want, I’ll invest in it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. “Great. Are you free now? Let’s meet and talk.”

“I’m free! I’ll drive over and pick you up at your office.”

The familiar warmth in Parker’s voice cut through my anger. As soon as we hung up, I felt lighter—like maybe, just maybe, there was life after Vivid.