Chapter 4: Training My Replacement

Rachel’s secretary, Tanya Brooks, strutted over and said with a smirk, “Derek, Ms. Chen just told me to assign you a new workstation.”

Tanya’s heels clicked against the linoleum, her perfume thick in the air. She was new—barely a year in—but already acted like she ran the place.

“A new workstation? Why?” I tried to sound casual, but my gut twisted. Nothing good ever followed that phrase.

Tanya smirked and had two colleagues drag in a tiny desk, so small it looked like it belonged in a kindergarten classroom. The guys carrying it shot me apologetic looks but didn’t say a word.

This wasn’t a new workstation at all—it was obviously an intern’s desk. My cheeks burned as people glanced over, trying to hide their laughter.

Seeing I said nothing, Tanya curled her lip and gestured, “This is the new intern, Caleb Grant. He’s a top student who studied abroad. Ms. Chen wants you to mentor him, and soon, your work will be handed over to him.”

She made it sound like a promotion, but everyone knew better. I bit back a retort, watching Caleb settle in without so much as a hello.

My voice was sharper than I intended. “Why should I mentor him?” It felt like a final insult—being forced to train the guy brought in to replace me.

Tanya rolled her eyes. “This is Ms. Chen’s order. I’m just the messenger. If you’ve got a problem, take it up with Ms. Chen. Or, you know, the unemployment line.”

She tossed her hair, enjoying the small power trip. I ground my teeth, forcing myself not to respond.

Before she finished, several coworkers burst out laughing. Their laughter was harsh, echoing in the open office. I kept my gaze fixed on my monitor, willing myself not to show how much it stung.

Tanya had been here less than a year, but she loved bossing around us veterans and tattling to the higher-ups. She seemed to relish it, always the first to report any misstep.

After sitting down, Caleb didn’t bother being polite: “You’re Derek, right? If you work with me, you need to be efficient. Prepare the materials for Yorkfield Corporation—I need to coordinate with them.”

He was all business, no introduction. He scrolled through his phone, barely glancing at me. I couldn’t tell if it was arrogance or insecurity, but either way, I didn’t like it.

“Right, it’s Yorkfield, isn’t it? I’m Caleb Grant. From now on, I’ll be following up on this project. Oh, and Derek, you’re my assistant now.”

He didn’t even try to hide the condescension. I felt a surge of resentment, but kept my mouth shut, waiting for him to trip up.

Caleb scrolled on his phone, acting like the boss, not even realizing that Director Parker from Yorkfield hates show-offs. I almost felt sorry for the guy. Almost. He had no idea what he was walking into.

I settled back in my chair, a cold satisfaction brewing in my chest. If he wanted to play boss, let him take the fall.

Caleb started barking again: “Hey, you! Get me some water. Is the initial plan ready yet?”

He barely looked up, snapping his fingers like we were in some old movie. I rolled my eyes, debating whether to dump the water in his lap.

I was about to explain when Tanya glanced at me coldly: “Derek, Ms. Chen wants you in her office. She has something to say.”

She gave me a smug smile, clearly enjoying my misery. Caleb grinned, waving his phone as if to say, “Told you so.”

Their little power play was so transparent, it was almost funny. Almost.

Sure enough, Rachel glared at me and threw a folder in my face: “What’s wrong with you? This project was your responsibility. Now Yorkfield Corporation wants nothing to do with us. Look at the mess you’ve made.”

The folder hit my shoulder and slid to the floor. I bent to pick it up, jaw clenched so hard it hurt. My head pounded with frustration.