Skye's Code of Ruin

The Breaking Point

Instantly, their faces stiffened with unease, though Julian acted as if he hadn't heard a thing.

Craig was the first to recover, his voice rising defensively. "What nonsense are you spouting? When have I ever spoken to you about anything? Do you have proof for these ridiculous accusations?"

Julian, still oblivious to what I was implying, only frowned deeper, impatience flashing across his face. "So now, before you leave, you're trying to slander the people who've actually contributed to the company? Pathetic."

I let out a cold laugh. "Contributors? Tell me, which of these fine gentlemen here counts as one?"

Their expressions darkened further, and I continued, voice sharp and steady. "Evan's wearing a five-million-dollar watch he could never afford on his salary. Trent just bought himself an ocean-view apartment by the riverside. And Louis—didn't you just send your kid overseas to study?"

Trent slammed the table, his face red with fury. "Y-You're slandering me! I've been with this company since day one. You think your little Cybersecurity Department gives you the right to lecture me?"

Louis glared coldly. "Watch your words. I've given my best years to this company. Everything I have, I earned. My conscience is clear."

I couldn't help laughing outright. Watching them bluff and bluster was almost entertaining. If only Julian knew—Fraser Networks would've been torn apart long ago if not for me. The "profits" these men pocketed came from system loopholes left by a former programmer, ones I had already patched months ago.

Without me, the company would've been easy prey for rivals.

Julian, the so-called CEO, had no idea how much danger he'd narrowly avoided. He'd spent his days signing papers others placed in front of him, thinking that made him in control.

He didn't realize that for the past six months alone, the company had faced multiple cyberattacks from competitors—each one I quietly blocked before it reached the core systems. I'd submitted every report, but he'd never once bothered to look.

He'd once told me he only needed me to play the part of a pretty ornament in the office. But because I'd given Edward my word, I'd poured my full expertise into safeguarding his company.

Now that Edward was ill and no longer overseeing operations, Julian no longer even bothered pretending to value me. He thought he could rule Fraser Networks single-handedly.

My hands clenched into fists, knuckles cracking in the silence. Finally, I looked him squarely in the eye. "Julian Fraser, I'll ask you once. Are you absolutely certain you want me gone?"

For a brief moment, Julian just stared at me, startled by the steel in my voice. Then, he gathered himself and snapped, "Yes."

That alone ended everything. I no longer had any desire to warn him or defend myself. He would reap what he sowed soon enough.

The other executives were still shouting for me to leave when Julian spoke again, his tone laced with disgust. "Skye Solen, do yourself a favor and leave quietly. The company doesn't need someone who takes a salary and does nothing.

"And don't even think about going to my grandfather. If you tell him about this, I swear I'll despise you for the rest of my life."