The Intern's Plot to Cut My Pay

...

That night, my phone blew up with notifications.

It was a private group chat set up by my former colleagues. Oscar was spamming it and had shared a live stream link.

I clicked on it, and the camera showed Oscar and Judy dining with a client, whom I recognized as Robert King from Skyward Enterprises. He was known as a straight shooter who loved sealing deals over drinks.

"Mr. King, I really hope you'll greenlight that investment in our firm," Judy simpered.

"That's $50 million we're talking about, not something I throw around lightly," Robert replied. "Show me some real commitment."

"What would that look like for you?" Judy asked.

Robert chuckled, pointing to four bottles of wine on the table. "Simple! Drink all these, and I'll consider it."

Judy's face twitched, but she quickly recovered. "Deal!"

As she reached for a bottle, Oscar snatched it and smashed it on the floor. "Ma'am, you can't drink that!"

Judy's expression darkened. "What are you doing?"

Oscar looked dead serious. "I'm looking out for you and the company. You'd get alcohol poisoning, and our business would be affected."

"Looks like you're not serious about partnering up. Guess this dinner is over," Robert said, standing to leave.

Judy forced a smile. "Total misunderstanding, Mr. King. I'll drink now."

Oscar acted again, grabbing all the other bottles and hurling them down.

"Oscar, what the hell?" Judy hissed, shaking with rage.

"I know I just saved the day again," Oscar preened. "It's what I do. No need for a bonus or anything."

From behind the screen, I finally couldn't hold back and burst out laughing.

"Do you have any idea how crucial that $50 million is to us?" Judy growled.

"I'm all about the company. Did I screw up?" Oscar pouted, looking wronged.

Judy's anger boiled over. "You're sabotaging us! Without this funding, we're done for!"

Oscar didn't flinch, sounding totally justified. "How could I sabotage the company? You've always had my back. Said everyone should follow my example."

Judy was momentarily at a loss for words. Robert's face darkened as he headed for the door.

"Mr. King, hold up!" Judy called after him, grabbing his arm. "We can talk this out. Check out our proposal. It will definitely hook you on investing."

She whirled on Oscar. "Hurry up and bring the contract!"

He blinked. "Contract? What contract?"

Judy's fists clenched white as she gritted her teeth. "The partnership contract with Skyward!"

Oscar dug through his briefcase, and soon his eyes lit up. "Found it. Right here!"

Judy sighed in relief and quickly handed the contract to Robert. The latter slowly opened it, but the next second, his face twisted with shock and anger.

"Who drafted this contract?" he snapped. "You're asking for my cooperation, but you want me to cough up $500 million?"