Love vs. Money

Chapter 1

It was my birthday, and I waited at the restaurant until closing, but Sarah never showed.

Then I saw her childhood friend, Scott, post a picture on Instagram: “Thanks for the yacht, Sarah! Taking it for a spin tonight!”

I liked it and commented, “Have fun!”

The next second, Sarah called.

“He’s my assistant. What’s wrong with rewarding him for closing a big deal?”

“You don’t have to be so sarcastic, you useless loser!”

Sarah hung up before I could explain, leaving me speechless.

The waiter came over apologetically. “Sir, we’re closing.”

I nodded, picked up the cake, and walked home.

I opened the cake box, scooped a piece, and tasted it. Too sweet, not good.

I checked my phone and saw a picture from Scott. It was him and Sarah in their swimsuits, hugging.

Scott’s taunting voice message followed. “Ethan, Sarah’s with me tonight. Sorry, not sorry!”

I texted back, “Whatever.”

Then I blocked him.

If we didn’t work at the same company, I wouldn’t have added him in the first place.

And now he’s taunting me.

A while later, just as I was about to go to bed, Sarah came home.

Seeing me on the bed, she immediately started yelling. “Ethan, you’ve really grown some nerve!”

“Scott closed the deal. What’s wrong with me rewarding him?”

“You actually called and threatened him!”

“How dare you!”

Her words were followed by a slap across my face. I was stunned.

Slapped on my birthday.

Furious, Sarah pointed at me before I could explain. “Either apologize, or tomorrow you can report to the retail store!”

I was also furious. “Fine! You asked for it!”

I grabbed my clothes and stormed out.

Sarah screamed, “Ethan, get back here!”

Go to hell!

I left without looking back and went straight to the retail store the next morning.

At 8:30 a.m., the group chat exploded.

“Ethan, where are you?”

“You’re skipping work! Get back here!”

Sarah was frantically messaging me in the group chat because I had blocked her number.

I took a picture of the retail store and sent it.

“Following Ms. Miller’s instructions from last night, I’ve reported for duty. Any further instructions?”

Former colleagues started sending me private messages.

“What’s going on, Ethan? They sent you to retail? You’re our coding genius!”

“Such a waste of talent. Is Sarah crazy?”

“Ethan, can you take this?”

I didn’t reply. I just created a new group chat to calm everyone down.

After all, I was still waiting for Sarah to come around.

I was giving her one last chance.

But Sarah was furious. She called me from a different number. “Ethan, get back here right now!”

“You need to hand over your work if you’re going to the store!”

Hearing her say that, I laughed. “Sarah, what do you take me for?”

Scott’s voice came on the line. “Sarah, don’t mind him. He’s just jealous.”

“Hmph! It’s just business. What’s there to be jealous about?”

Sarah scoffed. “Ethan, get back here in half an hour!”

She hung up, giving me an ultimatum. I was pissed.

Sarah probably hadn’t considered who built this company up in the first place.

I typed up a resignation letter and took it with me to the office.

I handed Sarah the resignation letter along with the handover documents.

Sarah immediately flipped out.

“Ethan, you’re threatening me!”

“Not at all. I’m just tired and need a break.”

Sarah pressed down on the resignation letter and softened her tone. “I was wrong yesterday. I didn’t even get to celebrate your birthday with you. Let’s make it up today.”

She completely avoided the topic of resignation.

I knew she couldn’t do without me.

Knowing when to stop, I agreed.

Sarah booked a restaurant in front of me and invited me to lunch. I didn’t refuse.

I wanted to see what she was up to.

Leaving her office, I bumped into Scott.

He seemed to be waiting for me. When he saw me, a smug smile spread across his face.

“Ethan, you’re back! I thought you actually went to the retail store. Playing hard to get isn’t a good look.”

I simply said, “I don’t need those tricks with you two.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means I’m done. You can have her.”

I pushed past him. Scott pretended to stumble, taking a few steps back and bumping into the corner of a desk.

Files scattered everywhere as he fell to the floor, a pained expression on his face.

Hearing the commotion, Sarah rushed out. Seeing the scene, she immediately started yelling at me.

“What are you doing! I already gave you a way out, and you’re still not satisfied!”

“Scott, are you okay?”

Scott grimaced and got up, shaking his head. He said委屈ly, “I’m fine, Sarah. He’s just upset. He said a few harsh words. I’m okay.”

Sarah looked at me with pure venom.

I shrugged, pointing upwards. “Next time you guys act, pay attention to the details.”

Scott’s face went white.

I glanced at him sideways and addressed Sarah. “So you like this kind of fake drama? Sarah, get some better taste.”

Sarah furiously lunged at me, trying to slap me, but I caught her wrist.

“You need to understand. You’re begging me to stay, not the other way around.”

“Anyone who wants to play games with me better make sure they’re worthy.”

I threw her aside.

Sarah was stunned. She didn’t expect me to dare to talk to her like that.

“Ethan, while you are part of this company, there’s a hierarchy. You should apologize for your insubordination!”

I turned and looked at her. “Insubordination? You think you’re a queen?”

Scott, the knight in shining armor, stepped in. “Ethan, who’s begging you to stay? Don’t think this place can’t function without you.”

“Don’t think so highly of yourself!”

I chuckled and stared at Sarah. “Is that what you think too?”

She didn’t answer, but a flicker of something complex crossed her face. I knew she was scared.

“Don’t talk big unless you can take over all my clients.”

With that, I walked straight to my department. When I got there, I found that everything on my desk was gone. Or rather, my entire office had been cleared out.

My assistant, Liam, came up to me, indignant. “Scott did this. He said since you resigned, you shouldn’t be here anymore. Ethan, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. Just wait and see.”

Sarah allowing him to go this far meant she really didn’t want me around.

I wasn’t willing to keep playing her games. By lunchtime, I had prepared the divorce papers and asset division documents. When I entered the private dining room, I found it was just the two of us.

Good thing she didn’t bring Scott along in a fit of passion.

Sarah looked at me and handed me a box. “A belated birthday gift.”

I opened it. It was a game controller.

“I know you like playing video games. That new Monkey King game is really popular. Try it.”

I glanced at it and took out my phone. I saw Scott had added me from a burner account. Curious to see what he was up to, I accepted.

He immediately sent me a screenshot of an order. “See? You’re only worth a couple hundred bucks, Ethan. If I were you, I’d leave while I can. Stop being a dead weight.”

I don’t know where he gets the nerve to keep showing off in front of me.

But I have to admit, his words hit a nerve.

I pushed the box back. Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What? You don’t like it?”

“Ethan, what do you want? I already apologized. Why are you still making a fuss?”

“My birthday is over, Sarah. Let’s get a divorce.”

The divorce agreement and the photos, I had everything prepared.

“If you don’t agree, I’ll file a lawsuit.”

Sarah saw the papers and became enraged. “Ethan, what are you doing! I can explain about Scott. It was just for show. Do you have to be like this?”

“He closed the deal with Ingram Tech, so I gave him a yacht and spent some time with him. That’s all!”

“Why are you being so petty!”

“I know you’ve worked hard these past few years, but since Scott joined, the company’s performance has soared. You can’t deny his contributions. Can we stop this now?”

I found it amusing. “You know exactly how he got those results. If you won’t sign, we’ll go through the legal process. I won’t say any more.”

“Enough!”

Sarah, in a fit of rage, threw a plate at my face. I was covered in sauce, looking pathetic.

“Ethan, don’t think the world revolves around you!”

I ignored her and left. That afternoon, I publicly announced my resignation in the group chat, tagging everyone: “From today onwards, all technical issues and business matters will be handed over to Scott.”

Everyone was shocked. I, on the other hand, remained calm, meticulously completing all the procedures, leaving no room for error.

Scott saw the message and immediately came to stop me. “Ethan, you’re not the VP anymore. Get out of your office immediately.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t overstay my welcome. You can have everything I used.”

The double meaning wasn’t lost on Scott. His face turned livid. “Stop being a smartass. Pack your things and get out!”

“No!”

Sarah appeared, her voice serious. “Ingram Tech is here. You’re in charge of the presentation.”

I laughed. “Scott closed the Ingram Tech deal. You even rewarded him with a yacht.”

“Now that the clients are here, naturally Scott should handle them. What do they need me for?”

Sarah bit her lip. She knew clearly that the core competitiveness of the Ingram Tech deal was my proposal, and I was responsible for the specific operational procedures and technical support.

But Scott wouldn’t have it.

“Don’t worry, I can do it. It’s just a presentation, I can handle it!”

Sarah hesitated. Scott patted his chest, assuring her. “I’ve been following the whole process. I know all the details!”

“Don’t worry! I’m here, there won’t be any problems.”

A few brown-nosers chimed in. “Scott’s right. I think Ethan’s just a freeloader. What use is he?”

“Scott studied abroad. He’s naturally extraordinary!”

Their words boosted Scott’s ego and reassured Sarah.

I smiled without saying a word and went to HR to finalize the paperwork.

“Mr. Carter is here!” A voice came from outside. Quentin Carter from Ingram Tech had arrived.

Scott rushed to the front.

The elevator opened, revealing a striking figure. Scott bowed and scraped. “Mr. Carter, welcome to our company!”

Sarah also plastered a smile on her face.

Quentin Carter looked around, surprised. “Where’s Ethan?”

Scott froze, then explained, “He resigned. I’m in charge of this project now. Mr. Carter, please come in!”

Quentin Carter stopped. “Resigned?”

He looked at Sarah. “You approved it?”

“He wanted to resign. Our little temple can’t hold his big Buddha! Mr. Carter, please come in. Let’s not talk about him!”

Quentin Carter scoffed. “You’re right. I wouldn’t even look at your company if it wasn’t for Ethan.”

“Without Ethan, the deal is off!”

Chapter 1

It was my birthday, and I waited at the restaurant until closing, but Sarah never showed.

Then I saw her childhood friend, Scott, post a picture on Instagram: “Thanks for the yacht, Sarah! Taking it for a spin tonight!”

I liked it and commented, “Have fun!”

The next second, Sarah called.

“He’s my assistant. What’s wrong with rewarding him for closing a big deal?”

“You don’t have to be so sarcastic, you useless loser!”

Sarah hung up before I could explain, leaving me speechless.

The waiter came over apologetically. “Sir, we’re closing.”

I nodded, picked up the cake, and walked home.

I opened the cake box, scooped a piece, and tasted it. Too sweet, not good.

I checked my phone and saw a picture from Scott. It was him and Sarah in their swimsuits, hugging.

Scott’s taunting voice message followed. “Ethan, Sarah’s with me tonight. Sorry, not sorry!”

I texted back, “Whatever.”

Then I blocked him.

If we didn’t work at the same company, I wouldn’t have added him in the first place.

And now he’s taunting me.

A while later, just as I was about to go to bed, Sarah came home.

Seeing me on the bed, she immediately started yelling. “Ethan, you’ve really grown some nerve!”

“Scott closed the deal. What’s wrong with me rewarding him?”

“You actually called and threatened him!”

“How dare you!”

Her words were followed by a slap across my face. I was stunned.

Slapped on my birthday.

Furious, Sarah pointed at me before I could explain. “Either apologize, or tomorrow you can report to the retail store!”

I was also furious. “Fine! You asked for it!”

I grabbed my clothes and stormed out.

Sarah screamed, “Ethan, get back here!”

Go to hell!

I left without looking back and went straight to the retail store the next morning.

At 8:30 a.m., the group chat exploded.

“Ethan, where are you?”

“You’re skipping work! Get back here!”

Sarah was frantically messaging me in the group chat because I had blocked her number.

I took a picture of the retail store and sent it.

“Following Ms. Miller’s instructions from last night, I’ve reported for duty. Any further instructions?”

Former colleagues started sending me private messages.

“What’s going on, Ethan? They sent you to retail? You’re our coding genius!”

“Such a waste of talent. Is Sarah crazy?”

“Ethan, can you take this?”

I didn’t reply. I just created a new group chat to calm everyone down.

After all, I was still waiting for Sarah to come around.

I was giving her one last chance.

But Sarah was furious. She called me from a different number. “Ethan, get back here right now!”

“You need to hand over your work if you’re going to the store!”

Hearing her say that, I laughed. “Sarah, what do you take me for?”

Scott’s voice came on the line. “Sarah, don’t mind him. He’s just jealous.”

“Hmph! It’s just business. What’s there to be jealous about?”

Sarah scoffed. “Ethan, get back here in half an hour!”

She hung up, giving me an ultimatum. I was pissed.

Sarah probably hadn’t considered who built this company up in the first place.

I typed up a resignation letter and took it with me to the office.

I handed Sarah the resignation letter along with the handover documents.

Sarah immediately flipped out.

“Ethan, you’re threatening me!”

“Not at all. I’m just tired and need a break.”

Sarah pressed down on the resignation letter and softened her tone. “I was wrong yesterday. I didn’t even get to celebrate your birthday with you. Let’s make it up today.”

She completely avoided the topic of resignation.

I knew she couldn’t do without me.

Knowing when to stop, I agreed.

Sarah booked a restaurant in front of me and invited me to lunch. I didn’t refuse.

I wanted to see what she was up to.

Leaving her office, I bumped into Scott.

He seemed to be waiting for me. When he saw me, a smug smile spread across his face.

“Ethan, you’re back! I thought you actually went to the retail store. Playing hard to get isn’t a good look.”

I simply said, “I don’t need those tricks with you two.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means I’m done. You can have her.”

I pushed past him. Scott pretended to stumble, taking a few steps back and bumping into the corner of a desk.

Files scattered everywhere as he fell to the floor, a pained expression on his face.

Hearing the commotion, Sarah rushed out. Seeing the scene, she immediately started yelling at me.

“What are you doing! I already gave you a way out, and you’re still not satisfied!”

“Scott, are you okay?”

Scott grimaced and got up, shaking his head. He said委屈ly, “I’m fine, Sarah. He’s just upset. He said a few harsh words. I’m okay.”

Sarah looked at me with pure venom.

I shrugged, pointing upwards. “Next time you guys act, pay attention to the details.”

Scott’s face went white.

I glanced at him sideways and addressed Sarah. “So you like this kind of fake drama? Sarah, get some better taste.”

Sarah furiously lunged at me, trying to slap me, but I caught her wrist.

“You need to understand. You’re begging me to stay, not the other way around.”

“Anyone who wants to play games with me better make sure they’re worthy.”

I threw her aside.

Sarah was stunned. She didn’t expect me to dare to talk to her like that.

“Ethan, while you are part of this company, there’s a hierarchy. You should apologize for your insubordination!”

I turned and looked at her. “Insubordination? You think you’re a queen?”

Scott, the knight in shining armor, stepped in. “Ethan, who’s begging you to stay? Don’t think this place can’t function without you.”

“Don’t think so highly of yourself!”

I chuckled and stared at Sarah. “Is that what you think too?”

She didn’t answer, but a flicker of something complex crossed her face. I knew she was scared.

“Don’t talk big unless you can take over all my clients.”

With that, I walked straight to my department. When I got there, I found that everything on my desk was gone. Or rather, my entire office had been cleared out.

My assistant, Liam, came up to me, indignant. “Scott did this. He said since you resigned, you shouldn’t be here anymore. Ethan, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. Just wait and see.”

Sarah allowing him to go this far meant she really didn’t want me around.

I wasn’t willing to keep playing her games. By lunchtime, I had prepared the divorce papers and asset division documents. When I entered the private dining room, I found it was just the two of us.

Good thing she didn’t bring Scott along in a fit of passion.

Sarah looked at me and handed me a box. “A belated birthday gift.”

I opened it. It was a game controller.

“I know you like playing video games. That new Monkey King game is really popular. Try it.”

I glanced at it and took out my phone. I saw Scott had added me from a burner account. Curious to see what he was up to, I accepted.

He immediately sent me a screenshot of an order. “See? You’re only worth a couple hundred bucks, Ethan. If I were you, I’d leave while I can. Stop being a dead weight.”

I don’t know where he gets the nerve to keep showing off in front of me.

But I have to admit, his words hit a nerve.

I pushed the box back. Sarah raised an eyebrow. “What? You don’t like it?”

“Ethan, what do you want? I already apologized. Why are you still making a fuss?”

“My birthday is over, Sarah. Let’s get a divorce.”

The divorce agreement and the photos, I had everything prepared.

“If you don’t agree, I’ll file a lawsuit.”

Sarah saw the papers and became enraged. “Ethan, what are you doing! I can explain about Scott. It was just for show. Do you have to be like this?”

“He closed the deal with Ingram Tech, so I gave him a yacht and spent some time with him. That’s all!”

“Why are you being so petty!”

“I know you’ve worked hard these past few years, but since Scott joined, the company’s performance has soared. You can’t deny his contributions. Can we stop this now?”

I found it amusing. “You know exactly how he got those results. If you won’t sign, we’ll go through the legal process. I won’t say any more.”

“Enough!”

Sarah, in a fit of rage, threw a plate at my face. I was covered in sauce, looking pathetic.

“Ethan, don’t think the world revolves around you!”

I ignored her and left. That afternoon, I publicly announced my resignation in the group chat, tagging everyone: “From today onwards, all technical issues and business matters will be handed over to Scott.”

Everyone was shocked. I, on the other hand, remained calm, meticulously completing all the procedures, leaving no room for error.

Scott saw the message and immediately came to stop me. “Ethan, you’re not the VP anymore. Get out of your office immediately.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t overstay my welcome. You can have everything I used.”

The double meaning wasn’t lost on Scott. His face turned livid. “Stop being a smartass. Pack your things and get out!”

“No!”

Sarah appeared, her voice serious. “Ingram Tech is here. You’re in charge of the presentation.”

I laughed. “Scott closed the Ingram Tech deal. You even rewarded him with a yacht.”

“Now that the clients are here, naturally Scott should handle them. What do they need me for?”

Sarah bit her lip. She knew clearly that the core competitiveness of the Ingram Tech deal was my proposal, and I was responsible for the specific operational procedures and technical support.

But Scott wouldn’t have it.

“Don’t worry, I can do it. It’s just a presentation, I can handle it!”

Sarah hesitated. Scott patted his chest, assuring her. “I’ve been following the whole process. I know all the details!”

“Don’t worry! I’m here, there won’t be any problems.”

A few brown-nosers chimed in. “Scott’s right. I think Ethan’s just a freeloader. What use is he?”

“Scott studied abroad. He’s naturally extraordinary!”

Their words boosted Scott’s ego and reassured Sarah.

I smiled without saying a word and went to HR to finalize the paperwork.

“Mr. Carter is here!” A voice came from outside. Quentin Carter from Ingram Tech had arrived.

Scott rushed to the front.

The elevator opened, revealing a striking figure. Scott bowed and scraped. “Mr. Carter, welcome to our company!”

Sarah also plastered a smile on her face.

Quentin Carter looked around, surprised. “Where’s Ethan?”

Scott froze, then explained, “He resigned. I’m in charge of this project now. Mr. Carter, please come in!”

Quentin Carter stopped. “Resigned?”

He looked at Sarah. “You approved it?”

“He wanted to resign. Our little temple can’t hold his big Buddha! Mr. Carter, please come in. Let’s not talk about him!”

Quentin Carter scoffed. “You’re right. I wouldn’t even look at your company if it wasn’t for Ethan.”

“Without Ethan, the deal is off!”