I went undercover as an intern at my sister's company, hiding my identity. But after three months of hard work, HR informed me I failed the probation period. They were also withholding my entire salary. "The reason?" "You took 3 days off." I looked at the HR manager, amused. "First, it was bereavement leave. My grandmother passed away." "Second, I followed every legal procedure." "Third..." I turned to look at another intern who started with me, Caleb Wilson. "He took off three times this month just to take care of his girlfriend who had cramps. Totaling 21 days." "Why did he pass probation?" HR looked at me with disdain. "This company belongs to his family. Why do you think?" "Besides, period cramps can be excruciating. It's a matter of life and death." "You just had a grandmother die. What gives you the right to take leave?" 1 On the last day of my internship, I was called into the office of HR Manager Linda Fox. "Aiden, your application for full-time employment has been rejected." Hearing this, I wasn't surprised. "Additionally, because your excessive leave during the internship severely impacted workflow, per company policy, your entire salary for the three months will be deducted." I finally couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Manager Fox, I need an explanation." My reaction seemed to anger her. She sat up straight, her narrow eyes glaring at me sharply. "Explanation? What explanation do you need? It's written in black and white: leave cannot exceed two days. How long were you gone?" "Three days," I replied calmly. "First, I took bereavement leave for my grandmother. That is a legally protected right." "Second, I submitted all necessary documentation and received approval from my department head." "Third..." My gaze moved past her to the figure outside the office, laughing boisterously with colleagues. "Caleb Wilson, who started with me, took leave three times in three months to 'take care of his girlfriend.' Seven days each time, totaling 21 days. Why did he pass probation smoothly?" Linda scoffed, leaning back lazily in her chair. "Aiden, did you lose your brain during the internship? You're comparing yourself to Caleb?" "Didn't you ask around? Do you know whose family owns this company?" "Besides, period cramps can be life-threatening. It could affect future generations. And you?" She scanned me up and down, her lips curling in contempt. "You just had a grandmother die, right?" "Old people die eventually. Is that such a big deal to take three days off? So dramatic." I lowered my eyes and didn't argue further. Amidst her endless chatter and biting sarcasm, I silently reached into my pocket. My finger slid along the side of my phone and pressed the lock button. Before the screen went dark, I clearly saw the bright red, ticking timer of the voice recorder. Good. All the evidence is here. 2 Holding my water bottle, I walked back to my desk in the Marketing Department, expressionless. The bustling office quieted instantly. Everyone's eyes focused on me like spotlights. Some pitied, some were curious, but most were gloating. I could hear whispered gossip buzzing like flies. Ignoring everyone, I walked straight to my seat and started packing. Keyboard, mouse pad, a mug I used for three years, and a few professional books. When I picked up the proposal for "Project Starlight," my fingers paused. This plan, which cost me countless sleepless nights, had become the brightest highlight on Caleb's resume. I remembered clearly how my direct supervisor, Tom Baker—a middle-aged man with a receding hairline who lived by the motto "less trouble is better"—handed this proposal to Caleb in front of the entire department. He praised him: "Exceptional talent, a promising future." And me, the actual creator? I got a dismissive, "Aiden participated too. Keep working hard." All this happened because everyone firmly believed Caleb was the Chairman's fiancé. "Oh my, Aiden, what are you doing?" Caleb sashayed over to me, looking down with feigned surprise and syrupy sweetness. "Why are you packing? Did Manager Fox say something harsh?" "Please don't take it to heart. She has a sharp tongue but a soft heart." He reached out to hold down my box, but I dodged sideways. Too lazy to look at him, I continued sweeping clutter into the box. Feeling ignored, his voice took on a tone of victorious boasting: "But don't be too sad. Just because this company didn't work out doesn't mean others won't. How about this? In a few days, I'll ask my girlfriend to look out for you and introduce you to a good job. How does that sound?" I finally stopped, looked up at him, and said nothing. Uncomfortable under my gaze, he puffed out his chest anyway. I picked up the box, stood up, and walked away. "Aiden!" The receptionist, Jenny, ran over, grabbing my arm, her eyes red. "These people are too much! It's bullying!" Jenny was the only person in the company who treated me as a friend. I patted her hand, slipped the voice recorder into her pocket, and whispered, "Keep this safe for me." She froze, then nodded heavily. I didn't look back. Hugging the box, I walked step by step toward the elevator. Passing the huge glass wall, I could see the faces inside, each harboring their own schemes. The elevator doors closed slowly, cutting off all sights and sounds. 3 Three days later, it was the company's New Employee Welcome Gala. I hadn't planned on going. A fired employee attending his own welcome party sounded like a joke. But Jenny's calls nearly blew up my phone. "Aiden, are you really not coming?" "Come on, come on! The food is free anyway, don't waste it!" Looking at my pale face in the mirror, the refusal on my lips was swallowed back. Maybe I should go. To see how Caleb accepts everyone's congratulations as the victor. Before I could decide, an unexpected call came in. It was my sister, Elena. "Aiden, where are you?" Her voice was familiar, slightly tired but steady as always. "Home. Elena, aren't you on a business trip in Europe? Finished so early?" "Changed plans, just landed." She paused, a hint of a smile in her voice. "I have a surprise for you tonight. To celebrate our Aiden's successful employment, I prepared a gift." My heart sank. "What surprise?" "Not telling you yet. Get ready, wait for me to pick you up." Before I could ask more, she hung up. I stared at the dark screen, an ominous feeling rising in my chest. Meanwhile, at the Starfall Hotel ballroom, the scene was lavish and bustling. Elena, in a perfectly tailored gown, attracted everyone's attention the moment she stepped in. Her appearance froze the air for a few seconds. No one expected the elusive big boss to attend a small new employee welcome party. Ignoring the executives trying to chat her up, her cold gaze scanned the room, searching for someone. Once, twice. She frowned slightly. Aiden wasn't there. Her gaze finally landed on the reception desk, on a familiar figure—Jenny. She knew Jenny. Aiden had mentioned she was his only friend at the company. Elena strode over with her long legs. "Hello, Ms. Vance!" Startled, Jenny nearly knocked over her champagne. She stood straight, greeting her nervously. "Where is Aiden?" Elena got straight to the point. Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried undeniable pressure. "A-Aiden... he..." Jenny's eyes panicked instantly, dodging her gaze. "He... he's not feeling well today, so... so he didn't come." Elena stared at her, unconsciously twisting the ring on her finger. "Not feeling well?" She repeated, tone unreadable. "I spoke to him on the phone minutes ago. He didn't say he was unwell." Jenny's face turned white instantly. Her lips trembled, unable to utter a word. Her reaction explained more than any words could. Elena's heart sank. She realized something was wrong. 4 Just as Elena's patience was running out, the ballroom lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the center stage. The host enthusiastically announced the start of the New Employee Welcome Gala. Then, HR Manager Linda Fox, wearing a brand-new suit, walked onto the stage beaming. Enjoying the attention, she cleared her throat and spoke in a dramatic cadence: "Good evening, leaders and colleagues!" "Today is a day for celebration. Our company has injected fresh blood once again." "After three months of strict evaluation, a group of outstanding interns has emerged to become official members of our family!" Polite applause rippled through the audience. Elena sat in the VIP corner, her grip on the wine glass tightening, her cold gaze locked on Linda. "Now, I will announce the list of employees who successfully passed probation!" Linda's voice pitched up, unable to hide her smugness. She picked up the cue card and began reading. "Tech Department: Mark Johnson, Leo Smith..." "Admin Department: Emily Brown..." With each name, small cheers and applause erupted. Elena's face darkened inch by inch. The pressure around her dropped so low that executives wanting to toast her stayed away. "Finally," Linda dragged out the word, building suspense, her face piled with a fawning smile. "I want to grandly introduce the pride of our Marketing Department. Not only did he contribute several excellent ideas during his internship, but his performance was far ahead of everyone else. He is our company's future star—Mr. Caleb Wilson!" The spotlight instantly swung to Caleb in the audience. Wearing a designer suit, he stood up elegantly, waving to colleagues around him, his face wearing the reserve and pride of a winner. The loudest applause of the night erupted. On stage, Linda continued her lavish praise: "Mr. Wilson's excellence is obvious to all. His joining will surely bring new vitality to Vance Group! Let's welcome Caleb Wilson officially joining us with another round of applause!" Thunderous applause. Elena's gaze swept over Caleb without pausing, returning to Linda's face. She listened quietly. Until Linda closed the cue card and said "That concludes the list" with a smile. She never heard the name she wanted to hear most. Aiden. Her brother, Aiden's name, was not on the list. Amidst the endless applause, Elena stood up, face frosty. She slammed her wine glass onto the table. The thud was muffled in the noise, but it made those nearby jump. Striding forward, ignoring everyone, she walked straight toward the brilliantly lit stage. The crowd parted automatically. The applause faded. Everyone looked at the unsmiling big boss in confusion, wondering what she was doing. Linda, immersed in her perfect hosting, turned to find Elena's freezing face inches away. Her smile froze. She stammered: "M-Ms. Vance, you..." Ignoring her, Elena reached out and took the microphone from her stunned hand. The feedback screech pierced through the speakers. The entire hall went dead silent. Her cold eyes swept over every confused face. Her voice, amplified, rang clearly through the hall: "Where is my brother, Aiden?"
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