Her face was like ice, without a shred of humanity.

She was even harsher with me than she was with other employees.

Sweat was pouring down my forehead from the pain.

I threw the files on the ground and turned to leave.

"Whoever wants to work this overtime can have it. I'm done serving you people."

"You're fired."

Josie's brows knitted together as she snapped:

"Leo, are you insane? I say two words to you and you throw one of your stupid tantrums?"

The secretary chimed in from the side with a jab.

"Don't waste your breath on him, Ms. Josie. Some people have a cheap education and no class. You can't domesticate a stray."

Sebastian stepped in, playing the phony peacemaker.

"Alright, that's enough. Is this your place to comment? Leo's position here is what it is. No matter what he does, no matter how badly he fails, you will all keep your mouths shut."

That son of a bitch.

I left my things, swallowed my rage, and turned to walk away, unwilling to watch their disgusting little play.

As I passed, Sebastian suddenly called out to me.

"Oh, right, Leo. If you're quitting voluntarily, you might as well pack up your things. If it's inconvenient for you, I can have someone pack for you. After all, we all know about your arm."

A wave of quiet laughter spread through the office, surrounding me.

I felt like a monkey in a cage, with everyone staring.

I didn't say a word.

I gritted my teeth and packed all my things into a cardboard box, letting the sounds of mockery wash over me.

I held the box, my hands shaking uncontrollably.

I managed two steps before the box slipped from my grasp.

My things spilled all over the floor, rolling to a stop at Sebastian's feet.

He looked down on me, a half-smile on his face.

"Mr. Leo, if you can't manage, I can help you. I'm capable of that small kindness."

His secretary covered her mouth, her eyes full of scorn.

"It's just a little trick to get attention. I bet he regrets quitting and is trying to make Ms. Josie feel sorry for him so she'll ask him to stay."

Josie watched me picking up my things from the floor, piece by piece.

Suddenly, she called out to me.

"Leo, is your arm hurting?"

I didn't say a word.

Big drops of sweat dripped onto the floor, but my hands never stopped moving.

Josie grabbed my arm forcefully.

"Let me see it!"

"Now!"

I ignored her, using my other hand to push her away.

"I don't need your help."

Sebastian caught Josie, then spun around and punched me in the face.

"You're going to hit her? You ungrateful mutt."

The punch sent me stumbling.

A searing pain shot through my injured arm.

The sleeve of my shirt ripped, revealing the centipede-like scar on my arm.

It was red, swollen, and oozing pus.

Everyone froze.

When Josie saw the scar, her eyes immediately turned red.

"I'm taking you to the hospital. Come with me."

I pulled at the corner of my mouth, found a piece of string to drag the box, and turned to leave.

Josie started to follow me, but stopped when she heard a cry of pain.

"Sebastian, what's wrong?"

Sebastian was clutching his head, his face contorted in pain.

"It's nothing, my head… I forgot to take my medicine."

The secretary rushed to support him, her voice full of concern.

"Ms. Josie, it's all my fault. I forgot to remind Mr. Sebastian to take his medicine. He works so hard, and the migraines he got while studying abroad have flared up again."

"Take him to the hospital. Immediately. No, forget it, I'll drive him myself."

As I turned the corner, I could still hear the frantic sounds from inside.

All I wanted to do was laugh.

I gritted my teeth against the pain, dragged my box behind me, and walked out of that company alone.