Chapter 18

  The resentment he had once aimed solely at Leo now felt broader, encompassing the system that had enabled Leo’s bullying and allowed talent like his own to be stifled. Why did it take so long? Why did I have to go through so much for them to notice?

  Daniel’s fingers curled slightly on the table’s edge as the emotions churned within him. The idea of staying here, even with the recognition and trust he now commanded, felt hollow. He had proven his worth, but the scars of being ignored and mistreated for so long weren’t something that could be easily healed by praise or opportunity.

  Maybe it’s time to leave, he thought, his resolve solidifying. Not now, but soon. I’ll finish a few more projects, show them what they missed, and then I’ll go.

  The idea brought a strange sense of calm. He wouldn’t leave quietly; his departure would be a statement. He’d leave behind a legacy that couldn’t be ignored, a reminder of what they had overlooked for so long.

  As the murmur of conversation continued around him, Daniel straightened in his seat, his expression neutral. The wheels were already turning in his mind, plans forming for his eventual exit.

  For now, he would stay. He would finish the work he had started, leave his mark, and then walk away on his own terms.

  And when he did, the company would feel his absence like a gaping wound.

  After the meeting concluded, Daniel left the conference room and made his way to the IT section.

  As Daniel returned to the IT section, the drained expressions of Joe and Graham caught his eye. The once chatty and carefree atmosphere had been replaced by silence, their energy seemingly sapped. Daniel didn’t bother engaging with them; their struggles were no longer his concern. He had moved beyond the petty antics of the section.

  Settling into his seat, Daniel turned on his computer and began his day’s work. With his abilities, the tasks were completed in an instant, each assignment handled flawlessly before he even needed to think twice. The satisfaction of efficiency lingered briefly, but it wasn’t enough to fill the growing void of his discontent.

  Having finished his work, he turned to YouTube for his usual dose of relaxation. Clicking on a Minecraft video, he let the pixelated landscapes and cheerful commentary wash over him. The familiar comfort of the game was a small reprieve from the grind of the office.

  As he watched, his attention drifted to the recommended tab on the side of the screen. A video titled “Best Ways to Get Rich Fast” stood out, its bold thumbnail practically begging for attention. Daniel rolled his eyes, already expecting the same tired advice: cut expenses, invest wisely, start a side hustle. Still, out of curiosity and a touch of boredom, he clicked on it.

  The first few minutes were exactly as he expected — generic advice, nothing new or groundbreaking. He was on the verge of clicking away, his finger hovering over the back button, when the Youtuber’s tone shifted.

  “Once you’ve mastered the basics of building wealth,” the Youtuber said, “there’s one thing most people don’t think about: going remote. Not just working remotely — I mean truly stepping away from the noise of society. Somewhere remote, where you can live simply, focus on your goals, and let your wealth grow without distractions.”

  Daniel’s interest piqued. He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as the video continued.

  “Think about it,” the Youtuber said, the screen flashing images of tranquil cabins, mountain retreats, and secluded beachfront homes. “When you’re away from the hustle, you’re free from the pressure to keep up with everyone else. No one’s watching, no one’s judging. You can live on your own terms, at your own pace, and let your money work for you.”

  Daniel sat back in his chair, his thoughts racing. The idea was… intriguing. He had never seriously considered leaving the city or stepping away from the corporate grind, but the prospect of a remote, peaceful life had a strange allure. No office politics, no feeling like he had to prove himself every day. Just simplicity and freedom.

  Could I really do that? he wondered. With his skills, his powers, and the wealth he could easily amass, the idea wasn’t just plausible — it was entirely within reach.

  The video continued, but Daniel barely heard it. His mind was already exploring the possibilities. A quiet place, far from the chaos of the office and the weight of expectations. A place where he could focus on what truly mattered to him, free from the noise and distractions of the world.

  Maybe this is what I’ve been working toward all along, he thought, his eyes drifting back to the video.

  As Daniel closed YouTube, the echoes of the video’s advice lingered in his mind. The idea of escaping to a remote life was tantalizing, but he knew it wouldn’t happen without careful planning. The most immediate concern was money. How will I sustain myself after leaving this job? The question loomed large, demanding a concrete answer.

  His thoughts turned to his skills — specifically, his knack for developing web portals. It was something he excelled at, something he could monetize. The idea of starting his own company began to take shape. A company like AnswerQ, but better. He wouldn’t just cater to corporations; he’d offer services to individuals and small businesses too, giving them access to high-quality web solutions without the exorbitant costs of hiring large firms.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  The more he thought about it, the more the idea appealed to him. It was an elegant solution: he could work remotely, set his own hours, and let his skills generate steady income. This could work.

  Next, he began brainstorming potential names for his company. Something catchy, professional, and reflective of the cutting-edge work he’d offer. He jotted down a few ideas: WebVerse Solutions, PortalCraft, NexusWeb, StreamlineTech, CodeWave and Elevate Webworks.

  He tapped his pen against the desk, mulling over the options. Each name had its own appeal, but the choice would need to align with the vision he had for his company — innovative, accessible, and impactful.

  As he stared at the list, a small smile crept onto his face. For the first time in a long while, he felt excited about what lay ahead. The prospect of breaking free from the constraints of the corporate world and carving out his own path was invigorating.

  This isn’t just an idea anymore, he thought. This is my plan.

  With the foundation set, Daniel knew the next steps would be to refine his vision, build a portfolio, and start reaching out to potential clients. The future was beginning to take shape, and for the first time, it was entirely on his terms.

  As Daniel leaned back in his chair, an idea popped into his head: What if I made this company my first client? It was logical on the surface. He already knew their systems inside and out, and the procurement portal had proven his skills. But almost as quickly as the thought came, he dismissed it.

  No, he thought, shaking his head. That’s not the point.

  Making the company his client would undermine his goal — leaving with a body of completed work that showed just how much of an asset he had been, while also highlighting how poorly they had treated him for so long. He wanted his departure to leave a void, one that would make them regret overlooking him, not just for his skills, but for everything he had contributed.

  Daniel’s eyes drifted over to Graham, who was hunched over his desk, his fingers tapping away at the keyboard. The usual carefree demeanor Graham exuded was nowhere to be seen. His face was pale, his expression hollow, a man weighed down by responsibilities he could no longer dodge. For once, Graham was doing the work that was actually his to do, instead of pawning it off onto someone else.

  Daniel felt a small, private satisfaction. This is how it’s supposed to be, he thought. Joe and Graham, finally pulling their weight, instead of Daniel having to pick up the slack while they chatted away or disappeared for hours.

  But then, another thought crept in. How will this place function when I’m gone?

  He glanced at the empty seat where Ray used to sit. The IT section was already reeling from the loss of its head, and even with a temporary replacement promised, it would take time for someone new to adapt. Without Daniel, the one who had silently carried the team for so long, the section would likely spiral further into disarray.

  The irony wasn’t lost on him. The very system that had ignored his contributions would feel the full impact of his absence. They’re barely holding it together now, and that’s with me here. When I’m gone… He let the thought trail off, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.

  He turned back to his computer screen, his mind already returning to his plans. There was still work to be done before he left, projects to complete, and a legacy to cement.

  And when he finally walked away, the IT section — and the company as a whole — would have no choice but to confront the void he left behind.

  As the work day ended, Daniel was about to leave the office for the day when he suddenly remembered his laptop that he had forgotten about in the conference room.

  As Daniel stepped into the conference room to retrieve his laptop, he noticed the eerie stillness of the empty space. His laptop was right where he had left it, sitting on the large conference table. Grabbing it, he slung it under his arm and turned to leave, already thinking about heading home and unwinding for the evening.

  But just as he reached the door, Leo entered the room.

  Daniel paused for a moment, taking in the sight of him. Leo’s usual air of smug composure was gone, replaced by an expression that Daniel could only describe as sheer terror. His face was pale, his posture stiff, and his hands trembled slightly at his sides. This wasn’t the Leo Daniel was accustomed to; this was someone completely undone by fear and desperation.

  As Leo’s eyes locked onto Daniel, his lips moved, an attempt to call out. But the sound was too faint, too weak for Daniel to hear clearly. Daniel, indifferent to whatever Leo had to say, walked right past him, laptop in hand.

  Leo turned slightly, his voice finally breaking through, trembling and hoarse. “Daniel… wait…”

  Daniel stopped, glancing back over his shoulder, his expression neutral but laced with the faintest trace of impatience. “What do you want, Leo?” he asked, his tone flat, almost disinterested.

  Leo hesitated, his hands shaking visibly now. He struggled to find the right words, his mind a chaotic mess of fear and regret. “I… I wanted to ask… if you could stop. Please. Stop doing any more damage than you already have.”

  Daniel raised an eyebrow, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Damage?” he repeated, his voice calm but cold. “Leo, the only damage here is the one you inflicted on yourself. I’ve barely scratched the surface.”

  Leo’s face contorted with dread. “You don’t understand,” he said, his voice cracking. “If this keeps going, I’ll lose everything. My job, my reputation — no one will hire me again with this track record. Please, Daniel. I’m begging you.”

  Daniel turned fully to face him, his eyes narrowing slightly. For a moment, he let the silence hang heavy between them, his gaze unflinching. Then he spoke, his tone measured and sharp.

  “Do you think your pleas matter now, Leo? After everything you’ve done? The people you bullied, the careers you destroyed, the trust you shattered — do you really think a few words will erase all of that?”

  Leo opened his mouth to respond, but Daniel cut him off. “You built this for yourself, Leo. You’re not here because of me. You’re here because of you. And now, you’re finally facing the consequences.”

  Leo’s trembling grew worse, his knees threatening to give out beneath him. “I… I know I messed up,” he stammered. “But I can change. I can—”

  Daniel shook his head, his expression hardening. “It’s too late for that. You had your chances. This isn’t about me anymore. It’s about everyone you’ve hurt. And if you think I’m the one who destroyed your reputation, you’re wrong. You did that all by yourself.”

  With that, Daniel turned and walked past Leo, leaving him standing alone in the empty conference room. The sound of the door closing behind Daniel echoed loudly, a stark reminder of the finality of the moment.