Under "Designated Project Lead," one name was printed: Ronnie Butler.
I let my gaze drift away from the screen.
Quietly, I opened LinkedIn and updated my resume.
"No problem."
……
Edmund looked mildly surprised. He reached over and gave my shoulder a pat.
"Well, well. Designer Butler's really showing some team spirit today. Then again, you've been here nine years. A veteran like you should understand how the company operates. Got to make room for the new blood."
I didn't respond. I turned and walked out of the conference room.
The moment the door swung shut, I caught a glimpse through the glass: Kenneth and Edmund, high-fiving each other.
"Eddie, we finally got rid of that dead weight."
Edmund was trying to keep his composure, but the glee leaked through the door like it couldn't be contained.
"Forty million in design fees, and he was taking all the credit. How was I supposed to do my job as director with him around?"
I turned and walked through the open office. Low murmurs rippled around me as I passed.
"Vote's done? Look at him, wilting like a frost-bitten plant. Guess he lost?"
"Holy crap, forty million in fees, twenty percent commission. That's almost ten million gone. I'd lose my mind too."