Robert Miles was known as a dedicated employee.
With his steady aura and brilliant idea, many were impressed. He hardly ever slacked off, and his performance had even caught the attention of higher-ups, who were planning to promote him.
Yet lately he occasionally dozed off and looked fatigued all the time.
This concerned the manager, who was promoted due to Robert’s excellent performance. Hence, he called Robert for a one-on-one meeting.
"Come in." Anthony’s raucous voice echoed in his office.
Robert walked in with faint dark circles under his eyes and gave a tired smile. "Sir, you called me?"
Anthony put down the coffee mug in his hand, and the steam rising from the coffee mug spread the bitter yet pleasant fragrance of coffee.
"Yes. Robert, I have called in because of the recent drop in your performance. I wanted to ask what is troubling you and how the company can help you deal with the issue."
When Robert remained silent, Anthony gave a comforting smile,
"Hey, I am asking this as your friend rather than your manager: Are you okay?"
Robert’s shoulder slumped before a few tears pooled in his eyes.
Sometimes, a person acting tough and strong shatters at the simplest words.
"Robert! What has happened! Tell me, please." Anthony closed the distance and patted Robert’s back. He even got a glass of water for himself and patted his back soothingly as he led Robert to the chair.
After some constant questioning, Robert finally opened up.
"My wife... has been possessed, and I need money! All the agents I have contacted are asking for 50 million... from where would I even get such a huge sum..."
"Calm down! Calm down. How about applying for a loan?" Anthony suggested.
"I don’t have enough salary to take a loan of 50 million dollars..." Robert’s voice was laced with desperation.
"Then do you have something that you can pawn off? I can find a buyer for you!" Anthony’s earnest voice made Robert freeze for a fraction of a second.
Something that can be pawned off?
He remembered the breakthrough he had in the recent weapon-designing blueprint and pursed his lips.
It was only 70% finished and still needed some months to finish.
’No... I should opt for a different method before thinking of selling those... yes... ’ Robert sounded a bit uncertain as he shook his head, "Nothing."
A glint flashed in Anthony’s eyes, but he quickly masked it and said in a calm voice, "I see. But in case you stumble upon something good, remember to come to me. I have been your best buddy since college, and I will be the first to extend a helping hand."
Robert nodded gratefully; though sometimes Anthony took away his credits, there were also times when he covered for Robert.
Maybe their innocent friendship was tainted long ago; however, Anthony still sympathized and showed concern... it means he still considered Robert as his friend.
"And in case you need money... don’t hesitate to ask for help from me! After all, I once had a huge crush on Grace back then." Anthony’s earnest words made Robert’s mood lighten, and he nodded.
"Yeah! Yeah!" Robert chuckled.
.......................
A week passed, and Grace’s condition worsened; it was to the point that she sometimes even tried to kill Robert and herself.
Robert became more and more distraught and decided to ask for help from Anthony.
He took the gauntlet design blueprint he had been working on for the past few years to Anthony and proposed a deal.
"Please arrange a deal between the president and me, and I will give you 30% of the profit!"
Anthony stared at the blueprint design in fascination, his brows arched as he heard Anthony’s words, "That might be difficult, Robert. You are only an employee. The president might not even react in a kind way since designing private weapon blueprints is illegal. He might fire you and take away the blueprint as compensation."
Robert’s heart sank, and he asked with worry, "Then... what should I do?"
"How about this? I will try to pitch this weapon as a new project under me, and when it’s time for a reward, I will ask for a 50% cut and transfer it under your name." Anthony pitched.
He was a general manager and had the right to open up a new project, while lower-level employees didn’t.
Robert pursed his lip, while a hint of suspicion appeared on his face, but when he saw Anthony’s sincere eyes, he thought,
’He won’t betray me... but still, as a backup plan, I should ask for some evidence.’
"Alright, but..." He drawled, "I want a video of you stating that this design was made by me."
Anthony’s face showed a rare trace of hurt, and Robert felt guilty, but he still held his ground.
"Okay. I understand that you are in a crucial stage and couldn’t trust anyone." Anthony sighed before taking Robert’s phone and recording a video of himself.
Once Robert played the video and was sure that he had a backup plan, his shoulders slumped, and a bright smile appeared on his face.
"Then I will wait for your response."
Anthony took away the blueprint and nodded, "Don’t worry. You are my best friend, and I will always try my best for you."
"Hmm..." A trace of hope flickered in Robert’s eyes.
Three weeks passed in the blink of an eye.
At first, Anthony still behaved politely to Robert, but as time passed and Robert pestered him about the answer, Anthony became cold and unresponsive.
Just when Robert was getting desperate and thought about using the video to blackmail Anthony, Anthony held a meeting. Even Robert was invited. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel⦿fire.net
"Hello, everyone. I have invited you all here to talk about the new weapon design approved by the vice president and developed by me. Wolf Gauntlet!"
Robert’s heart trembled, and he stood up midway through Anthony’s announcement. "What do you mean by developed by you?"