My Absence Built This Empire

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them.

I was at the office recently to pick up my check, and the new accountanta girl who looked like shed crawled out of a Fast Fashion catalogactually threw my corporate card at my face. She stood there, eyes narrowed, screaming that I had some nerve showing up once a month to collect a paycheck. She called me a "drain on resources."

I tried to keep my voice level. I explained that my arrangement was personally cleared by the CEO.

She wasn't having it. She slammed her hand on the mahogany desk, barking that I was clearly a grifter taking advantage of the bosss frequent business trips. She told me if I missed another day of "real work," I could pack my bags.

I actually laughed. I told her fine, Id be there every single day next month.

Deep down, though, I knew the truth. I just wondered if the company would even last thirty days with me in the building. You see, I have what some might call a "Reverse Midas Touch." It sounds like a fairy tale, or a curse, depending on whos asking. Whenever I tried to be a "hustler"grinding twelve-hour shifts, obsessing over spreadsheetsthe companys revenue would flatline. Leads died. Contracts evaporated.

But the moment I stepped away? Projects would practically fall from the sky.

Eventually, my boss, Robert, hired a high-end spiritual consultantone of those guys who charges five figures to read the "energy" of a boardroom. The consultant took one look at my birth chart and nearly fell out of his chair. My "aura" was apparently too potent; when I was "still," I blocked the flow of wealth. When I moved, the vacuum I left behind sucked in prosperity.

Since then, Robert has paid me a retainer of 0-000,000 a month plus bonuses to do absolutely nothing. My job description is simple: Travel. Go to the Maldives. Hike the Alps. Just don't come to the office.

The first day I left for my global sabbatical, the firm landed a 0-050 million account. A few months later, I got homesick and came back to work for three days; we lost three major clients before the week was out. Robert literally booked me a red-eye to Singapore that same night. He begged me, "Nina, please. For the sake of my kids' tuition, just stay on a beach. Check in once a month, but for Gods sake, stay away."

So, I became a professional nomad. Until this little incident at the accounting desk.

I need my salary deposited onto this card this month. My other account hit its limit, I said, sliding my card across the desk to the accountant, Tracy. I also set down a gourmet lavender latte Id picked up on the way in. I thought you might like this, Tracy. Its a long morning.

Tracy stared at the card for a few beats. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she sent it flying. It clipped my cheek before clattering onto the floor.

Nina Quinn, she spat. You show your face here once every four weeks. How do you sleep at night, taking this kind of money for doing zero work?

The sting on my cheek ignited a spark of genuine anger. I forced myself to breathe. Its a specialized contract. Robert cleared it. Im required to check in once a month. Thats the deal.

Tracy let out a sharp, mocking laugh. Oh, please. Youre just a parasite. You think because Robert is in Europe half the time, no one notices your little scam? Youre pathetic. Have some dignity.

I felt my hands start to shake. I didnt want to descend into a shouting match, so I pulled out my phone to call Robert.

The call went straight to voicemail after two rings.

Tracys smirk widened. Hes on a private flight to London, Nina. No signal. Theres no one here to protect you today.

I looked her dead in the eye. Tracy, youre an accountant. Your job is to process the payroll, not audit my life. Robert will be on the ground in six hours. Are you really prepared to explain to him why youre withholding my pay?

She didn't flinch. Explain? Im doing him a favor. Its an issue of fairness. Why should the rest of us kill ourselves while you treat the company like a personal ATM? Its bad for morale. If we ran the firm like a charity for lazy girls, wed be bankrupt in a week. Robert will thank me for looking out for his bottom line.

At that moment, a few other colleagues drifted into the breakroom area.

Hey, Tracy, one of the account managers said, checking her watch. Is payroll processed? Were all heading out for a celebratory dinner after five.

Tracy sighed dramatically, gesturing toward me. Im trying, guys. But Nina here is holding up the entire queue with her entitled drama. I haven't even been able to finalize the spreadsheets because shes been standing here badgering me.

I was speechless. I was the one being "unreasonable" for wanting my own paycheck?

Two other women from the marketing department looked me up and down with thinly veiled contempt.

Oh, look who decided to grace us with her presence, one whispered. I saw her Instagram yesterdayNew Zealand. Must be nice to be a 'full-time traveler' on the company dime.

Shes only here because its payday, the other added, loud enough for me to hear. The help always shows up for the check.

I felt a cold knot tighten in my stomach. I turned to leave, deciding Id just handle this with Robert when he landed. It wasn't worth the degradation.

But then, someone else chimed in. What does Nina even make? Ive been here three years and Im still fighting for a cost-of-living adjustment. Does anyone even know what her 'role' is?

Salary discussions are against company policy, I said, my voice cold.

Tracy leaned back in her chair, a predatory glint in her eyes. Well, since were talking about 'fairness,' lets be transparent. Last month, this team brought in a $5 million contract. Your bonuses were around five thousand each. Meanwhile, Ninas base is a hundred thousand a month, and she just got a fifty-thousand-dollar bonus for a deal she never even saw. I refused to sign off on it. Im waiting for Robert to return so I can fix this injustice. But Nina is demanding the money now, and its delaying everyone elses pay. Im sorry, guys. Im doing my best.

The room went silent for a split second before erupting into a chorus of indignation.

A hundred thousand? For what?

Ive been working weekends for six months! Shes hiking in Queenstown while Im eating Cup Noodles at my desk!

I remembered that New Zealand trip. I had originally planned to stay in the city and actually help with that $5 million bid. But Robert had called me, sounding frantic. He told me the bid was going south and the client was leaning toward a competitor. Hed practically begged me to get out of the country.

The moment my plane touched down in Auckland, hed texted me: The proposal was just accepted. Don't come back. Go see the fjords. Im sending you a bonus.

Now, the very success Id "caused" by my absence was being used as a weapon against me.

Tracy looked triumphant. Do you really think you deserve that money, Nina? What have you contributed? Give me one reason why youre worth ten times the people who actually do the work.

I rolled my eyes, my patience finally snapping. Tracy, youre a line manager for payroll. Do your job. If you have an issue with my compensation, take it up with the man who signed the contract. Otherwise, give me my check.

In a blur of motion, Tracy grabbed the lavender latte Id bought her and threw it. The warm, sticky liquid splashed across my face and my white silk blouse.

Youre a joke, she hissed. I know exactly how youre getting this money. Youve got my father wrapped around your finger, and you think you can just bleed us dry.

The room froze. "Your father?" I wiped the milk from my eyes.

Thats right, Tracy said, her chin tilting up. Robert is my father. Im not just the new accountant. Im here to clean up the trash hes too 'nice' to throw out. And Ive found the biggest piece right here.

I took a deep breath, using a napkin to blot my clothes. I was trying so hard to remain professional for Roberts sake. Hed been good to me, in his own eccentric way.

Tracy, I said, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. Everything I do is at your fathers request. The salary, the travel, the bonusesit was his idea. I will wait until he lands to settle this.

I checked my phone. I had a flight to London in three hours. Robert had been very specific: he was closing a massive international merger tonight, and he needed me "happy and far away."

I turned to walk away, but Tracy stepped out from behind the desk, blocking the exit.

Oh, youre not going anywhere. You think you can just hide behind my dad? Hes been blinded by whatever voodoo youve sold him. I looked at the books. Over the last year, youve taken nearly two million in salary and bonuses. Youre going to pay it back. All of it.

I stared at her, genuinely bewildered. Pay it back? Thats not how labor law works, Tracy.

She sneered. Those payments were unreasonable and fraudulent. Im reclaiming them for the company. She turned to the crowd of angry employees. Listen up! This firms success is built on your sweat. Once I force Nina to return the stolen funds, Im going to redistribute that money as a 'Loyalty Bonus' for the real workers. What do you think?

The room roared with approval. They looked at me like I was a criminal.

Tracy, are you serious? someone yelled.

Dead serious, Tracy said. My dad is an old-school softie. He let this parasite settle in. But Im here now, and Im setting things right.

I felt a surge of hysterical laughter. This money is mine. Im not giving back a cent. If you want to challenge it, call a lawyer. Better yet, wait for Robert.

Tracy grabbed a heavy three-ring binder from the desk and swung it. It slammed into my shoulder, the sharp edge cutting into my skin. I gasped, the pain lancing through my arm.

That was it. The "Nina Quinn" who tried to be nice was gone.

I kicked the small coffee table in front of her, sending it skidding across the floor. Listen to me, you spoiled brat, I snarled. You want that money? You have two choices. One: Robert stands in front of me and asks for it himself. Two: You file a lawsuit and explain to a judge why youre harassing a contracted employee. Until then, get out of my way.

One of the marketing girls stepped forward and shoved me. I stumbled, falling hard onto the carpet.

The latte she was holdingthe one Id bought for the groupwas poured over my head.

Youre pathetic, Nina, she said. Taking our hard-earned money and then acting like a victim? Give it back and maybe well let you leave.

I sat there on the floor, drenched and bruised. You think my salary comes out of your pocket? The company makes tens of millions because of my contract. You wouldnt even have a job without me.

Someone grabbed me by the hair, pulling my head back. The company makes money because we work. Youre just the bosss mid-life crisis. If you don't sign a repayment agreement right now, you aren't leaving this office.

I didn't argue. I pulled out my phone and dialed 911.

I dont know if Ill have to pay back my salary, I said into the receiver as the operator picked up. But I do know that assault and false imprisonment are felonies. See you in court.

The person holding my hair let go instantly. The bravado in the room evaporated the moment they heard the word "police."

The cops arrived twenty minutes later. The office security footage was clear. Three people were taken away in handcuffs for harassment and battery.

Tracy didn't get arrestedshe hadn't physically shoved mebut she had to pay a massive fine on the spot to avoid being taken down to the station for inciting a riot.

As she walked out of the precinct later that afternoon, she glared at me. Youre dead, Nina. As long as Im at that company, I will make your life a living hell.

I stared at her, a slow smile spreading across my face.

Actually, I said, I quit. Im done.

I turned to walk away, but her voice stopped me, cold and oily.

Sure, Nina. Quit. But I hope you have ten million dollars sitting in your bank account.

I stopped. I turned around. She was holding a copy of my employment contract.

Section 8, she said, tapping the paper. A ten-year exclusivity and non-compete clause. If you resign without cause before the term is up, you owe the firm a ten-million-dollar liquidated damages fee. My dad really wanted to make sure you didnt leave, didn't he?

My heart sank. Id forgotten about the "Golden Handcuffs." Robert had been so terrified of another company "using my energy" that hed insisted on a massive buyout clause. At the time, I thought it was a compliment.

See you tomorrow morning at nine, Nina, Tracy smirked. Every minute youre late is a days pay docked. Three strikes, and I take half your monthly salary. Youre going to be a very busy, very poor girl.

I narrowed my eyes. Id spent six months relaxing. I was rested. If she wanted me to work, Id work. But she had no idea what "Nina Quinn at a desk" actually meant for the company.

Fine, I said. Ill be there. Im going to be the most hardworking employee youve ever had.

The next morning, I clocked in at 8:59 AM. Tracy was waiting for me with a stack of folders three feet high.

These are the pending contracts for the quarter, she said, dropping them on my desk with a thud. I want every single one audited and cross-referenced by end of day.

It was an impossible task. A week's worth of work for a team of three.

No problem, I said, opening the first folder. Im on it.

Tracy sneered. Good. Since youre getting paid the big bucks, you can do the big work.

I started reading. I focused intensely. I took notes. I was productive.

Ten minutes later, a phone rang in the next cubicle.

What? my coworker shouted. Mr. Lewis? We were supposed to sign this afternoon! What do you mean the merger is off? Weve been working on this for a year!

The room went quiet. Another phone rang. Then another.

The Chicago deal just went dark.

The logistics firm in Seattle? They just pulled their account. No explanation.

I looked down at the contract in my hand. It was the Lewis account. Id just finished "working" on it.

Tracy came running out of her office, her face pale. What is going on? Why are the leads dropping like flies? We just lost twelve major accounts in one hour!

I leaned back, tapping my pen against my chin. I don't know, Tracy. Maybe its just a run of bad luck? Do you want me to keep going through these files? Im only on the second one.

Tracy glared at me, then barked at her assistant. Get her away from the contracts! Give her something else! Nina, go to the basement and organize the physical archives from 2018. If you aren't doing 'revenue' work, you can do manual labor.

I smiled. Whatever you say, Boss.

I spent an hour in the archives, meticulously filing old tax returns.

Suddenly, a scream echoed from the floor above.

MY GOD! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?