I took the elevator up and walked through the office, overhearing whispers from the staff about the company’s new owner. I entered Sandra’s office and placed my purse on the desk.
“Who do you think you are?!” Sandra shrieked. “You’re a janitor!”
“Oh no, sweetheart. I’m the one who holds your future in her hands,” I replied, pulling documents from my bag and showing them to her.
Her face changed instantly. She turned pale, clearly panicked, and stood up. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Please, have a seat,” she murmured.
I sat down and pushed all her belongings aside. “Be a dear and call Adam in here,” I instructed.
“Yes, yes, of course,” Sandra nodded and left the office. A few moments later, she returned with Adam.
“What the hell are you doing? Are you insane?!” he shouted at me. “Why are you letting her pull this crap?! Call security, get her out of here!” he barked at Sandra.
“Shut up, Adam,” she hissed through her teeth.
“Is this some kind of joke? Why are you trembling in front of a janitor?” Adam scoffed.
“Because I know something you don’t,” Sandra mumbled.
“That’s right,” I cut in. “Yesterday I got a call from my grandmother’s lawyer. Her will finally went into effect. I inherited her house, her apartment, some assets, and most importantly—this company.”
“This has to be a prank,” Adam laughed nervously.
“It’s not, Adam. I’m the new owner of this company. Your boss,” I stated.
“No way. Your grandma wasn’t that rich,” he argued.
“She didn’t like to show off—unlike you. Do you honestly think you got this job on merit? Without a degree?” I asked him.
“Why didn’t you ever tell me any of this?” Adam stuttered, fear creeping into his voice.
“Because I didn’t want you to feel like you owed anything to me or to her. But now I realize that was a mistake. You started acting like a king when you were really just the jester,” I told him.
“No..I..I…this…can’t be real…” he stammered again.
“Adam, I reviewed your performance and experience, and I’ve decided you’re not fit for this position,” I announced. “And Sandra, your services are no longer needed either. You were just filling in while I returned. But if you ask nicely, I might write you a glowing recommendation.”
“Yes, of course. Anything you need. Thank you,” Sandra replied quickly.
“And what about me?” Adam asked, his voice cracking.
“Do whatever you want. Haven’t you figured it out yet? You’re fired, Adam,” I said firmly.
Adam dropped to his knees. I could not help but laugh. Who was humiliated now? “No, please! I’m so sorry. I’ll change. I’ll do whatever you want,” he begged.
“Well, funny you say that. We do have an opening in the janitorial team,” I said.
Adam jumped up. “Go to hell!” he shouted.
“All right then. Get out. Or I’ll have security drag you out,” I warned.
“No, no. Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll take the janitor job,” he muttered.
“Great. Sandra, please give Adam a uniform and all the cleaning tools. Show him the basics while I work on your letter of recommendation,” I instructed.
“Yes, of course,” she agreed, then left the office with Adam.
I reached into my bag, pulled out a photo of my grandmother and me, and placed it on the desk.
I wanted to be a boss like she was, kind and fair. But I would never again tolerate the way Adam treated me. He would learn his lesson. Just like I had learned mine. No one would ever look down on me again.
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