Ranked Last for Being the Best

Summary

“Congratulations, Cass. You've hit the bottom tier.”

Brenda, my manager, slid the annual review form across the conference table, her smile saccharine and slow.

I looked down.

Composite Score: 50 points.

Ranking: Last in Department (8th).

Notes: Recommended for reassignment or termination.

I glanced back at the sales leaderboard displayed on the wall.

My name was at the very top.

Revenue: $8.7 Million.

I smiled.

“Perfectly noted.”

Brenda froze.

She hadn’t expected the calm, the quiet certainty in my voice. She’d expected tears, or panic, or maybe a desperate, rookie plea.