Chapter 4

Applause and cheers exploded simultaneously.

The spotlight swept to an inconspicuous table in the corner.

A young woman wearing black-framed glasses with her hair in a ponytail scrambled to her feet, her face written with bewilderment and disbelief.

A colleague beside her gave her a push, and only then did she come to her senses, walking to the stage uncertainly.

Gavin's face, in that instant, turned completely purple.

It was a color mixing shock, humiliation, and rage.

He clenched his fists violently, knuckles white from the pressure, his previously straight back slightly hunched.

He stared fixedly at Quinn on stage.

Selena had clearly panicked as well.

She quickly turned, one hand pressing on Gavin's tense arm, her lips moving rapidly, saying something in a low voice.

Gavin seemed not to hear at all, his chest heaving violently.

Selena grew more anxious, finally secretly grabbing his hand under the table, her fingers tightly clasping his palm, trying to contain his about-to-explode emotions.

From the stage, I saw everything clearly.

Quinn had reached me, her face still dazed.

I handed over the enormous bonus plaque and car key model. Her hands trembled as she received them.

"Thank... thank you, Mr. Carter... thank you, company..."

She was so excited she could barely form words.

"You've earned it."

I smiled and shook her hand, patting her shoulder.

Applause continued below. Many stood to cheer.

Quinn clutched the awards, her face red as an apple, bowing repeatedly.

After stammering through her acceptance speech, she walked off stage in a daze with her prizes.

I cleared my throat and raised the microphone.

"Everyone, quiet down please."

The banquet hall gradually fell silent, all eyes refocusing on the stage.

"The year-end bonuses have been fully distributed."

"However, this year there is one more... very special reward."

Small commotion stirred below, curious whispers spreading.

I nodded to my secretary standing at the side of the stage.

She held a square gift box covered in deep blue velvet with silver ribbons, gleaming subtly under the lights.

She walked onto the stage with steady steps and placed the box on the lectern before me.

The box wasn't large, but very refined.

Gavin's previously livid face underwent a change the instant he saw the box.

The unwillingness and fury in his eyes receded like the tide, replaced by rekindled anticipation.

He sat up straight, looking toward Selena.

Selena also frowned slightly, confusion in her eyes.

But soon, she gave Gavin an extremely subtle nod, as if reassuring him, or hinting at something.

I reached out, lightly running my hand over the smooth velvet surface.

"This reward has no set amount and isn't related to performance." My voice was steady, even carrying a trace of warm smile. "It only represents the company's appreciation for a certain employee's... unique 'contribution.'"

Gavin's back straightened further, the corners of his mouth lifting uncontrollably.

His eyes flashed with "just as I thought" understanding and a trace of arrogance.

He probably assumed the million dollars and car were just a public front, and this "special reward" was the real grand gift prepared for him.

Perhaps an enormous check, or something even more valuable like equity or property keys?

The audience speculated similarly, gazes moving between Gavin and me.

I raised my head, precisely catching his gaze, and smiled slightly.

"Gavin."

I called his name.

In an instant, the anticipation on Gavin's face reached its peak.

He took a deep breath, straightened the navy velvet suit he wore, trying to appear composed, but the eagerness and pride in his eyes nearly overflowed.

He walked to stand before me, his lips forming a smile that could be called brilliant.

"Mr. Carter."

His voice rang out, unable to suppress his excitement.

I didn't say much, just gestured toward the box on the lectern.

Gavin stepped forward and lifted the velvet box with both hands.

It felt somewhat light.

A flash of doubt crossed his eyes, but was quickly covered by greater anticipation.

He turned to face the audience, holding up the box like displaying a trophy, glancing toward Selena.

Then, facing the entire hall, he declared loudly:

"Thank you, Mr. Carter! Thank you for the company's recognition! I will definitely continue working hard and not disappoint this... special favor the company has shown me!"

Scattered applause rose from below.

Clearly, his popularity in the company wasn't good.

Selena in her seat also showed a relieved smile, gently clapping.

Gavin looked triumphant, eagerly beginning to untie the silver ribbon on the box.

The velvet lid was finally lifted.

The smile on his face, the moment he saw what was inside, completely froze.

Inside the box was no check, no keys, nothing of value.

Only five chicken butts.

Each one plump and glistening with oil.