CHAPTER 29

The last day of the month arrived with a palpable tension hanging over Clark Mason Industry. Everyone in the company knew the stakes: Ralph Thompson’s fate would be decided today. He would either be dismissed, all his achievements taken from him and his qualifications set ablaze, or he would rise to the role of CEO, stripping Zen of his position and everything he owned.

Zen strode into the office that morning with an air of supreme confidence. He greeted employees with a smug smile, certain that Ralph was about to be humiliated and stripped of his dignity. In Zen's mind, the day’s outcome was inevitable, a mere formality to confirm Ralph’s failure.

Ralph, on the other hand, sat quietly in his office, his face a mask of calm determination. He had done everything in his power to secure the future of Clark Mason Industry over the past month. From securing a multi-million dollar contract with HyperTech to revamping the company’s operational structure and rebranding its image, Ralph had worked tirelessly. Yet, he knew that Zen had done everything possible to sabotage his efforts and claim the credit for himself.

At noon, the entire staff gathered in the main conference room. The air was thick with anticipation as Zen stood beside the secretary, waiting for the moment when Ralph's failure would be officially announced. The secretary cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Today marks the conclusion of the one-month period given to Mr. Ralph Thompson to achieve a $20 million revenue milestone. As per the terms set, Mr. Thompson’s future with Clark Mason Industry hinges on this achievement."

Zen’s smile widened as the secretary continued, “Upon reviewing the records, it appears that Mr. Thompson has not met the required revenue target. Therefore, as stipulated—”

“Wait!” A voice interrupted from the back of the room. It was one of the junior staff members, David, who stepped forward nervously but resolutely. “I have something to reveal.”

All eyes turned to David as he produced a small recording device from his pocket. He took a deep breath and pressed play. The room filled with Zen’s voice, captured in a private conversation with his assistant.

“We must ensure that all of Ralph’s successes are traced back to me,” Zen’s voice crackled over the speakers. “I cannot afford to lose this bet. If Ralph wins, I lose everything. Do whatever it takes to make it look like I secured the HyperTech contract, and rebranded the company. We must make it convincing.”

Gasps of shock and murmurs rippled through the crowd as the recording played. Zen’s face turned ashen, his confident smirk replaced with a look of sheer panic. The secretary stopped with her eyes wide with disbelief as she turned to Zen.

At this point, Zen felt as if the floor should open and swallow him up.

Mr. Harrison, the head of the board, stepped forward with a stern expression. “Is this true, Mr. Zen? Have you been taking credit for Mr. Thompson’s work?”

Zen stammered, trying to find words to defend himself, but the evidence was irrefutable. The recording had exposed his deceit. Mr. Harrison turned to Ralph, his expression softening.

“Mr. Thompson, it appears that you have been the true driving force behind the recent successes at Clark Mason Industry. We owe you an apology and our gratitude.”

Ralph nodded, his face still composed but a glimmer of relief in his eyes. “Thank you, Mr. Harrison. I’ve always believed in the potential of this company and its people.”

Mr. Harrison addressed the room, his voice carrying authority. “Effective immediately, Mr. Zen is removed from his position. Mr. Ralph Thompson is hereby appointed as the new CEO of Clark Mason Industry.”

Cheers erupted from the employees, many of whom had seen Ralph’s dedication and hard work firsthand. Zen stood frozen, his face a mask of disbelief and rage. He had been so certain of Ralph’s downfall, yet now he was the one facing ruin.

As the meeting at Clark Mason Industry was drawing to a close, Mr. Harrison was about to dismiss the assembly when a voice from the back piped up. “Wait! What about the terms of the bet?”

All eyes turned to the speaker, a sharp-eyed young intern who had been privy to the details of Ralph and Zen's wager. A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, and attention shifted back to Zen, whose face was flushed with humiliation and anger.

“Yes,” Mr. Harrison said, his gaze hardening as he turned to Zen. “You promised to empty your bank account and hand over all your possessions to Mr. Thompson if he achieved the set target.”

Zen’s heart pounded in his chest, and he felt a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He had never truly believed Ralph would succeed, and now the thought of losing everything—his money, his car, his dignity—was almost too much to bear. Yet, the weight of the gathered employees’ eyes left him with no choice. If he didn’t fulfill his end of the bet, his reputation, already in tatters, would be utterly destroyed.

With a deep breath, Zen nodded, trying to muster what little composure he had left. “Very well,” he said through gritted teeth. “I will honor the terms of the bet.”

The room watched in a mixture of awe and pity as Zen pulled out his phone and, with shaking hands, began the process of transferring the funds. The sizable sum that had once provided him with a sense of power and security now drained from his account in a series of clicks and taps! Each beep felt like a hammer blow to his pride.

While Zen was occupied, Mr. Harrison instructed the head of security to oversee the transfer of Zen’s physical possessions. Zen had driven his prized car—a sleek, black luxury sedan—to work that morning, confident that it symbolized his status and success. Now, that very car was to be handed over to Ralph.

The transaction complete, Zen pocketed his phone with a resigned sigh. “It’s done,” he said, his voice hollow. He handed over the keys to his car with a reluctant hand.

The humiliation was too fresh, the sting of loss too sharp. As he passed through the front doors and onto the sidewalk, he realized the full extent of his disgrace. Without his car, he had no choice but to walk home.

The employees, who had moments ago been his subordinates, now watched from windows and doorways, their expressions a mixture of shock and schadenfreude. Zen kept his head down, focusing on putting one foot in front of the other.

Meanwhile, inside, the atmosphere was electric. Ralph was surrounded by a throng of well-wishers and supporters. The respect he had earned through his hard work and integrity shone brightly in the eyes of his colleagues. Clara approached, her face glowing with pride.

“You did it, Ralph. You really did it,” she said, her voice filled with admiration.

Ralph smiled. “Thank you, Clara. It’s a team effort. We did it together.”

Mr. Harrison cleared his throat, drawing the room’s attention once more. “Ladies and gentlemen, I believe we have witnessed a significant turning point for Clark Mason Industry today. With Ralph Thompson at the helm, I have no doubt that we will reach new heights.”

A round of applause filled the room.