Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 56931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 285(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
I turn. “Elena, you shared messages that were written inside a non-public version of the game. Those messages contained metadata that a skilled programmer could use to glean information about our code. Our lawyers have assured us we can pursue corporate espionage and sabotage charges. That’s prison time, Elena.”
She gasps, shaking her head slowly. “I just… I wanted what was promised.”
“It wasn’t fair,” I say. “You worked hard on the Cove, and you weren’t even the creative director. You helped bring our vision to life. You didn’t deserve to be punished for its failure. But I told you, promised you—just wait. I’d make it right. I meant what I said. When have I ever lied to you?”
She lowers her gaze.
“Well?” I demand.
“Never,” she admits.
“And this is how you repay us,” I growl. “The twisted thing is, if this only affected me, I might’ve been able to go easy on you. But you tossed Dakota into the internet whirlpool like chum for sharks. And for what? What was your plan here? Or did you just want to hurt us?”
When she doesn’t reply, I’ve got all the answers I need.
“You were passed over,” I say. “That wasn’t fair. But there wasn’t any legally binding promise that you’d be promoted. And I was going to promote you. I swear on my mother, as soon as this was done, you were going to receive a thirty-percent pay bump. But you couldn’t wait. You used Dakota’s name, her livelihood, her body as pathetic, petty revenge. You chose that, Elena. You did that. Not me.”
I sigh. “You’re fired, effective immediately. You’ll be leaving the office now and never returning. If you have things, inform security, and they’ll collect them for you. Otherwise, I never want to see you again. Our lawyers will handle everything.”
I turn back to the window, the sun setting over the city. What a day. What a month. And I’ve still got to spend the rest of the evening catching up on the programming work I missed today.
But first, I’ve got one final task.
I wait for them to file out of the office. A minute later, Pete clears his throat from behind me. “I know that was hard, Jack. But you did the right thing. Now, we need to decide on a statement.”
“I’ve already decided,” I say, going to my desk and picking up my phone.
“Jack…”
“Remember how this started, brother. You and me, two kids with big dreams and shallow pockets, two kids who wanted to show the big dogs we could play in their world. We did it—but look what it made me. Cold. Corporate. I’m done with that shit. Dakota’s shown me a better way.”
I turn on my selfie cam and start recording.
CHAPTER 27
DAKOTA
Two days later, I watch Jackson’s video for what must be the twentieth time. The internet loves how raw it is. It’s not a curated PR masterclass. There are no advisors sitting in the background, watching his every move like a hawk.
It’s just my man, a layer of stubble on his strong jaw, looking at the camera with a mixture of patience and rage.
“By now, you’ve all heard about my private relationship with Dakota, better known as DakkyDuck. I’m recording this video to let you all know that the person who violated Dakota’s privacy is no longer working for my company, and we’ll be pursuing legal action. For those of you who have made a cruel comment about Dakota online, or judged her because you think you know who she is, go fuck yourselves.”
I laugh every time at this part. It’s so deadpan, so him.
He shrugs as if he can hear the outrage on the other side of the camera. “Yeah, fuck off. It’s as simple as that. Dakota isn’t a gold digger. She’s not using me. She’s already made her business. She makes her own money. She has a beautiful apartment, all the nerdy trophies a girl could want, and a loyal fanbase that she built. To think she’d need me as a stepping stone is plain naïve.”
He sighs, shaking his head like a disappointed parent. “If you have written something ugly about her and you’re an Empire’s Fall player, cancel your subscription and never play the game again. Having respect for a woman who’s just doing her best, who’s trying to carve her own goddamned path, is more important than your cash. So, again, I’ll tell you. Fuck. Off.”
I grin from ear to ear. Every time.
“For those who haven’t said a thing about this innocent, beautiful, intelligent, funny, persistent, talented woman, I want you to ask yourselves… Aren’t we people too? Can’t we fall for each other? I hate that our messages are out there, but since they already are, read them. Go ahead. Do you see a woman trying to use me? Do you see a man trying to manipulate a fan? If you do, get your judgment checked. I see two people who have connected faster than I would’ve believed if it didn’t happen to me. We fell for each other. Hard. Fast. It’s real, no matter what any of you think. I’m sick to my stomach that Dakota’s had to tolerate so much abuse. And I know, because the internet will do what it does, some of you will never stop. For those people, I have another message…”