The Rage Bait System

“You're fired!"

Ethan froze on the spot. “What?" He blinked in disbelief.

“You heard me. Now, get out!" His boss, Wendy, barked in rage. Her polished finger pointed at the door, with dark eyes, her face filled with anger.

The noise echoed so loudly across the office that those outside paused to see what was going on. Although no one dared step in, they all stopped to watch.

Ethan frowned, "I was only trying to help. I saw that——”

A resounding slap echoed loudly over the office that shut his mouth. Ethan's head snapped to the side. His eyes grew wide as his body stiffened.

" You bloody liar," Wendy hissed, “You tried to force yourself on me. You have no shame, you mannerless bastard!”

Ethan's brain froze for a few seconds. He couldn't believe what he just heard.

He dared not.

He would never do such a thing.

Just a few minutes ago, he stepped into his boss's office to submit some documents. On getting there, he saw his boss, Wendy, struggling with a drunk business partner who wanted to take advantage of her.

He clearly saw she needed help. And all he did was help. He pulled the man off her and threw him to the ground. He was about to throw a punch at the bastard when Wendy screamed…

At him.

How did everything get twisted?

Hearing what Wendy said, the employees and customers around began to whisper,

" Oh my God, I can't believe this man could be so bold and shameless.”

" Did he really try to sleep with his boss? What was he expecting? A raise?” Another mocked.

People chuckled.

" He actually harassed the CEO?”

Ethan's chest tightened. He couldn't believe it. He shouldn't have helped.

Beside Wendy stood the business partner whom he had saved his boss from, acting innocent and oblivious to everything going on.

" Miss Wendy, you know——"

“I no longer want to listen to your nonsense. Get the hell out of my company. You're fired!"

Ethan's jaws clenched.

The crowd whispered, pointing fingers at him. He took off his tag, Wendy snatched it from him, and yelled,

" Security!”

Before he could speak, the security rushed in. With face deep with rage, she pointed at Ethan,

" Drag this son of a bitch out of my company.”

Security grabbed him roughly before he could utter another word.

" Let go of me!” He yelled.

The employees around him mocked him,

“What a loser."

" He deserved to be fired.”

"Trash belongs outside.”

Ethan's explanation died in his mouth as he was thrown out of the company and to the ground like garbage.

" Never set foot here again.” One of the security guards warned me before walking back into the building.

It was as if the world turned upside down. Ethan couldn't believe what just happened.

After a while, he got up from the ground, dusted off the dirt on his clothes, and stared back at the company.

He had skipped holidays, worked overtime without complaint, and even slept in the office during major projects.

Even when others underneath him got promoted and he didn't, he didn't complain. He still worked with all his heart.

This was the reward of his hard labour. Accused and thrown out like a useless piece of trash.

His jaws clenched.

No matter how much his anger rose, he couldn't do anything, so he sighed and turned away.

Now he was not only fired, but his reputation has been ruined as well. No company would be willing to employ someone with a tarnished reputation.

He felt a headache coming.

As he thought of what to do while walking under the hot sun, his phone began to ring.

Ethan paused. He pulled out his phone.

Dr. George.

Quickly, he answered the call,

“Doctor, is my sister doing alright?"

“Ethan, where are you?" The doctor didn't wait for his reply as he continued, “Your sister's condition has worsened, and if she doesn't undergo the surgery soon, she might not make it."

Ethan froze.

“What? Jenna." His fingers tightened around the phone, “Doctor George, I'm on it as we speak. I'll send the money right now. It's almost complete."

" Hurry. You don't have all the time in the world.” The doctor hung up before Ethan could reply.

Desperate, Ethan began to run home.

He needed to get home quickly. He’s been saving for his sister's surgery. If he adds the money in the savings with his salary from last month, it should be almost complete for the surgery.

With that, the doctor can begin the surgery while he runs around for the rest of it.

Jenna is the only family member he has left. He cannot let her die. He would save her, even if it means selling everything he owns.

With heavy breathing and trembling fingers, Ethan struggles to get his apartment door open.

He hurried into his room and opened the wardrobe where the savings box was kept safely. All the money was in here.

He pressed the pins and opened it.

Empty.

His eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

“Where is it?!" He asked, heart slamming hard as he searched the wardrobe. “I swear it was in here. I kept all the money here!"

Frustrated, he picked up the box and slammed it to the ground. “Where is it?!" He roared.

He began searching the house, searching every corner for the money. He emptied the wardrobe, flipped the bed upside down, opened all the drawers, and scattered the living room. There was no sign of any money. Not even a cent.

His eyes darkened.

The money wasn't missing.

It was taken.