My manager called me to a meeting with HR. «Kira, after 15 years, we’re restructuring your position,» she announced smugly. «Clean out your desk by Friday.» I smiled politely and said, «Completely understand.» They had no idea how Monday would be fun…

My decision to leave comprehensive transition notes wasn’t kindness. It was evidence. Evidence that I had acted in good faith while the company had not.

During my final exit interview on Friday afternoon, Denise from HR went through the standard checklist with mechanical efficiency. You understand that any intellectual property developed during your employment remains the property of TechVantage, she stated, pushing a non-disclosure agreement across the table. Of course, I replied pleasantly.

Anything developed within the scope of my employment, using company resources, during company time. I emphasized those qualifiers slightly, but Denise was too busy checking boxes to notice. And you affirm you have no copies of proprietary company information? I have taken nothing that belongs to TechVantage, I confirmed truthfully.

The patent was mine, after all. As I packed the personal items from my desk, family photos, a collection of conference badges marking 15 years of industry events, the coffee mug my team had given me last Christmas, Marjorie stopped by, leaning against my doorframe with artificial casualness. I just wanted to check that everything’s clear for your departure, she said, watching me place items into a cardboard box.

Crystal clear, I replied, wrapping a small award I’d received for the very algorithm now at the center of my plans. The irony wasn’t lost on me, as I carefully placed it between layers of tissue paper. You know, Kira, these restructuring decisions are never personal, Marjorie continued.

Victor feels the company needs to move in a more… youthful direction. I looked up, meeting her gaze directly. I understand completely.

Business is business. Something in my tone made her pause. For a brief moment, uncertainty flickered across her face, but she quickly dismissed it.

What could a soon-to-be-unemployed 55-year-old woman possibly do? Will you be taking some time off? she asked, an artificial note of concern in her voice. Actually, I already have something lined up, I replied. I start Monday.

Oh. Surprise crossed her features. That’s… fast? Anything interesting? I smiled.

Very. A leadership position. I’m quite excited about it.

She nodded absently, already mentally moving on to other matters. Well, good luck with that. As I walked out of Tech Vantage’s glass headquarters for the final time, keycard surrendered and personal belongings in tow, I took a moment to look back at the building where I’d spent 15 years of my career.

On the top floor, I could see the executive conference room lit up for an evening meeting, likely discussing how to redistribute my responsibilities among younger, less experienced, and significantly less expensive staff. Little did they know that in less than 72 hours, that same room would be hosting an emergency crisis meeting instead. Monday morning dawned bright and clear.

I dressed carefully in my new charcoal suit, a power outfit I’d purchased specifically for this day. The Precision Systems Town Car arrived precisely at 7.30am to take me to their headquarters, where I’d start my first day as Chief Innovation Officer. The press release went live at 7am, Greg informed me, as I settled into my new corner office with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Industry newsletters are already picking it up. I’ve got the communications team monitoring reactions. The announcement had been crafted with strategic precision.

Precision Systems acquires exclusive rights to Revolutionary Processing Algorithm, welcomes creator Dr. Kira Jennings as Chief Innovation Officer. It detailed my background, emphasized my role as the sole inventor of the patented technology, and outlined how Precision Systems would be integrating the algorithm into their next generation of products. Most importantly, it clearly stated that any company currently using the technology would need to negotiate licensing agreements with Precision Systems moving forward.

At precisely 9.15am, my phone lit up with the first text from my former team at TechVantage. Complete chaos here. What did you do? It was from Miguel, my lead developer.

I smiled, typing back, Check your personal email. All six of you have offers waiting. Meanwhile, eight miles away at TechVantage headquarters, the scheduled Monday morning executive meeting was undergoing a dramatic transformation.

According to Miguel’s play-by-play updates throughout the morning, Victor had arrived at the office to find the company’s general counsel and chief financial officer waiting at his door, both ashen-faced. The industry announcement had hit their inboxes simultaneously, setting off immediate alarms. By 9.30am, what should have been a routine start-of-week meeting had morphed into an emergency crisis session….