MMORPG: Birth of the World's Luckiest Player

Chapter 495: A Seat at the Table

The moment Marcus stepped into Mark’s office, Mark did not even bother hiding his impatience. "Marcus, what took you so long? We’ve been waiting forever."

Marcus laughed as he walked in, completely unbothered. "Relax. And congratulations, Mark. Department head at last. Looks like you finally got what you deserved."

Mark’s irritation vanished instantly, replaced by a broad, proud grin. "You’re damn right. It was those ad campaigns you guys put together. The new CEO loved them. That’s what pushed me over the line."

Marcus glanced around the office. It was spacious, freshly renovated, with brand-new furniture that still smelled faintly of polish. "So," he asked casually, "what happened to the pig?"

Mark’s eyes lit up. "Fired. And not just him. Every single crony he dragged along with him got wiped out too."

"Damn," Marcus said, genuinely impressed. "That’s ruthless."

He could not help but feel a twinge of satisfaction. The pig had not been some powerless nobody. He had connections at Keystone Group’s corporate level, which was exactly how he had colluded with HR to force Marcus out in the first place. Mellory had been their private playground for years.

And now, just like that, they were gone.

"Mark, this new CEO doesn’t mess around," Marcus said. "Sounds like people who actually work hard are finally getting rewarded."

"You have no idea," Mark replied, practically glowing. It was obvious he was ready to give everything he had to this new leadership. Recognition did that to people. Once someone felt seen, loyalty came naturally.

Mark leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And that’s not even the most surprising part. This new CEO, she’s not just capable. She’s got serious backing. She’s—"

Before he could finish, the office door flew open.

Tyler barreled in first and immediately wrapped Marcus in a crushing hug. "Marcus! You’re here! I missed you so much!"

Marcus patted his back a couple of times before pushing him away. "Alright, alright. Personal space. You’re way too emotional for a grown man."

Ray followed more calmly, stepping forward to clap Marcus on the shoulder. "Good to see you again."

Marcus nodded. "Congrats on the promotion. Assistant manager is no joke."

Ray smiled wryly. "Honestly, if the pig hadn’t fired you, that position would’ve been yours."

Marcus let out an awkward laugh. ’Honestly, I should probably be thanking the pig.’

Life really was strange like that. Getting fired had set off a chain of events that completely changed his trajectory. Maybe it really was fate.

Mark chimed in, unable to resist. "He’s right. If it weren’t for that bastard, with Marcus’s ability, I’d probably be handing this department head chair over to him right now."

"You guys are laying it on way too thick," Marcus said, waving them off. "Alright, enough praise. Why did you drag me back here so urgently?"

Mark’s expression turned serious. "Marcus, your name’s been cleared."

He gestured toward the couch. "Sit down. I’ll explain."

Marcus did, and Mark continued. "About three months ago, right after you left, HR hired a new clerical assistant. No one paid her any attention. Then two weeks ago, she suddenly became the new CEO. In less than half a month, she cleaned house, addressed all the shady practices, and reorganized the entire company from top to bottom."

After giving the background, Mark got straight to the point. "This morning, after the meeting, she asked about you. She wants to talk. If things go well, she wants you back."

Mark looked at him expectantly. "With your skills, you’d rise fast. Really fast."

Marcus smiled politely. "I appreciate it, but I’m not coming back."

The room went quiet.

"What?" Mark blinked. "You found another job?"

Tyler and Ray leaned in, disappointment written all over their faces.

"No," Marcus said, shaking his head.

He hesitated for a moment. Making money from Dominion was one thing, but explaining that to people who lived normal, nine-to-five lives was another matter entirely. It did not sound like a real job, no matter how much it earned.

At least Lily already knew. If someone tried to set him up on a date and he said he was unemployed, he would be dismissed on the spot.

Public opinion was merciless.

"I’m done working for other people," he said simply.

"Done working for others?" Tyler’s eyes lit up like fireworks. He leaned forward eagerly. "Marcus, you’re starting your own business? What is it? Let me join! I want to work for you!"

At the same time, Emily, who had been quietly sticking close to Marcus the entire time, looked up at him with hopeful eyes, as if ready to follow him anywhere the moment he said the word.

Seriously? You’re all more anxious than I am.

Marcus could only smile awkwardly. "I’m just taking a break for now. I’ll figure things out later."

"So you’re really not coming back?" Mark asked, just to be sure.

Marcus nodded. "Yeah."

Mark sighed. "That’s a shame."

After a pause, he continued, "The new CEO really values your work. The company’s planning to expand beyond skincare into new product lines, and they need someone with your design and planning ability. The offer she’s making is generous."

He scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "And... I already told her I’d arrange a meeting. I didn’t know your plans at the time. She wants to talk to you in person."

"That’s fine," Marcus said easily.

There was no harm in hearing her out. If nothing else, he was curious. Anyone with that level of authority and decisiveness was worth meeting. Watching how top executives carried themselves was a learning opportunity in itself.

Still, there were priorities. "Mark, you just got promoted. That means you’re buying lunch, right?"

Mark laughed. "Deal. Lunch is on me. Name the place."

Then his tone turned serious again. "Marcus, this CEO has real backing. She’s a direct representative from Keystone Group. She can give you a much bigger stage than this department ever could. You should seriously think about it."

He placed a hand on Marcus’s shoulder, sincere and firm. "Opportunities like this don’t come often."

Marcus understood his concern. The pig had suppressed his ideas, shot down his best proposals, and wasted his potential. Mark had seen all of it firsthand.

Marcus smiled. "I know. But some people just aren’t meant to stay in small cages."

Mark studied him for a moment. "You’ve changed. It’s only been a few months, but you’ve got presence now."

"Of course!" Tyler jumped in eagerly. "I always knew sticking with Marcus was the right choice. One day he’ll be the richest man in the country, and I’ll be second!"

"Keep dreaming," Mark said, swatting him aside. Then he turned back to Marcus and nodded. "I’m glad to see this version of you. With your talent, all you need is the right opening."

He grabbed Marcus’s arm. "Come on. Let’s meet the CEO first, then we’ll eat."

The CEO’s office was on the twenty-eighth floor.

The receptionist waiting outside was unfamiliar, a sharp-looking woman in her late twenties with her hair neatly tied back and a crisp white business suit. She carried herself with calm efficiency, clearly more than just a decorative presence.

After Mark made the introductions, she smiled. "The CEO stepped out briefly, but she asked that you wait in her office. She’ll be back shortly."

She led Marcus inside, then asked politely, "Mr. Storm, Mr. Mark, would you like something to drink?"

"Tea is fine," Marcus said.

"I’ll pass," Mark replied. "I have urgent matters downstairs. Marcus, I’ll see you later."

He shot Marcus a knowing look before leaving.

’Smooth.’

Marcus understood immediately. Mark was deliberately excusing himself, leaving Marcus alone so he would not feel pressured or awkward, especially since he had already made it clear he was not coming back.

"Please have a seat," the receptionist said. "The tea will take a moment."

Once she left, Marcus was alone in the office. He took a moment to look around. The space was enormous, divided into two areas. The outer section functioned as a reception and meeting room, while behind a tinted glass wall lay the CEO’s private workspace, even larger and more imposing.

What truly caught his attention, though, was the floor-to-ceiling window ahead. Half the city stretched out beneath it, sprawling and alive. Marcus walked over and stood there quietly, gazing out, waiting to meet the woman who now stood at the top of it all.