This is shitty, it has also happened to me. Unfortunately, it's just business, it's just the way companies work. It's shitty that your manager didn't fight for

This is shitty, it has also happened to me. Unfortunately, it's just business, it's just the way companies work. It's shitty that your manager didn't fight for you, but realistically it probably wasn't his decision and he was just doing his job passing on the message. Try to just put on a brave and happy face, even go and meet up with these people (to pick up your stuff, farewell gathering, whatever). Tell them you understand why it was the right decision, that you have a lot of opportunities outside the company that you are now able to pursue, etc, etc. Your instinct not to burn bridges is the correct one. You may find yourself needing a reference or paperwork from these people, or they might be next to get fired (a very real possibility if there is new management, with a fondness for firing people) and you could help them with leads at your future company, etc, etc... just remember it's a long game, it's a marathon not a sprint, separate the human element from people doing their job in a company environment, and focus on what happens long after this company goes broke, the new management are ejected, etc.