chapter236

At least it was better than being left hanging. One way or another, they'd find out soon enough. If you were going to get the axe, what difference did it make if you waited or faced it head-on? Might as well get it over with.

The department heads got the message and rushed straight to the conference room. As they glanced at the empty chairs, a wave of uneasy murmurs rippled through the room. No one could believe it. Parker, who had always had the chairman's wife's support, was gone just like that. It was surreal. And who was this Ms. Norwood, anyway?

"Hey, do you think Ms. Norwood is some big shot from a wealthy family?" someone whispered.

"Probably. Why would the chairman and his wife trust her so much?"

"I heard a rumor she's the chairman's illegitimate daughter. That's why he's so determined to put her in charge."

"No way. If that were true, how would the chairman's wife allow it?"

While the room buzzed with gossip and wild guesses, a tall, striking figure quietly appeared at the door. Nobody noticed until Josef, who was standing beside her, gave a heavy cough. Heads snapped up. There she was a girl so elegant and composed, with perfect skin that seemed to glow and an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

In a heartbeat, everyone sprang out of their seats, flashing their most dazzling smiles.

"Good morning, Ms. Norwood."

"Ms. Norwood, you're here."

"Please, Ms. Norwood, have a seat."

Lydia nodded slightly and walked in.

"Please, everyone, sit down."

Once Lydia took her seat at the head of the table, the others followed. Nobody dared to say a word. They just exchanged anxious glances, feeling like they were sitting on pins and needles.

When they first heard that a young girl was being sent from

headquarters as their new president, most of them had rolled their eyes, just like the Parkers. They all thought she was just a kid here for ajoyride. But they were wrong. Lydia might look young, but she was sharp and ruthless. In no time, she had whipped the company into shape, making every one of them lose sleep at night. She was honestly terrifying.

"So, does anyone have anything they want to say?" Lydia asked, her voice cool and clear as she sat at the head of the table. Her gaze swept over the room, sharp and unflinching. Heads immediately dropped.

A faint smile tugged at her lips.

UT

"I know each of you is a backbone of this company. Most of you have been here since the very beginning But with Parker's mediocre leadership, the company has been losing money for three years in a row. All your hard work has gone to waste."

No one said a word. Shame hung heavy in the air.

"You've probably heard that we're hiring new talent right now. If you don't want them taking your spots, I expect you to show what you're really made of in this month's performance review."

Santos, the production manager, finally spoke up. "Ms. Norwood, are you saying we have to participate in the review too? If we meet the standards, we stay, and if we don't, we're out? Is that what you mean?"

Lydia nodded. Exactly. Whether you stay or go is up to you. I want you to grow with the company, not sit around wasting time. Move forward or move on. The choice is yours."

Instantly, the room erupted in

whispers, everyone looking

frustrated and indignant. Senior

managers forced to go

through the

same evaluation as regular

employees? It felt like a slap in the

face. Was she just trying to push

them out the door?

"If you don't respect us veterans, then I'll save myself the trouble. I'm going back to

write my resignation," someone said, standing up.

"Same here. I'm done."

"I quit!"

Before the tension could get any worse, a knock sounded at the door. It swung open, and two police officers in uniform stepped in. Their voices were calm but unmistakably firm.

"Police business. We need everyone's cooperation."