Chapter 3 No Time To Be Sad

Upon arriving at the company, I noticed everyone staring at me with peculiar expressions.

Ignoring them, I walked into my office, began flipping through the documents on my desk, and pressed the internal call button.

The phone rang for a long time before someone picked up. "Hello?"

It was Destinee's affectedly posh accent.

Suppressing my irritation, I said, "This is the line for Director Mason."

"Kory? He's now Lola's special assistant," she replied.

I felt a sinking feeling in my chest and asked coldly, "Who approved this?"

"I did. After all, I'm a shareholder too. But think about how much of Toby's shares you might get. One percent or maybe two?"

I was in no mood for small talk. "Have HR transfer him back immediately."

Destinee chuckled, "I'm afraid that's not possible. The board just discussed it this morning and appointed Lola as the General Manager of the Strategic Development Department."

A chill ran down my spine.

This department was responsible for the company's core strategic planning, a critical position with enormous responsibility.

The choice for general manager had been pending, meant for the most capable candidate, and yet they had taken advantage of the situation.

Destinee continued her endless chatter on the line. "Without a capable assistant like Kory, how could you be at ease? I'm doing this for the company."

I hung up, feeling my temples throb incessantly.

I had investigated Lola. Her academic performance was so poor that she didn't even finish high school.

Now, even interns at Haynes Group were required to be top university graduates, yet she, with no work experience, had taken a leadership role in a core department.

I was getting angry when there was another commotion outside the door.

A few brown-nosing managers escorted Lola, clad in luxury clothes, into my office.

Lola placed a thermos on my desk and spoke in a gentle voice. "Molly, this is seafood porridge. Caden specifically asked me to bring it up for you."

Her words were cleverly crafted, subtly revealing two things. Caden had been downstairs just now, and she had arrived at the company in his car.

Detecting the provocation in her tone, I chose not to engage.

Seeing no reaction from me, her eyes welled up with tears. "Molly, are you still mad at me? Last night, I was so feverish, I don't remember anything..."

Some employees exchanged gossipy glances, with the braver ones whispering among themselves.

I tapped my fingers on the desk, and the noise ceased. "Lola, have you finished reading the SWOT analysis of the company's second half-year plan?"

She was completely unprepared for this question and froze instantly.

"What are our core strengths? And what is our greatest potential risk?"

Her eyes filled with panic.

I smirked inwardly, guessing she had no idea what SWOT even meant.

"Let's focus on the immediate issues," I said, leaning back and sipping my coffee slowly.

"How far along are we in the merger negotiations with Swift Group? How does their latest offer compare to our expected price?"

A barrage of questions rendered Lola speechless.

She twisted her fingers into her clothes, tears brimming in her eyes. "Molly, I don't understand a lot right now, but I can learn..."

The others instantly showed an expression of annoyance towards her.

This was how the workplace is. As long as she was a drag on the team, no one would sympathize with her, no matter how pitiful she acted.

People would be annoyed by her foolishness.

Destinee rushed over, shielding Lola like a lioness with her cubs, her voice sharp. "Who doesn't start from ignorance to competence? Molly, don't push too far!"

I sneered, "Yes, she should learn something. Director ... no, Assistant Mason, make sure to 'assist' Miss Haynes thoroughly. Please ensure her work is compliant and efficient."

Lola and Destinee exchanged a triumphant glance, thinking I had compromised.

As the crowd dispersed, I glanced at the thermos and instructed my assistant to pour it straight down the toilet.

Caden had forgotten that I was allergic to seafood.

But I was busy and didn't have time to be sad for an irrelevant person.