Chapter 9: The Truth Emerges
1071words
The voice of HR manager Sister Li felt like a bucket of cold water poured over my head. On the third day after the banquet, I was suddenly called to the HR department and received this bolt from the blue.
"Why?" I couldn't believe my ears, "The CEO personally appointed me as a special advisor, without his order, no one can fire me."
"This is a direct instruction from the CEO." Sister Li handed me a document, which indeed had Alexander Morgan's signature on it, "Please sign the resignation agreement, then immediately clear out your office."
I signed blankly, my mind in chaos. Why? At the banquet Alexander Morgan had publicly announced I was a special advisor, and then fired me three days later? This made no sense.
Walking out of the HR department, I found two security guards already waiting, ready to "escort" me out. What was even more embarrassing was that all my colleagues from the design department were standing in the hallway, watching this scene. Some eyes showed sympathy, but more were filled with schadenfreude.
"I knew it, how could a newcomer get promoted so quickly."
"Must have relied on special connections, and now they've gotten bored and kicked her out."
"This is what happens when you overestimate yourself."
Whispers echoed around me as I held back my humiliation and began to clear my personal items from my desk. Just then, the elevator doors opened, and a familiar figure strode toward us.
"Mr. Morgan!" Everyone immediately fell silent, their expressions changing from schadenfreude to terror.
Alexander Morgan walked to the HR department entrance with an expressionless face: "Where is Manager Li?"
Sister Li hurriedly approached him: "Mr. Morgan, I'm here."
"You're fired," Alexander Morgan said coldly. "Effective immediately."
The entire room was in an uproar. Sister Li's face turned pale: "But... but I was just following your orders..."
"My orders?" Alexander Morgan sneered, "When did I ever order Emily Wilson to be fired?"
He turned to everyone: "From today on, Emily Wilson is promoted to Vice President of Rainwood Corporation, reporting directly to me. Anyone who dares to spread false statements again will be immediately dismissed."
I watched this scene in shock, not understanding what had happened. Alexander Morgan walked up to me, his voice softening somewhat: "Pack your things and come with me."
Under everyone's shocked gaze, I followed Alexander Morgan into the elevator. As soon as the elevator door closed, I immediately questioned: "What is going on?"
"A test," Alexander Morgan replied briefly, "I needed to know who in the company would kick someone when they're down."
"So my firing was fake?"
"Of course." He looked at me, "But those who took pleasure in my misfortune will receive real punishment."
The elevator went straight to the top floor, and Alexander Morgan led me into a conference room I had never been to before. Michael Davis and several core executives were already seated there, and to my surprise, Claire Johnson was among them.
"Everyone, this is our new Vice President, Emily Wilson," Alexander Morgan introduced briefly. "Starting today, she will be in charge of the security work for the 'Aurora' project."
Claire Johnson stood up and extended her hand to me: "Vice President Lin, congratulations. We had some misunderstandings before, I hope we can start anew."
I cautiously shook her hand, not understanding why she suddenly changed her attitude.
After the meeting began, Claire Johnson unexpectedly brought important intelligence: "My father recently discovered that the feud between the Chen family and our family goes back many years. Victor Thompson approached me actually for revenge. His target is not only Linze's technology, but also the Johnson family assets."
Alexander Morgan nodded: "This is consistent with our investigation results. Victor Thompson is ambitious and wants to swallow the core businesses of both families in one go."
I no longer concealed my abilities and proposed a complete business strategy: "We should do the opposite of what's expected, making Victor Thompson think he's succeeded, when in fact we're luring him into our trap."
I elaborated on the plan in detail, including how to plant false intelligence, how to track information flow, and how to counterattack at the critical moment. My analysis was thorough and comprehensive, even Claire Johnson nodded in agreement from time to time.
When Alexander Morgan attempted to dominate the discussion and propose his own solution, I politely but firmly pointed out the flaws in it: "Mr. Morgan, your plan has risks in terms of cash flow. If the Chen Group detects any anomalies, they might withdraw early. I suggest using this approach instead..."
I presented a more in-depth market analysis and risk assessment, with precise data and rigorous logic. After listening, Alexander Morgan remained silent for a moment, then responded in a way I had never anticipated.
"You're right." He looked at me, his eyes gleaming with a light I had never seen before, "We'll proceed according to Emily Wilson's plan."
He turned to the other executives: "From today on, Emily Wilson will be in full charge of Project 'Aurora.' I need all of you to give her your complete support."
After the meeting, only Alexander Morgan, Claire Johnson, and I remained. Claire Johnson gave us a meaningful look: "I'll take my leave now. You two take your time."
After she left, Alexander Morgan walked up to me: "Emily Wilson, I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have doubted you or asked Michael Davis to investigate you."
"Why the sudden change of heart?" I looked straight into his eyes.
"Because you've proven your worth time and again," he said sincerely. "More importantly, I realized that... I need you. Not just for work, but also..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but in that moment, I felt my heart race. This business tycoon was showing vulnerability and sincerity in front of me for the first time.
"I need time," I said softly. "I didn't come back to this life to..."
"I understand," he nodded. "I'll wait until you're ready. For now, let's focus on dealing with Victor Thompson."
As I left the meeting room, I glanced back at Alexander Morgan standing by the window. Sunlight streamed through the glass, outlining his solitary yet powerful silhouette. I suddenly realized this man was more complex than I had imagined, and more worth getting to know.
And I wondered, was I already beginning to waver from my original resolve?
