Chapter 128 Conflict
Calliope and Axel both worked in the PR department, handling publicity for different teams.
They always had their differences, but Calliope tried to keep things professional and maintain a good working relationship.
However, after their last argument, Calliope had completely fallen out with him and, following Diana's instructions, had been scheming against him.
For example, intercepting his collaborations, stealing popular spokespersons, and liking negative reviews of Clara's team's products.
These actions, while not major issues, were particularly annoying.
And today, Axel finally snapped while Clara was present.
Axel suddenly stood up from his desk, stormed over to Calliope, and said through gritted teeth, "You guys have gone too far! How many times has this happened? Every time I secure someone for our team's publicity, you guys use the company's name to snatch them away! Do you think we're that easy to bully?"
Calliope's expression changed slightly at Axel's sudden outburst.
Her first reaction was to silently step back, afraid that his spit might land on her.
"Axel, what are you talking about? We're all working for the company's development, why differentiate between yours and mine? Besides, if those people are willing to do publicity for our team, what can I do? I can't stop them," Calliope said, looking down with an innocent face, seemingly explaining but actually saying these words on purpose to infuriate Axel.
Sure enough, Axel's anger flared up instantly upon hearing her words.
Every time Axel found someone for publicity, Calliope would follow up.
She would directly offer double the price and continuous cooperation conditions to snatch the person away, and also forbid them from taking on Clara's team's publicity.
Using this method, Calliope had already intercepted five or six collaborations.
Since the investment funds were equally divided, both teams had the same amount of money, but Clara's team spent more on research and packaging, leading to a shortage of publicity funds.
Naturally, they couldn't compete with Diana's team in terms of snatching co-operators.
Axel, extremely angry, raised his voice sharply. "I was giving you face before, that's why I didn't tell the bosses. But you keep doing this over and over again, don't try to test my patience."
This time, Calliope didn't answer him, but Lily, who was beside her, spoke up first. She widened her eyes, looking so naive. "Axel, I think maybe our team is more patient. You guys directly took our packaging design, spent two-thirds of the investment funds, and our team still has to work overtime to help you with PR. Axel, haven't you forgotten?"
Axel's expression became unnatural when Lily brought this up.
When the teams were first divided, internal conflicts hadn't intensified. Everyone was good colleagues, helping each other out.
But Axel had gotten used to taking more resources due to the uneven distribution. Now that the distribution was suddenly equal, how could he let others take back their share?
Seeing Axel at a disadvantage, Nia immediately spoke up, "That was when we were cooperating. Didn't you guys also not refuse back then? The past is the past, why bring it up now?"
"Exactly! You guys are just stirring up trouble now," Axel said.
Calliope rolled her eyes openly at his words. "Everyone relies on their own abilities. If you want it too, you can buy it with money. I don't want to bring up old scores. But if you provoke me again, don't blame me for being rude."
"Who are you going to be rude to?" As Calliope finished speaking, a familiar voice cut through the office chatter.
Everyone turned to see Clara, who had just stepped out of her office and caught the tail end of their conversation.
Clara already had a bone to pick with Diana, and Calliope, being on Diana's team, was no different in her eyes.
This made Clara's blood boil, reminding her of the time Calliope had stirred up trouble between her and Diana in public.
And today, with Diana out of the picture, Clara wasn't about to miss the chance to reassert her authority.
Clara strode forward, her voice sharp, and got right in Calliope's face. "What did you just say?"
Calliope's face went pale. She knew without Diana by her side, it was smarter to avoid a direct confrontation.
Thinking quickly, Calliope took a step back and said softly, "Hello, Ms. Williams."
Her tone was calm, neither submissive nor defiant, without a hint of flattery.
But Clara wasn't having it. "Now you remember I'm the boss. How were you talking to Axel just now? If I weren't here, how much more would you bully them?"
Sensing Clara's aggressive stance, Calliope fell silent. Arguing would only make Clara angrier.
Clara took Calliope's silence as an admission of guilt and a cold smile crept across her lips.
She looked around the office, raising her voice, "Don't think I don't know what you're all thinking. Now that the Percy Group is backing the company, everyone knows what the future holds. I hope you all remember my status!"
As Clara's gaze swept over them, everyone she looked at lowered their heads.
Although the Spencer Group had two leaders, with Diana often MIA and Clara having serious character issues, the employees still cared about their salaries and job security.
As long as the pay was good, they could put up with a lot, even a difficult boss.
For a moment, the office was dead silent.
"Ms. Williams, you should say these things during your team's meetings. We are under Ms. Spencer's management," Lily suddenly spoke up, breaking the silence.
Everyone was shocked at the audacity of the intern.
Clara clearly didn't expect a mere intern to challenge her. She furrowed her brows and snapped, "Do you understand the rules? I'm the boss! I can discipline employees however I want, do I need you to teach me?"
Lily looked innocent, waving her hand and saying, "I wouldn't dare, but Ms. Williams, we are Ms. Spencer's people. We are already in a competitive relationship with your team. If we listen to you, wouldn't that make us traitors?"
"You!" Clara was livid. It was all Diana's fault; now even an intern dared to defy her.
Sensing the situation spiraling, Calliope quickly pulled Lily behind her and apologized, "Sorry, Ms. Williams. She's just an inexperienced newcomer. Please don't take it to heart; we all think you're absolutely right."
Clara cursed internally, 'An inexperienced newcomer? We're all grown-ups here. She's just starting out in the office, doesn't she get how things work around here? If I don't show some authority, how are the staff going to see me down the line?'
"You, immediately! Go to the finance department, settle your salary, and get out! Don't let me see you in the company again." Clara glared, her chest heaving, pointing to the door, signaling Lily to leave immediately.
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