Chapter 39 Discussion
Coralie gave a nod and hollered at Diana as she left the room. "Diana, Ms. Williams wants to see you."
Diana knew Clara's intention and wasn't surprised. She got up and headed to Clara's office. As soon as she walked in, she put on an annoyed face. "Clara, just because you're running the Spencer Group for Mr. Percy, don't think you're all that. Remember who actually owns this place."
The office had great soundproofing, so Clara wasn't worried about anyone eavesdropping. She glanced at the sparkling diamonds on her nails and flashed a bright smile. "Diana, you're so naive. I just said a few words, and Mr. Percy put me in charge here. It's not about who owns the company; it's about who has the power."
Seeing Diana stay quiet, Clara went on, "Look at everyone out there. They all respect me. Why don't you get the same treatment? Oh, right, you're just an intern now."
Diana's face darkened, partly from real anger and partly from acting. She clenched her fists and hissed, "Just you wait!"
Clara loved seeing Diana like this. She flipped through some files on her desk and casually said, "Since you're my assistant, organize all the Spencer Group's collaborations from the past ten years for me. I need to plan the future of my company."
Clara stressed "my company" just to tick Diana off. As expected, Diana didn't say a word and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Clara leaned back in her chair, feeling super satisfied. The anger and frustration she had felt earlier melted away. Her next goal was to streamline the company's operations, all in a bid to impress Charles.
Axel had been watching the office and noticed Diana storming out, sensing something was up. He quickly figured out that the two new managers probably didn't get along. That was why Clara made Diana her assistant—to control her rival and limit her influence. Clara was definitely no pushover.
Axel quickly analyzed the situation. The company couldn't have two equal decision-makers for long. And since Charles had revived the company because of Clara, it was clear she would come out on top. Excited by his analysis, Axel knew he could use his understanding of people to get ahead, as he usually did.
Unfortunately, all the old employees had left. Even the most senior, Coralie, didn't know the true relationship between the Percy Group and the Spencer Group.
But Axel felt he had found a shortcut to success. Seeing Diana come out, he approached her. "Diana, I'm Axel from PR. You just graduated, right?"
Diana blinked and sized him up, then politely greeted him. After that, she turned back to her work.
Axel felt a bit awkward with her indifference but pressed on, "What did Ms. Williams assign you? Maybe I can help. I don't have much on my plate right now."
Diana hadn't planned on doing the task, but seeing Axel offer, she happily handed it over. "Thanks, Axel! Ms. Williams needs the company's collaboration projects from the past ten years. I'll leave it to you," Diana spoke lightly, pushing the task onto him.
Surprised by her directness, Axel, wanting to impress Clara, gritted his teeth and accepted the task. He returned to his desk and began working on it.
Axel, originally from PR, didn't have much data on hand, but he had good connections with folks in other departments. So, he started piecing things together. As he worked, he thought, 'Ten years of investment data? What's the point? Ms. Williams is really something else.'
Meanwhile, Diana wasn't just sitting around at her desk. She was diving into the current market sales trends for the Spencer Group's products.
Even though the Spencer Group had been on the verge of collapse and its factories were shutting down, there was still a lot of inventory, and sales hadn't completely stopped. But the losses were huge, and sales were just so-so.
Diana felt the need to pivot her strategy based on the present circumstances. While she was reviewing the data, Clara called for a meeting in ten minutes.
Everyone had different reactions, knowing Clara was trying to establish her authority.
In the conference room, Clara sat at the head of the table. Diana and Coralie sat across from each other, both close to Clara. With so few employees left at the Spencer Group, the room still felt pretty empty even when everyone showed up.
Clara took charge, flipping through the files in front of her. "What issues are the departments facing? Let's talk about them."
Everyone exchanged glances. The Spencer Group had been struggling for so long that most employees had spent the past six months with nothing to do. They were bracing for Clara's criticism.
Coralie broke the silence first, "Now that the company is restarting, we're short on staff. Some former employees want to come back. Ms. Williams, should we hire new people or bring them back?"
Clara didn't hesitate. "Hire new people. No rehires. Do they think they can come and go as they please?" She paused and addressed everyone, "The most basic rule for an employee is loyalty to the company. I hope you all remember that."
Diana, however, didn't hold back and spoke calmly, "Ms. Williams, that's not right. These days, who talks about loyalty to a job? The relationship between a company and its employees is a partnership. If the company's policies are good, the pay is fair, and the work environment is decent, employees will naturally consider the company's interests. Loyalty isn't just a word."
Clara didn't expect Diana to challenge her. She clenched her fists and retorted, "Do you think an intern like you can lecture your superiors?"
"Ms. Williams should know I'm not just any intern," Diana drawled, smiling at her.
In the work chat, the conversation had already started.
Calliope: [Oh my god, no wonder she's representing Ms. Wipere. She's amazing.]
Isla: [Diana is saying exactly what I feel! If the company is terrible, who would be loyal to it?]
Nia: [But I feel like this meeting isn't simple. Let's focus and listen.]
Clara and Diana were at a standoff. Clara hesitated to reveal Diana's true status, knowing it would make them equals in the company. She couldn't imagine how arrogant Diana would become. Diana was also taking a gamble. Either outcome wouldn't harm her.
Coralie sensed the tension and gently reminded them, "Nolan mentioned that Ms. Williams and another manager are co-managing the company. Diana, as a representative, you should convey your superior's orders. Maybe you could make a video call?"
Diana shook her head, speaking seriously, "My words are what Ms. Wipere wants to say. Ms. Williams knows my boss well. Right, Ms. Williams?"
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