Chapter 8 The Divorce Papers
On a scorching summer afternoon, Pearl sat in her office, frowning as she stared at her computer screen. The report on the construction site accident had just landed in her inbox, weighing heavily on her mood. Suddenly, her phone rang, and it was Oscar calling.
Pearl took a deep breath and answered, "Mr. Brown."
"Pearl, I just got the report of the construction site accident. Can you explain what happened?" Oscar's voice was carried with obvious displeasure.
"I'm handling it," Pearl said, trying to stay calm. "We're investigating the cause, but we've already taken the necessary safety measures."
"Necessary safety measures." Oscar's tone grew harsher. "If you'd taken proper safety measures before, this accident wouldn't have happened. Do you know the extent of the loss this could bring to the Brown Group?"
Pearl felt a mix of frustration and anger. "Of course I know, but you can't put all the blame on me. We've been following the regulations, and there were many uncontrollable factors in this accident."
"Uncontrollable factors." Oscar scoffed, "As the project manager, it's your job to control those 'uncontrollable factors'. Pearl, I'm very disappointed in you."
"Mr. Brown," Pearl tried to explain further, but Oscar had already hung up. She slumped back in her chair, feeling more exhausted and defeated than ever.
Just then, her friend Janetta sent a message: [Pearl, I've sent out the divorce papers. Oscar should get them soon. Are you really sure about this decision?]
Pearl looked at the message and gave a bitter smile. Her marriage with Oscar had long been a facade, and this divorce was just a formality to end their relationship. She replied, [Yes, I've made up my mind. Thanks, Janetta.]
Meanwhile, in Oscar's office, Harold was giving a report.
"Mr. Brown, here are today's mails and packages." Harold placed a stack of documents in front of Oscar and left.
Oscar flipped through them casually until a particular envelope caught his eye. Opening it, he found a divorce agreement inside.
"What is this?" Oscar stared at the documents in disbelief. "How dare she?"
His face darkened as he saw that she wanted two-thirds of his assets.
"Why does she think she deserves so much?" Oscar seethed. "I've been the one driving this company's growth. She's just a nominal shareholder! If she weren't my wife, based on today's construction site accident alone, I should just fire her outright!"