Chapter 81
"Your hand is hurt? Let me make you some black tea to help it heal faster."
Linda's voice was pleasant and enticing, the kind that made one feel at ease instantly.
"Thank you, Ms. Foster!"
In the past, I would have definitely been nervous as hell, but not anymore because I had grown fearless.
No wonder they said that without desires, one was strong. Damn right it did.
Coupled with the fact that I wore clothes worth tens of thousands of dollars, despite not having much money, had invisibly enhanced both my demeanor and confidence.
I used to find making tea was dull, but watching Linda prepare it, every move was so graceful.
So, it wasn't the tea steeping was tedious. It was that the person making it lacked charm.
"Here, give it a taste!"
She pushed the tea toward me. I thanked her, picked up the cup, and took a sip. Describing the flavor was difficult. It simply had a slightly bitter note on my palate. Yet, how could someone of refined tastes say that? "It's quite delightful. It leaves a lingering fragrance, truly a fine tea!" I said.
"As long as you enjoy it."
Linda let out a soft chuckle and commented, "I'm surprised you have not only built a solid relationship with the President of Walker Company but also with the President of Winest Company. They seem to be quite supportive of you."
I set the cup and smiled. "Maybe I just get along well with them, and the they happen to appreciate me."
I believe she should understand the implication of my words.
"I've heard about what happened yesterday, and I know you were wronged. I've already held Ms. Smith accountable, and Nicole's had her warning too!"
'So you punished them implication of ?'
'Then how is that any different from not punishing them at all?'
I felt a bit discontented, but now wasn't the moment to dwell on such trivial matters.
"You've been a dedicated employee for years. Recently, you've helped the company secure a 1.2-million-dollar deal, demonstrating your excellent performance. Ms. Smith mentioned that upon your return to the company, you'll be promoted to deputy director. Are you satisfied with this?"
"Ms. Foster, the promotion isn't my primary concern right now. I have another crucial question here. If the company cannot provide a clear answer, I might be able to continue working here.
"Go ahead. What's the issue?"
Linda set down her cup.
"Previously, the company suddenly implemented a rule that for projects exceeding 3 million dollars, the commission is calculated based on net profit. For instance, the Walker Company's 8-million-dollar project was calculated to have a profit margin of forty percent, or 3.2 million dollars. The commission that ended up in my hands was only three hundred and twenty thousand."
"Even with the Winest Company project, my total commission might barely reach five hundred thousand. This doesn't even amount to a single percentage point. I find this regulation unfair. Our marketing department depends on commissions and performance for our livelihood. If securing a big deal is not as profitable as a few million small ones, then what's the incentive?"
I might be a bit out of touch to refer to a multimillion-dollar deal as a small one.
"We are here at Skyliho to make money, not to do charity. Skyliart Group next door already offers higher commission rates. If this continues, many might shift their big deals over to them."
I used to speak softly, and no one paid attention to what I said.
Ultimately, the most important department in the company was the marketing department.
Without sales volume, Skyliho was nothing!
"Are you suggesting that commissions should be based on the total project amount?"
"Exactly!"
"I can tell you, the previous project system was just a trial. Since there are significant issues, it will be significant . Your commission for the project should rightfully be a solid 240 thousand dollars."
"Thank you, Ms. Foster, you are wise!"
"Oh, by the way, Ms. Wilson has promised me previously that once the initial payment for the project is received, I will be able to get an advance on the commission."
I tried to read Linda's expression, but she remained impassive. She simply said calmly, "If Ms. Wilson mentioned it, then proceed as she directed."
"However, in the future, refrain from involving Ms. Wilson in such affairs. Remember that she oversees the project department and isn't your direct supervisor, clear?"
Her mild warning didn't faze me. "I'll be more cautious in the future!"
"Well, when can you return to your position?"
I forced a bitter smile, rolled up my left sleeve, and admitted. "Ms. Foster, I sustained a minor injury. In fact, I sneaked out of the hospital this afternoon."
Linda suddenly realized. "No wonder you said you were busy this morning."
"Here's the deal. You manage the project and rest well in the hospital. I'm allowing you to work from there. There's no need to take your annual leave. We'll treat this as regular work hours."
"Thank you, Ms. Foster!"
"So, do you have any other questions?"
Realizing she was basically dismissing me, I quickly said my goodbyes and took my leave.
As I exited the office, the heavy weight in my heart finally lifted, and the issue of the commission was ultimately sorted out.
Unconsciously, I found myself standing at Katherine's office door.
I hesitated, unsure whether to enter.
Jenny and Linda were untrustworthy. If George hadn't been reliable, I would have been in trouble during yesterday's morning meeting.
Katherine, the mistress, was a tough cookie to handle.
But, by a stroke of luck, I had acquired some incriminating information about her, giving me the upper hand. After considering it, I knocked on of Katherine's office door.
"Come in."
I pushed the door and stepped inside. Compared to Linda, Katherine dressed more youthfully, especially with her captivating eyes.
"Ms. Wilson!" I greeted quickly.
"Did you just visit Ms. Foster's office?" she asked.
"Yes. After all, Ms. Foster is the head of the marketing department," I said with a smile.
"Why didn't you come to me for justice in this matter? Have you forgotten what I said before?" Katherine said.
She was quite something, asking in a probing manner that didn't provoke anger but rather made one feel inadequate.
With a somber expression, I somber , "Ms. Wilson, the situation was extremely urgent, and I didn't consider it immediately."
"It seems like my influence as a VP doesn't hold much weight in your eyes."
"Not at all. It's just that having you handle such a minor issue feels like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."
"You certainly know how to sweet talk."
Katherine finally said, "Take a seat."
"Thank you, Ms. Wilson."
"I thought you wouldn't come."
"How could I not!"
I quickly said, "I always heed my superiors."
Katherine said, "Really? That's good."
She added, "I'm planning to establish a new department and urgently need assistance. Would you be interested?"
"What department?"
"The business development department."
'What?'
'Isn't that just the marketing department?'
I was taken aback. Was she really about to target the marketing department? Managing the project department wasn't enough. Now she wanted to encroach on Linda's territory as well.
If I really went over, Linda might tear me apart.
Damn, I knew no good would come of this. In the end, they just wanted to use me as a pawn.
'This time, I won't be fooled again.'
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
