Chapter 50 Backer
Jessica felt resentment towards Natalie, but she also worried that Natalie held some evidence against her, so she didn't dare to argue openly.
"I have just as much experience leading a team, and my performance among the top management is also among the best. Ms. Clark, you aren't still angry about last time, are you?"
Jessica was clearly displeased.
Natalie lowered her gaze and smiled. "It's not that, I remember you didn't support the collaboration with Zorblax Group before. Your attitude could influence the direction of the collaboration, so..."
"I will definitely follow the company's decision." Jessica eagerly expressed her stance.
Natalie gently smiled, "The list has already been submitted to the board of directors, so there's probably no way. Maybe next time."
She began to pack up her things, indicating that the visit was over.
Jessica gritted her teeth and said, "There will be a way. Let's just wait and see."
She turned and left, swaying her waist in high heels. Natalie's gaze deepened slightly, she raised an eyebrow and thought, 'Good, the fish is biting the hook.'
In the afternoon, Aaron received an internal call. "Director Derek Reynolds said he wants to see you in his office," he said.
Natalie raised an eyebrow and replied, "Okay."
Aside from Victor and Aaron, nobody else in the company knew her true identity. She wondered what Derek, the director, wanted to discuss with her regarding her promotion to vice president.
Derek had a fondness for speculation and manipulation. He managed to become a board member through unconventional means and refused to let go ever since. However, since his shareholding was limited and posed no threat to the company, she let him be.
She knocked on the door and a weary voice came from inside. "Come in."
Natalie entered with a smile. "Mr. Reynolds, you wanted to see me?"
Derek's eyes lit up when he saw her but then dimmed in regret. "Come, have a seat," he gestured to the chair in front of him.
Natalie didn't hesitate and sat down.
Derek smiled and coughed. "You're really beautiful. No wonder Victor went against everyone's opinions and pushed for you to take this position."
Natalie's smile deepened. So he was worried about Victor's backing? She didn't explain herself and simply smiled back at him.
Seeing her silence, Derek sneered. "This position was originally meant for Jessica. Did you know that?"
Was he trying to intimidate her?
Natalie paused briefly before replying, "Ms. Cole is undoubtedly excellent, but I am more suitable."
Derek's expression immediately darkened. "Young people in the workplace are too proud, disrespectful of their superiors, and they will suffer as a result," he threatened.
Natalie smiled, stood up, and said, "Then I will have to prove myself through my abilities. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
"Natalie," Derek grew anxious, his face filled with displeasure, and he directly ordered her, "Add Jessica's name to the Zorblax Group project team."
Natalie's smile widened. So this was him, Jessica's supporter, just an old fool? Did he really think she would be intimidated by him?
Derek's expression became even more unpleasant as he saw her smile without a word. "Did you hear me?"
"I heard you," Natalie's face softened. She continued, "But I can't do that. It wouldn't be fair to others."
"What did you say?"
"Do you think having Victor will solve all your problems? Believe me..." Derek urgently threatened.
"Fire me? I don't believe the board of directors would fire me because of Jessica. I'm sure when Jessica went to complain, she didn't tell you about what I have in my hand. Please also let her know not to mess with me."
She glanced coldly at the shocked Derek, then stood up and walked out without hesitation.
After leaving, she called Victor's private number.
"What's the matter, Natalie?"
"Derek has a problem. Jessica is his person. He had a problem with not cooperating with Zorblax Group back then, it must have been Derek's attitude."
Victor smiled appreciatively. "You reacted quickly."
"Did you already know?"
"The board members have their own agendas. How can I not know?"
Natalie breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I can rest assured."
"I will handle Derek. You focus on following up with the cooperation with Zorblax Group instead. By the way, I heard that Gabriel plans to personally take charge of this collaboration," Victor told Natalie.
