Chapter 547 Setting an Example
The Director of PR mustered up the courage and cautiously asked, "Patricia, isn't this a bit harsh? I get it, Jack and Andrew really messed up this time. But maybe they had something important come up! We can't just dismiss all of their contributions because of one mistake and fire them, can we?"
Patricia responded with a smirk that didn't reach her eyes. "Check your email. If I recall correctly, the last line, highlighted in red and bold, makes it crystal clear – no absences for any reason. If you're on your deathbed, you better crawl in. That email wasn't sent out at the last minute. It went out last night. If there really was something so important, why didn't they call ahead? Just not showing up without any explanation is irresponsible.
"And let's remember that today was a regular workday. Even if there wasn't a meeting, they should've been at the office. If they couldn't make it, shouldn't they have submitted a leave request? No show, no leave notice—that's an unauthorized absence, and I have every right to terminate it. Here at the Langley Group, we don't keep the irresponsible."
The Director of PR still tried to plead. "But the HR and PR departments are critical to the company. Losing them so suddenly might affect our operations. Maybe we could give them another chance..."
Patricia remained expressionless. "I did. It's them who didn't take it."
"They want it, they do! I'll call them right now."
"No need."
"A department can't go a day without its leader. I suggest—"
"It won't be leaderless," Patricia said, then turned to Alan. "Give the order, Alan. Promote the Associate Director of HR to director. They can attend the meeting immediately."
The Director of PR turned pale, feeling as if he had walked into a trap, as if Patricia had been prepared for this all along.
Alan nodded and exited the meeting room, heading directly to the HR department to issue the company's latest personnel changes.
The Director of PR wiped the sweat from his brow and offered a sheepish grin. "Patricia, Jack's one of Max's guys. You think this could backfire?"
Patricia looked at him icily. "It seems our Director of PR has always opposed my decisions. Are you in cahoots with Jack?"
Hearing this, the Director of PR nearly stopped breathing from fear and frantically shook his head. "No, no, of course not. I'm just considering what's best for the company, worried that we might lose talent."
What a joke. As if he were running a clique. It was a taboo everywhere. Even if he were in league with Jack, now was certainly not the time to admit it. Otherwise, he'd undoubtedly be the next one to be fired. Sure, he made a fuss, but he had never considered leaving the Langley Group. Everyone was clawing their way into the company, which offered a great salary, benefits, perks, and a working environment. Sure, the workload was heavy, but the rewards were substantial. Only a fool would think of leaving.
His habitual absences were to avoid offending Max, hoping to cling to his coattails and secure his position at the Langley Group. If he didn't, Max would find some pretext to fire him and plant one of his people in the job. He was cornered.
Patricia's lips curled into a smile that didn't reach her eyes as she said, "Then I'll spare you the worry, Mr. PR Director."
Soon after, Alan walked in with a woman in her thirties, her shoulder-length hair complemented by a sharp black business suit and subtle makeup, projecting an air of intelligent competence.
"Patricia, meet Liz, the new Director of HR," Alan said. In public, he referred to her as Patricia, but privately, he preferred Mrs. Watson.
Patricia stood and extended her hand to Liz. "Congratulations. From today, you're the Director of HR. I look forward to a pleasant collaboration," she said. She had thoroughly investigated Liz the day before: a dedicated employee since college graduation, over a decade of diligent work, and strong professional capabilities. However, her aversion to office politics had kept her as an assistant director, never quite breaking through to the top.
Five years earlier, Liz had been a strong candidate for the director role when the previous director left. Suddenly, Jack was brought in from outside, relegating her to second in command with a promotion in title only.
The Human Resources department, often seen as a support role, was crucial for overseeing employee movements, a fact not lost on Patricia, who knew the strategic importance of placing the right people in such positions.
Liz felt as if she was dreaming. She had begun her usual office routine that morning, only to suddenly be promoted to director. Although unprepared, she was resilient from years of experience, so she composed herself.
"I won't let you down," she said, shaking Patricia's hand.
"Your formal appointment letter will be issued to the entire company later. Let's finish today's meeting first," Patricia said.
Liz nodded and took her designated seat, while Alan passed her the meeting documents.
None of the executives had thought Patricia was serious, not just bluffing to scare them. They immediately took out their phones and began covertly messaging their colleagues.
[Jack, Patricia's furious. Your subordinate, Liz, has taken your spot. You better come back now, or there will be no turning back.]
[Andrew, Patricia's really angry. Jack's been dismissed, and you're next. You better come back before it's too late.]
Jack replied swiftly.
Jack: [For real?]
[Absolutely!]
A clandestine photo of Liz sitting at the table was sent.
Jack responded instantly.
[I'll be right there.]
Andrew's reply came just a tad later.
[Is this for real?!]
[It's true! If you don't return now, your job's on the line.]
Otherwise, it would have been them getting the boot.
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