Chapter 549 A House Divided
Patricia hadn't expected him to carry a pocketknife, and everything happened so fast she couldn't react, her eyes widening as she saw Andrew lunge at her with it. At the last moment, someone grabbed her wrist and yanked her back.
Then, she found herself in a warm embrace. Strong hands held her waist firmly. The rich scent of cologne mixed with a hint of mint filled her nostrils.
Before she could think further, she saw James, who had pulled her to safety, lift his foot and kick mercilessly at Andrew's stomach. Caught off guard, Andrew took the blow straight to the gut, got sent flying several meters, and then landed sprawled on the ground. Alan hurried over and snatched the fruit knife that was still clutched tightly in his hand.
Perhaps having exerted himself too much, James caught his breath with difficulty, tilting his head and giving a light cough twice.
Patricia's eyes widened in shock, and as she patted her chest, still rattled from the scare, she immediately asked, "Thank you for saving me just now. Are you okay?"
James, too concerned for Patricia to mind himself, shook his head and asked, "What about you? Did he hurt you?"
"I'm fine, thank goodness you were there. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to dodge it," Patricia replied.
Only then did James finally relax, reassured by her safety.
The scene had left everyone frightened, and for a moment, no one could quite react.
Andrew, getting up from the ground and clutching his aching stomach. "Why do you get to fuckin' fire me? I've devoted fifteen years to the company, pouring my blood, sweat, and tears. How can you just dismiss me?"
Patricia, her anger flaring unrestrained at the thought of Andrew daring to pull a knife, broke free from James's embrace to confront him. "Did you get the email I sent yesterday?" she demanded.
Andrew looked away, but Patricia, cutting off any excuses, said, "There's no need to deny it. If you've read it, it would show as read on the email. If you want to argue, I can recall the email in front of everyone right now. If it's irrevocable, that means you've read it."
"But I had an emergency, so I couldn't come. Are we not allowed to take leave anymore?"
"Should I check the communications director's phone or maybe Manager Lee's?" Patricia said, her patience wearing thin. "If I'm not mistaken, they should have had text exchanges with you earlier."
Andrew's face paled, leaving him at a loss for words as Patricia continued, "You knew we had a meeting today. You failed to show up and didn't answer your phone. What use do I have for an employee who won't follow company procedures? I'm willing to compensate you with severance pay, which is more than fair. If you keep making a scene, I won't give you a dime."
Then, turning her attention to Jack, Patricia's tone hardened, "And as for you, I need to understand what's going through your mind. You think you can push me around because I'm a woman and new to running this company. I'm aware of the traps you've set and the games you've been playing behind my back. I've kept quiet to save face, but don't test me; you won't like the outcome when I'm backed into a corner."
Jack's expression cycled through shades of pale and red, his mortification evident.
Andrew, wide-eyed and in disbelief, had clearly underestimated Patricia, thinking she was just a pampered woman.
"You c-can't do this!" he said. "We're—"
The conference room door swung open, and Max strolled in with a smug grin, "Hello there, Patricia!"
Patricia forced a smile and replied with equal falseness, "Max, what a surprise! What brings you by today?"
Max chuckled, "I heard there was some trouble at the executive meeting today, and I feared you might be overwhelmed. So here I am to support you."
Her smile grew tighter as she responded, "Thanks for your concern, Max. The situation is under control. Anyone who was not cooperative has been dismissed."
Observing Jack and Andrew's dejected figures, Max let out a sly laugh. "You're not referring to Jack and Andrew, are you? They've been loyal to the company. Surely, Patricia, you must be mistaken?"
With a stiff smile, Patricia raised an eyebrow. "You always stay out of company affairs, Max. There's a lot you don't understand. Perhaps you should continue to stay out of it. I intend to handle this impartially and won't show favoritism."
Max's expression darkened.
Ignoring his reaction, Patricia turned to Alan. "Would you kindly escort Max out?"
"What? You..." Max had never been treated so disrespectfully before, especially not by some greenhorn who had just taken over the reins of the company.
Jack and Andrew, clung to Max, pleading, "Come on, man—put in a good word for us, will you? We swear we've been nothing but loyal to the company. There won't be a next time. Just get Patricia to give us another shot."
These were Max's guys; he couldn't bear to cut them loose. He was about to speak on their behalf but was interrupted.
"Max, you'd do well to stay out of this," Patricia said. "Otherwise, people might start thinking you put them up to it—that they were only so bold because they acted under your orders."
Max glared at Patricia, frustration boiling over, ready to storm out.
Realizing Max was ready to abandon them, Jack and Andrew grabbed his hand, desperate.
"Max, it was your plan all along, wasn't it? You can't just wash your hands of us now. I've got a family to support!" Jack said, his face gloomy.
"Exactly!" Andrew said, "I wouldn't have dared without your say-so. You promised to take the fall if anything went wrong. You can't abandon us now."
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