Chapter 4 Ex-lover

Emelie questioned, "What exactly does Mr. Middleton wish me to explain?" "Why fire her?" asked William. Emelie plainly explained, "She was responsible for the mistake in the Waypoint Corporation contract as a decimal was incorrectly placed. "Fortunately, our strong relationship with the client softened the impact. According to our policy, a new employee whose significant error endangers the firm's interests is subject to dismissal and potentially additional consequences." Hearing this, Daphne's face drained of color, a mix of fear and anxiety seizing her. "I was too careless, my apologies…" William gave her a look, one that was meant to be reassuring, then said to Emelie, "Show me the document." Emelie put down the document. William flipped through the document to its end, only taking a brief look before tossing it back onto the desk. He said, "This date marks your unexplained absence. Had it not been for your absence, the responsibility of this contract would not have fallen to Daphne, a newcomer." Emelie was incredulous. "Is Mr. Middleton implying the fault lies with me?" "You're the head of the secretarial department. You should accept the blame." William's response was direct, showcasing an unmistakable bias in favor of Daphne. Emelie suppressed her frustration and argued, "Setting aside that I was on leave when she joined, even if she didn't know how to handle it, she could have asked someone else or simply not taken it upon herself. Since she made her own decision and volunteered, she should bear the consequences. "Moreover, one must either be a top graduate from a professional institution or have an outstanding work record to enter the secretarial department. An art student hardly qualifies to set foot in there." William asked, "What if I insist on keeping her?" Emelie replied through clenched teeth, "The secretarial department is fully staffed, we don't need an assistant. If Mr. Middleton insists on keeping her, then assign her to a different position." William looked at Emelie. Her lips pressed tightly together, showing a stubbornness reminiscent of how she was three years ago. He smirked slightly. "Since the secretarial department is fully staffed, she will replace your position." Emelie was utterly taken aback at his words. A cold realization dawned on her upon grasping his intention. She understood that dismissing Daphne would displease William, yet she had not anticipated such intense repercussions. It seemed that she had misjudged William's fondness for Daphne and overvalued her own significance to him. Daphne hastily approached. "Mr. Middleton, I…" William raised his hand to stop her from speaking, then tossed a document to Emelie. "You're now assigned to the Vinetown project. Don't return to the headquarters until it's concluded." … Emelie left the CEO's office and began to pack her things in the secretarial department. The other two secretaries asked in surprise, "Emelie, where are you going?" Emelie responded, her voice devoid of emotion, "Mr. Middleton assigned me to the Vinetown project." Assigning her to an external project was a way of implying that she should leave the headquarters. Both secretaries were astonished. There had never been a precedent for a CEO's secretary being assigned out, especially since Emelie was the head of the secretarial department. Moreover, the treatment at a subsidiary could never compare to that at the headquarters. Once she leaves, could she ever come back? Daphne entered, carrying her items to Emelie's desk, her voice shaky. "Ms. Hoven, let me assist with packing…" Emelie looked at her and asked, "Has Mr. Middleton assigned this desk to you now?" "Mr. Middleton indicated that this seat allows him to monitor me in case of unforeseen circumstances," Daphne relied. Emelie's lips slightly curled. The desk was directly opposite the CEO's office, one could easily observe William at work as long as the door wasn't closed. Previously, she would often lift her head from her work and sneak glances at him. Now, it appeared William intended to monitor Daphne openly, perhaps to safeguard her from potential mishaps like today's. Emelie let out a sigh, feeling as if the pain of her miscarriage was washing over her all over again. As Daphne neatly packed the calendar into a box, she whispered, "I'll dedicate myself to learning and performing my duties flawlessly. You won't have to worry, Ms. Hoven." Emelie harbored no concerns. After all, no one lingered on thoughts of an ex-lover in the light of new affections. Especially when she was never truly considered an ex-lover, but merely a tool that William had grown tired of.