The notion of ordinary employees banding together to confront the boss was, in my opinion, akin to suicide. In the boss's eyes, it would only be seen as a ploy for credit, a veiled threat. If I were to dare such a thing, I'd be the first to fall.
And closing deals worth over two million dollars? Was it really that simple?
I'd been with Skylight in Sevan for over a year, and the biggest deal I'd ever witnessed was only one million eight hundred thousand dollars. If I were to go around seeking assistance, who would even bother?
Everyone was green with envy over the big deal I had landed. If I were to actually go through with it, they'd be secretly rejoicing at my downfall. I knew my colleagues all too well; none of them wanted anyone else to outshine them.
"I understand your feelings," Jessica began, trying to placate me, "but the company's policy is what it is, and we all have to abide by it."
She continued. "I know you've been wronged, and this project wouldn't have been possible without you. How about this: once you finish this project, I'll promote you, and then you'll be Melody's deputy. How does that sound?"
Her words made me want to lash out and give her a good smack. This woman was ruthless.
She'd strike you with a stick, then offer you a sweet date, the kind that was only for show, not for consumption. Once this project was over, I was certain she'd dismiss me without a second thought.
My frustration was at its peak.
If I were to cause a scene, she might not fire me because of the project. But stalling the project's progress would be hard to justify to Edward.
Favors were favors, work was work. Blurring the lines not only tarnished one's character but also invited disdain from others.
She had me cornered, and then she offered me an empty promise.
Well played, indeed!
This woman was cunning; it was clear why she was a director. Her methods were insidious.
I took a deep breath. The reality was harsh, but I decided to accept it gracefully.
"Alright, I accept both conditions, but I have one request: I want an advance on my commission!"
Negotiations were a two-way street, after all.
"Advance on the commission?" Melody interjected. "The company has never done such a thing before!"
I ignored her, turning to Jessica. "This is my only request. If Jessica doesn't agree, I'll submit my resignation. I believe Edward would listen to me, given our relationship."
"William, do you realize what you're saying?" Melody's voice rose, her gaze on me complex.
"Fine, I agree!" Jessica conceded, "But the commission can only be advanced after receipt of the first payment from the other party."
"Jessica, you're wise as ever." I chuckled. "I just know you wouldn't want me to leave."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you two can go." With that, Jessica lowered her gaze to the documents on her desk.
As we exited the office, I noticed everyone craning their necks, a few even pressing their ears against the glass to eavesdrop. Seeing us emerge, they quickly retreated to their desks.
"Melody, this project will be a lot of work for you. After all, I'm inexperienced and will need you to take charge!" I said.
"That goes without saying. I will definitely do well. You also need to interface properly with the other party. If there are any issues, I will certainly punish you," Melody replied, her usual confidence slightly diminished after the morning's events.
"In Melody, I trust." She was the kind of woman who thrived on compliments and praise. Yet, when lauded, she never allowed a hint of pleasure to grace her features. From the information I'd gathered through my private channels, it seemed she simply didn't know how to articulate her emotions properly.
The education of nobility, it seemed, taught restraint in emotional expression, perhaps allowing for a tight-lipped smile at most. In her mind, she was a lofty princess, and the rest of us were merely paupers in her court. Why would she ever deign to smile at us?
Paradoxically, she also craved the assertive care of a domineering CEO-type lover, a contradictory combination with a touch of tsundere.
"What did you say?" Melody's brow furrowed.
I halted mid-step, lowering my voice. "Melody, you look quite beautiful when you smile. Perhaps you've never noticed that about yourself?"
Before she could erupt in anger, I turned on my heel and walked away. Melody seemed on the brink of explosion, but as she watched me depart, her face morphed into a mask of confusion.
Her anger had nowhere to go.
Back at my desk, I retrieved the unopened panda pillow I'd won at the annual party.
Approaching Melody, I said, "Melody, this is for you." She scowled. "Why are you giving this to me? Are you trying to bribe me or appease me?"
She was remarkably sensitive.
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. Without further ado, I placed the pillow behind her back. She let out a surprised gasp. "What are you doing?"
"Don't get worked up!" I quickly retreated as her exclamation drew the attention of others. I lowered my voice. "I noticed you seemed uncomfortable in the office, and you were rubbing your waist when you stood up. I thought your back might be hurting, so I thought this might help."
"I don't want it! Take it away," Melody retorted, her expression frosty.
I knew this was just her front. "Don't worry, it's new. I haven't used it; the tag is still on it."
"Of course, if you don't like it, you can just throw it away. Pretend this never happened. It's fine by me, as long as you're happy."
With that, I turned and walked away.
Melody didn't lash out at me in the end. Back at my seat, I caught sight of her conflicted expression and knew she probably wouldn't discard the pillow.
Just then, my phone vibrated. I picked it up.
Mary Walker?
The image of the girl with dimples when she smiled flashed in my mind. Why was she messaging me now?
Mary: [Mr. Maine, are you busy?]
William: [Not busy, what's up?]
Mary: [I'm here to liaise with you. (Sticking out tongue)]
William: [Liaise?]
My heart skipped a beat.
William: [You're the project manager I'll be liaising with this time?]
Mary: [Yes! Mr. Maine, I'm looking forward to working with you!]
Seeing the message, my heart pounded. "Looking forward to it."
Mary: [Actually, to be honest, I don't know much about the project. It's my brother who asked me to liaise with you on the project.]
William: [No worries, I'll arrange everything. You just need to send me your requirements.]
Mary: [That's great!]
After discussing work for a while, the conversation gradually shifted to the day she fell into the water, and she thanked me again.
Then, we talked about her family. I played the listener. After a while, she changed the topic again.
Mary: [Ah, enough about me, let's talk about you!]
William: [What's there to talk about me?]
Mary: [Tell me about your relationship with them.]
What?
I frowned. What did she mean by that?
[For not uploading any chapters yesterday I am doing for you guys a mass release I will be releasing (5) chapters today I hope you enjoy.... sorry for not meeting your expectations yesterday.]... 5 ....
Note: for every review and power stones given to the book I will be releasing accordingly
1 review= 2 chapters.
2 reviews= 4 chapters. And as follow.
5 power stones= 2 chapters
10 power stones= 4 chapters. Thanks I hope you can help the book grow.
Ok this is the last of my redemption chapters I hope you guys can forgive me and please help me with the matter above I promise you won't regret helping the novel grow. Thanks.