Downstairs at the Chambers residence, Yvette finished her breakfast while, upstairs in the study, Zachary remained alone. Lucas, becoming reserved as he faced Jeremiah, respectfully said, “Mr. Chavez, Mr. Chambers is occupied and unable to see you off. May I arrange a car for you?”

Jeremiah nodded politely. “No, thank you. I drove myself.” He turned to Yvette, gently squeezing her fingers. “I won’t return to Argrol University; I’ll pick you up after work.”

Lucas discreetly averted his gaze, pretending not to overhear their conversation. They’re having a private moment, he thought.

Yvette nodded, her voice cool and calm. “Okay, understood.”

Jeremiah nodded at Lucas before leaving.

Lucas said, “Ms. Zeller, are you going to the office now? The layoff list is posted on the company intranet, and I imagine it’s causing quite a stir.”

Yvette, hands in her pockets, shook her head, projecting an air of cool defiance. “To the office,” she confirmed. Lucas hesitated. If Ms. Zeller goes to the office now, it’ll likely cause a scene, he thought.

He had already reviewed the list and couldn’t fathom Yvette’s choices. Of the twenty or so individuals laid off, most were relatives of Nelson and Warron—people in comfortable positions with exorbitant salaries, long overdue for dismissal. Yet, several regular employees, unconnected to anyone, were also included. He couldn’t decipher her reasoning but trusted her judgment, believing every name on the list had a purpose.

At Chambers Group, employees were at their computers early that morning, eyes wide, barely daring to blink. At 9:15, everyone frantically refreshed the company intranet. The rumor of impending layoffs had spread like wildfire. Nobody wanted to lose their well-compensated position. Each silently prayed their name wouldn’t appear on the list.

When the list was updated at 9:15, most felt relief—a relief quickly replaced by surprise. Almost everyone on the list was a department head, not a low-level employee. They’d experienced a night of mixed emotions.

Once the initial shock subsided, a collective sense of justice prevailed. The dismissed individuals were known for their reliance on connections to bully subordinates and exert undue influence. Their dismissal felt incredibly satisfying.

While some celebrated, others were distraught. From early morning, a steady stream of people flowed in and out of Nelson and Warron’s offices—the recently dismissed. As another man emerged from Nelson’s office, head bowed, the surrounding employees couldn’t contain their whispers.

One said, “Wow, Ms. Zeller’s serious about this, firing so many people—especially considering they’re relatives of two board members. She clearly doesn’t care about Mr. Hegan or Mr. Osborne.”

Another whispered, “Keep it down. I heard Ms. Zeller plans to take special measures against Mr. Hegan and Mr. Osborne. Things won’t be calm anytime soon.”

“Stop spreading rumors,” a third countered. “Mr. Hegan and Mr. Osborne own twenty percent of Chambers Group’s shares. Even if Ms. Zeller wants to oppose them, she’s limited in what she can do.”

“Exactly,” another added. “Let’s get back to work. Management’s problems aren’t our concern.”

As the words were spoken, Nelson’s secretary entered, conspicuously dressed in revealing business attire. The gossipers quickly dispersed; this secretary was not someone to trifle with and held a close relationship with Nelson. Wearing a tight pencil skirt, she sashayed into Nelson’s office. With a flirty glance, she playfully asked, “Mr. Hegan, why am I on the resignation list? You have to help me!”

Nelson, plagued all morning by his placed relatives, thought, Yvette is truly formidable.

“There’s no room for negotiation. Everyone Warron and I brought in is on the list. She’s going to uproot us completely; how ruthless!”

His secretary’s arrival briefly improved his mood, but her tearful plea enraged him. He threw the documents at her chest.

“What’s there to cry about? Plenty of good jobs exist outside Chambers Group. You won’t suffer,” he roared.

Startled, the secretary stammered an apology. “I’m sorry, Mr. Hegan. I was trying to support you. Ms. Zeller dismissed all your trusted aides without a word?”

Nelson scoffed. Foolish woman. Yvette is the eldest Chambers daughter, and Zachary holds fifty-five percent of the shares. The Chambers family has the final say.

What can shareholders like us say about her dismissing a few people? But I didn’t expect Zachary to relinquish his power so readily, leaving us unprepared.

Luckily, I’ve already planned for this. Since Yvette is ruthless, I won’t hesitate to abandon any prior friendship with Zachary. As long as my plan works, Yvette’s reputation will be ruined. Goddess of Clusia? No way. She’ll be disgraced and expelled from Chambers Group!

He dismissed his secretary’s pleas. “Has Yvette arrived at the office yet?” Does she feel guilty and dare not show herself?

The secretary, wiping her tears, softly said, “Mr. Hegan, Ms. Zeller is already in her office on the top floor.” Nelson immediately texted an unknown number: [Start your plan in half an hour. Successful completion earns you another 660 thousand dollars.]

He chuckled, anticipating Yvette’s reaction to the unfolding events. He beckoned his secretary, whispering something that brightened her eyes.

The top floor held only one office—Yvette’s—though a small, additional office had been set up. By the time Yvette and Lucas arrived, Zoe was already present, looking refreshed and impeccably groomed.