Back when Jim was in charge, he took the interview process very seriously. In fact, most of the people at Lloyd Enterprise were actually quite competent.

But no matter how capable someone was or how much work they did, it was no match for those who whispered sweet nothings into Yvette’s ear or ran a couple of errands for her. A promotion or raise? That just took a few words.

Rachel’s words instantly fired up the capable employees, like they had just received an energy shot. Some even stepped forward to pledge their commitment.

“Ms. Rachel, don’t worry. We’re here to do our jobs and earn promotions and raises, not to kiss anyone’s ass.”

“Exactly. If there’s work to be done, just give it to us. As long as we don’t have to blow smoke, we’re good.”

“Yes, that’s right!”

Hearing that only made Rachel more determined. She was going to lead this group of capable employees to greater heights.

“There’s one more thing. It’s about Ms. Yvette. We just found out that there was a failed project at the company. Originally, the shareholders had voted against it, but Ms. Yvette accepted a $100,000 bribe to secretly sign off on it. That project ended up costing the company a million."

“I’ve already asked HR to draft a demotion notice. Effective today, Ms. Yvette’s suspension will be lifted, and she’ll be demoted to department director. From now on, any project she handles must be reviewed and approved by me personally before it proceeds.”

Yvette scoffed and stormed over to Rachel.

“Who gave you the right to demote me? My position as deputy CEO was appointed by Dad! You don’t have the authority. Not even the shareholders can demote me at will.”

Yvette looked smug. Jim was hanging on by a thread in the hospital, kept alive only by tubes and IV drips. She had already checked. He was barely conscious these days. If Rachel wanted to demote her, she would need his personal approval. But he was in no condition to be worrying about company matters. He was fighting for his life.

At that moment, Gary walked up to Rachel and whispered in her ear, “It’s true. Back then, Mr. Lloyd was concerned that Ms. Yvette’s return to the company might be seen as illegitimate, so he made it clear that no one but him could fire or demote her. Otherwise, with all the mistakes she’s made, we would’ve done more than just suspend her.”

Chapter 506

Rachel frowned. So even the suspension was just for show? Once things died down, Yvette could just waltz back in and keep playing the role of deputy CEO like nothing happened.

Yvette strutted up to Rachel, head held high, and arrogantly tilted her chin.

“Oh, dear sister. That must be disappointing, huh? Thought you could make an example out of me? Hate to break it to you, but that plan just fell flat.”

Standing nearby, Cecilia’s chest heaved with anger at Yvette’s smugness. She was about to lose it. How could anyone be this shameless?

Rachel hadn’t expected Yvette to have such a trump card up her sleeve, but that didn’t mean she was powerless.

“If that’s what Dad said, then I won’t go against him. Don’t worry. I won’t demote you or kick you out of the company. But starting today, you won’t be taking charge of any more projects.”

Yvette’s eyes widened in shock. Her voice involuntarily rose.

“On what grounds?”

“On the grounds that I’m the one in charge now.”

Rachel’s words were firm and forceful, completely overpowering Yvette, leaving her with nothing to say but a seething glare.

Chapter 507