Suddenly, everything ramped up.

Over the past few days, Cecilia had taken the time to look into the state of Lloyd Enterprise before the recent shake-up. Back when Yvette was in charge, the entire company operated like a punch-the-clock kind of place. Everyone just showed up, did the bare minimum, and left. There was barely any work to be done. Most of the company was just coasting off its past glory. The upside included easy work, nine-to-five hours, never any overtime, and zero performance pressure. After all, when the deputy CEO herself was just taking up space, how could she expect her employees to land big projects?

Rachel, however, wasn’t the least bit concerned. She asked Cecilia a simple question.

“Do you really think anyone in this world would turn down money?”

Cecilia shook her head without hesitation. “Not a chance.”

“Exactly. Go ahead and distribute these. Trust me, once they see those bonuses, they’ll put in the effort. You know why people in those corporate jobs are always so bitter? Because their bosses hoard all the project commissions for themselves. But we’re keeping it fair, slow, and steady. As long as the money’s there, people will be motivated. That’s when they start actually caring about their work. Oh, and there’s a hiring notice too. Help me send that out as well.”

Cecilia took the paper and glanced at it. Her pupils contracted.

“Rachel, did you type the wrong number or something? This salary’s higher than 90% of the companies out there! If we make this public, won’t we become a target?”

“How are we supposed to attract talent without offering money? You want me to hand them my heart instead? We used to be employees, too. We know what it’s like–too much work, too little pay, and bosses squeezing every last drop out of us. But now, we’re the ones running the business. We might as well speak up for working folks and shift the culture a little.”

Cecilia couldn’t help but give Rachel a thumbs-up.

“All those years you spent as a director at Lewis Enterprise were such a waste of your talent! Honestly, William never should’ve been CEO. You should’ve taken that seat. Maybe then Lewis Enterprise wouldn’t be in the mess it’s in now.”

Rachel snorted. “Why would I want to build his company up for him? Things are different now. This is our company.”

Cecilia nodded. “Fair enough.”

Just then, Rachel’s phone rang. It was Tyler calling. She swiped to answer.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Congratulations on the big promotion. Does that call for a celebratory dinner?”

Rachel nearly rolled her eyes. She knew Tyler wouldn’t be calling just to offer congratulations. This man never did anything without some kind of scheme in mind. He was always lurking behind the scenes and ready to pounce.

She smiled before saying sarcastically, “Tyler, did you forget how we left things just now? We didn’t exactly part on good terms, and our deal didn’t go through. And now, you want me to buy you dinner? A bit thick-skinned, don’t you think?”

Cecilia heard Rachel actually call Tyler thick-skinned and felt a chill run down her spine. Her heart felt tense. It was the first time she had ever heard someone say that to Tyler.

Tyler’s tone was cold.

“Those are two separate matters. I helped you rise to the top, and you won’t even buy me a meal, Rachel?”

Of course Rachel was willing to treat him. In fact, she was hoping to use the opportunity to bring up the project again. This was her only shot. Only Tyler had the financial power to get it off the ground. No one else even came close.