Chapter 147: Entry Denied

Easton had arranged for Jackson to receive several months' salary as severance, plus an additional two years of payments based on a non-compete agreement. Combined, this compensation roughly totaled a seven-figure sum.

The HR director offered a token of comfort: "Jackson, even though you're leaving Hudson Group, you're bound to rise higher someday!"

Jackson didn't dare to think about rising higher anytime soon. Easton had fired him overnight, not even waiting until the next day to let him pack up, suggesting he simply wanted this chapter closed. The HR director's attempt at consolation didn't lighten his mood; he sighed lightly.

Human nature being what it is, curiosity got the better of the HR director, who couldn't help but ask quietly, "Forgive my curiosity, Jackson, but what did you do to anger Mr. Hudson so much?"

Initially, Jackson couldn't understand why discarding Ellis's office items had provoked such a strong reaction from Easton. But now, facing termination, he realized he had acted independently and underestimated Ellis's significance to Easton.

Catching the HR director's gossip-hungry expression, Jackson said, "Mr. Hudson has been in a bad mood lately, and that's all I can say."

"As if that explains anything…" thought the HR director, internally rolling her eyes. Everyone knew Easton had been moody.

The next day, the change in Easton's assistant stirred up the company. Overnight, Jackson had been quietly dismissed, and his position was filled by a deputy director whose performance had been stellar—though the rumored 1190 years seemed an exaggeration. There were rumors that Easton had been grooming this deputy for a leadership role, and now, as CEO's assistant, it seemed like a transitional step to a higher executive position.

While colleagues speculated on how soon she would join the decision-making layer, the cleaning supervisor was shivering with fear. She knew exactly why Jackson had been fired—messing with Ellis's belongings was a grave mistake.

Meanwhile, the new president's assistant, Taylor, was in Easton's office, reporting her current workload and discussing how long it would take to fully assume Jackson's responsibilities.

This sudden promotion was an unexpected but welcome challenge. For Taylor, working directly under Easton was like managing the inner sanctum of a palace. She was not carried away by the elevation. Easton, known for his clear reward and punishment approach, had recognized her achievements. She was careful to maintain her composure and professionalism as she waited for his instructions after her report.

"Go back to work," Easton dismissed her after a brief scan of the doorway.

"Yes, Mr. Hudson."

As Taylor left to move her office to the top floor, the director of administration immediately approached her, offering a choice between two available offices on the executive level. "Taylor, you can choose either office," the director said with a sycophantic smile.

"I'll take Jackson's old office," Taylor decided after careful consideration, asking for help to move her belongings.

Despite the company gossip about potential changes in leadership, every time Taylor had reported to Easton previously, the prominent wedding photo on his desk had caught everyone's eye. The former occupants of the available offices were Easton's ex-wife and Jackson, and Taylor knew better than to occupy the ex-wife's office, potentially jeopardizing her career advancement if the ex-wife ever returned to work at the company.

During the office transition, Taylor kept busy by calling a meeting with the presidential office staff to understand their responsibilities, progress, and current issues.

Mid-meeting, someone knocked and entered—it was the staff member responsible for monitoring access to the executive floor. He politely informed Taylor, "Ms. Victoria has arrived."

Previously, Jackson had managed access to Easton, and while Victoria had certain privileges that allowed her to bypass standard procedures, it was unclear if Taylor was aware of these privileges.

Pausing her note-taking, Taylor looked at her subordinate. Victoria was Easton's first love and was often referred to as potentially being Easton's wife by many, having unfettered access to Easton's office.

Informed of this protocol, Taylor instructed, "Handle Ms. Victoria's access as before. Ensure her visits are logged, including where she goes on the executive floor and how long she stays."