After everyone else had left, one of the old-timers quietly closed the conference room door. Then he said, "Jared, we all know about the divorce. Even though Victoria’s just started getting involved in the company, now that you two are splitting up, she really shouldn’t be handling any company business anymore, right? It’s just not good for either of you."
Another chimed in, "Yeah, that’s right. Victoria, it’s not that we doubt your abilities, but divorce is a big deal. If you keep working here, people will gossip, and it won’t look good for you."
Someone else said, "Victoria, maybe you should just resign for now. Once the divorce is settled and everything’s divided up, you can always reapply for your job, and no one will have anything to say about it."
These old guys were clearly all on the same page, acting all polite, pretending they had my best interests at heart. I glanced at Jared, hoping he’d finally speak up and show where he stood. But he just stared back at me, saying nothing, clearly waiting to see how I’d respond.
I said, “I’m just a manager here—the board holds all the real power. If Mr. Holcomb thinks I’m not fit to stay on, then give me a straightforward reason and I’ll step down right now. But let’s be honest. Three months ago, these two hotels were on your liquidation list. If I hadn’t stepped in and taken over the renovations, you would’ve sold them off for peanuts by now."
"I spent three months working around the clock, personally overseeing every detail of the redesign. Now the hotels are thriving, we’ve secured deals with several major organizations and corporations, and the profits for the next three years are set to soar. Funny how you’re so quick to use someone and toss them aside when you’re done. You guys really have that down to an art.”
One of the old men snapped, “Victoria, watch your mouth. You’re just a junior here—how can you talk to your elders like that?”
“Exactly. We’re all your seniors, and even Jared wouldn’t dare act this way toward us,” another added.
I fixed my eyes on Jared, who just sat there impassively, casting a cold glance at the old men.
I said, “Just because Jared’s got a good temper doesn’t mean I’m a pushover. When I signed my contract, Jared still owes me some promises. If you want me gone, no problem—just pay up the compensation, and I’ll walk right out.”
With that, I stood up, making it clear I was ready to leave. Jared finally spoke up, “Harmonia Hotel belongs to the Holcomb family. Victoria stays in charge. End of discussion.”
The old men looked at each other, shocked. One of them said, “Jared, your mom said she wanted your aunt to run the hotel instead.”
My heart skipped a beat. Sally’s younger sister had worked at a big-name hotel before—she had the chops for management.
Jared said firmly, “Victoria’s the right fit.”
Seeing that Jared stood his ground against those old relics, I finally felt the tension ease in my chest. The hotel was set to boom, and that meant real money in my pocket. My love life could go off the rails, but when it came to my future, my bank account, and my health, there was zero room for mistakes. As long as Jared didn’t kick me out, I was clinging to this gig for dear life and stacking up experience.
When they saw they couldn’t sway me, the old men gave me cold, warning looks as they walked past—like they were saying, “Let’s see who gets the last laugh.”
After they left, I was about to head out myself when Jared moved quickly to block my way, stopping the door with his hand before I could leave. He said, “Victoria, my family did want you out before, but I trust you won’t disappoint me.”
“I’m giving it my all,” I replied, meeting his eyes with a calm, unflinching look.
Jared asked, “Is that so? You’re putting everything into your career now, but what about your feelings?”
I shot back, “Mr. Holcomb, what are you really trying to say?”
Jared tried to pull me into a hug, but I dodged him, leaving his hand frozen awkwardly in midair. Jared gave a wry, bitter smile and said, “Alright then. Just keep working hard. As long as I’m around, nobody’s going to mess with your job.”
I snapped, “It’s not you I’m staying for. I’m here for the money.”