Chapter 22

“We already opened the door when we let those relatives in; there’s already gossip flying around the company. And now you’re backing this guy so openly, what do you think the employees are going to say?”

Grace’s voice faltered. Was Scarlett planning to hand the entire Payne Group over to Cedric one day?

Scarlett frowned, irritation crossing her face.

“Grace, I know you’re worried, but you really need to take a closer look at Cedric. He has a lot of good qualities,” Scarlett said.

Grace raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Oh yeah? Like what?” Her voice was defensive.

The blunt question hit Scarlett harder than she’d expected. A few years ago, she might have been able to rattle off an answer without hesitation. But now, when Grace asked her so directly, her mind came up empty.

“Cedric is great, better than anyone,” Scarlett finally said, as if trying to convince herself more than Grace.

Grace responded with a sarcastic smirk. “Lettie, you’d better start thinking about how you’re going to explain this to the employees. As the CEO, you owe them an explanation.”

Grace just couldn’t wrap her head around it. Leroy had always been thoughtful and considerate; wasn’t he better than Cedric by miles?

Meanwhile, outside the Payne Group building, Cedric stepped out of his car, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. The watch on his wrist was worth millions.

The security guard at the entrance greeted him obsequiously, not daring to provoke him.

“Not bad today. Looks like you people just need to be put in your place,” he said coldly.

A low, chilling laugh escaped his lips as he walked inside and stepped into the elevator.

Scarlett had called all the employees together to announce that Cedric would be taking over the project.

The staff was already frustrated, convinced that Cedric had risen through the ranks solely because of his connections. Now, to make matters worse, Scarlett was entrusting a critical company project to an outsider.

The room buzzed with agitation, the air heavy with dissatisfaction that seemed to ripple through the crowd.

“Shut up! A bunch of employees questioning your boss? Are you trying to rebel or something?” Cedric stormed into the room, his tone sharp.

Without missing a beat, he pulled Scarlett into his arms.

“Lettie, I’m sorry I’m late. Here’s the contract. Mr. Massy has already wired us the money. Tell the finance department to verify it right away,” Cedric announced angrily, shooting a glance at the employees.

“I just brought business to Payne Group. And what about you? All you do is complain. Lettie, I think it’s time you started filtering out the slackers around here. Clearly, there are people just coasting in this company.”

His arrogance was palpable. Scarlett cast a quick look at the finance manager. Once the payment was confirmed, she let out a sigh of relief.

“Cedric, on behalf of Payne Group, thank you. From now on, you’re officially part of this company. No one will dare speak against you again,” she said coldly, her eyes narrowing as she swept her gaze across the employees.

“If I hear any more complaints or questioning, go straight to HR,” Scarlett warned, her tone sharp and unforgiving, even to veteran employees of Payne Group.

The room fell into stunned silence. Cedric wasn’t even officially part of the company, and yet…

Grace struggled to contain the anger simmering beneath her calm demeanor.

“Ms. Payne has spoken. Just do as she says. Dismissed,” Grace ordered, her tone steady but firm.

Cedric stood off to the side, radiating triumph.

Scarlett rubbed her temples, visibly weary.

“Lettie, are you feeling unwell again? Come on, let’s go back to your office. I’ll give you a massage,” Cedric offered, his voice dripping with concern as he gently took her hand and led her out of the room, even though many of those standing before her were veteran employees of Payne Group.

Grace, however, could barely suppress her disdain. To her, his behavior was nothing but an elaborate act.

Leroy woke up feeling foggy and disoriented. The rare day off stretched ahead of him, giving him time to relax. But instead, he felt restless and aimless. After finishing breakfast, he decided to go to the hospital.

“Mr. Olson? What are you doing here? Didn’t the director give you several days off?” Zoe asked in surprise.

She blinked in disbelief, rubbing her eyes as though she couldn’t quite process the sight of him standing in the office.