Chapter 299

After learning that Sophie’s actions were personal and had nothing to do with the Wilder Group, and that even Jessica could not contact her or approve of her methods, the internal relationships at the Wilder Group began to change slightly.

The shareholders had all believed that the three women in the Wilder Group – Jessica, Mrs. Wilder, and Sophie – were on the same team. After Jessica’s father passed away, the three women had relied on each other for support. Although Sophie did not manage the company’s operations, she had never done anything to affect the company.

This group of shareholders had no leverage, as the Wilder Group was firmly held in the hands of these three women. But now things were different. It was not hard to detect dissatisfaction toward Sophie in Jessica’s tone, and real differences had emerged. Jessica was even willing to abandon Sophie to stabilize the Wilder Group’s position in the business world. A crack had appeared.

Chris attended a medical conference that ended early, and then came to the company to pick Jessica up. It was the first time he met Mr. Hickey in the office area. Mr. Hickey had been threatened by Jessica before. Businessmen were like wolves eyeing their prey. They resented always being dominated by women and were constantly trying to overthrow Jessica. Even though they knew they couldn’t cause any damage to Jessica’s foundation, causing her trouble would indirectly prove that business was not a woman’s battlefield.

“Why hasn’t the club’s finance report been approved yet? 2.6 million dollars. Do I really have to come get it myself?” Mr. Hickey gestured harshly at a junior employee in the finance department. That employee had only been there for two months and had never been scolded like this before. Her eyes turned red immediately, and she lowered her head, avoiding Mr. Hickey’s gaze while stealing a glance at her colleagues. Her colleagues had worked in the company for years and knew that Mr. Hickey had no real power, so there was no need to be afraid.

Laura Zane raised her head and said to Mr. Hickey, “This isn’t our decision. The approval process of the club’s financial report is always personally overseen by the director. There’s nothing we can do about it. Mr. Hickey, you have to go to the director.”

“You can’t even handle such a small matter. What use are you?” Mr. Hickey snapped angrily, pointing at Laura. “You! Pack your things! You’re fired!”

By right, Mr. Hickey’s position in the company gave him the authority to fire employees. But Laura worked directly under the finance director, so only the finance director could fire her.

“You want me to fire me?” Laura laughed, took off her work badge from her neck and tossed it aside. She looked at Mr. Hickey with a mocking smile. “Mr. Hickey, power can crush people, but you don’t manage the finance department. To fire me, the director has to follow proper procedures.” She stood up and snatched the tightly rolled report from Mr. Hickey’s hand. “I’ve been with the Wilder Group for six years. If you want to fire me without reason, will you personally pay my compensation?”

Mr. Hickey didn’t expect such boldness from a junior employee and immediately raised his hand. “Mr. Hickey, are you trying to assault an employee? You could go to prison for that!”

A voice came from behind the crowd. Chris turned toward the source of the voice and saw that the door to the finance director’s office was open. A man in a white shirt leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed. He was looking at Mr. Hickey with cold eyes. The finance director, Oscar Crown, had only been promoted recently — the previous director had been transferred to the overseas branch, and Oscar had taken over less than five months ago. Mr. Hickey looked down on him, seeing him as inexperienced, and often picked fights during meetings. Oscar was not one to be pushed around.

“You don’t like me? Fine, I’m going to withhold all your department’s approvals.”