Chapter 216: Strictly Disciplined
When Mary returned to her office, Rose was waiting. "Ms. Mary," Rose said respectfully, "Ms. Hannah wants to speak with you."
Confused, Mary wondered what Hannah had planned. She entered Hannah's office.
"Please sit," Hannah said, continuing to type on her laptop. "Considering your current situation, have you considered which side you're on?"
Surprised, Mary watched her unbelievably fast typing. Hannah finished, pressed save, and said to Rose, "Get ready for the upcoming meeting's projection."
"Okay," Rose replied, taking the laptop.
Only then did Hannah address Mary. "Have you ever thought about that?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Mary replied. "All I want is to peacefully integrate into the family and fulfill my duties."
"Well, if you insist," Hannah smiled, a smile Mary found unsettling. She seemed too controlled, too calculated. "Here's my final suggestion. If you want to advance your career and gain recognition within Cooper Group, you'd better follow my lead. Otherwise, you'll soon discover who becomes the sacrifice."
Hannah offered no further explanation. "Now get back to your job."
Walking away, Mary pondered Hannah's words. She knew Hannah was reminding her that Roger and Wayne would likely make her the scapegoat in any conflict. The thought of them accusing her again—taking advantage of her without recompense—filled her with resentment.
A wry smile touched her lips. Since she'd rejoined the family independently, she wouldn't be easily manipulated.
Half an hour later, the sales department assembled for a meeting, with Hannah presiding. She appeared composed and authoritative.
"Before we begin," she announced, "I have good news."
Excitement rippled through the room.
"Senior executives have granted us a 200,000 reward for the successful Light Building reopening. This reward will be distributed to all of you. I will not accept a share. Rose will distribute it based on individual contributions."
Applause erupted. The room buzzed with excitement.
"I've worked in sales for five years!" Wang exclaimed. "This is my first cash reward! Thank you for the recognition from senior executives. In the past, we were always blamed when profits fell short. Finally, we've succeeded!"
"Yes!" Mila agreed.
The atmosphere remained vibrant. Mary watched everyone praise Hannah, wondering when she'd become so adept. She realized she shouldn't underestimate her. Hannah seemed transformed.
"That's the good news," Hannah said. "Now, let's plan our next steps. Further bonuses will depend on the success of our next projects."
"Yes, Ms. Hannah!" the team replied enthusiastically.
Hannah stood, facing the projection. "This reopening's sales have set a record in Northfield. However, we cannot become complacent. Our challenge is sustained success. Branch offices will handle detailed management. However, I need more safeguards for promotional planning. My first assignment for Mary is a comprehensive promotional strategy proposal for this mall, and other successfully operated malls, due this week."
"Okay," Mary nodded, despite the challenge.
"Secondly," Hannah continued, "we tackle the 'Huatan' subdivision—the unfinished buildings. The Light Building project is progressing; we'll simply follow the plan. My estimate is a 2 billion net profit for the 'Huatan' subdivision. That's our next focus." Everyone listened intently. Hannah's brilliance lay in her meticulous planning; every meeting was precisely scheduled. She openly discussed objections and considered suggestions.
The meeting, unusually long for Hannah, lasted an hour.
Following Hannah, Rose expressed her admiration for her efficiency.