Chapter 447: New to Phillips Bank
Susan enjoyed a satisfying breakfast before her secretary presented her with a stack of financial data. Overwhelmed by the sheer volume, Susan thought, "What the hell is that?"
Her secretary, respectfully explaining, said, "Mr. Chairman instructed that if you're unfamiliar with finance, you should read more. I'll be available to assist you, Ms. Phillips. I majored in finance."
Speechless at the unexpected workload on her first day—which she'd envisioned as coffee and video games—Susan reluctantly agreed to review the documents. She picked up a file, thinking, "Why are they all numbers? What the hell."
Around 10 a.m., Susan was summoned to a high-level meeting. She detested these meetings, finding them interminable and unproductive.
Reluctantly, she entered the boardroom and took a seat in a corner, according to her position. The inner circle comprised the company's key executives and shareholders, with Edward at its center.
Once everyone had arrived, Edward announced, "Today's emergency meeting isn't about anything major." Susan inwardly scoffed, Then don't have one.
He continued, "It's primarily about assigning responsibilities and making new senior leadership appointments. Phillips Bank has lacked an assistant general manager for some time. As chairman and general manager, I have a deputy, but they can't manage all the departments. Therefore, I've appointed another assistant general manager."
The room listened attentively; there were no objections. The need for an assistant general manager was widely acknowledged, as the company's operations had suffered from the delay. The new appointment would clarify responsibilities.
Everyone assumed Henry would be named. His exemplary performance and Edward's lingering guilt over their past relationship—particularly their breakup with Susan—led to widespread anticipation of Henry's promotion. Henry, too, had been expecting this for a long time, seeing it as both well-deserved recognition and compensation from Edward.
He sat attentively, concealing his excitement behind years of practiced composure.
Edward began, "And I've chosen the assistant general manager. He will be…" The anticipation in the room was palpable, even though Henry's appointment seemed certain.
"Manuel!" The name stunned everyone.
Henry was so surprised he thought he'd misheard. Edward and Manuel's close relationship made a mistake seem plausible.
But before Henry could process the announcement, the boardroom door opened, and a man in a suit entered, using crutches. Despite his limp, he exuded an air of powerful confidence, far from the typical timidity of a newcomer.
A murmur rippled through the room. Who was Manuel? How could he be parachuted into such a senior position?
Those familiar with Edward's family knew Manuel was his adopted son and son-in-law, explaining his appointment. However, the suddenness of it was jarring, particularly for Henry, who had worked diligently for this promotion, only to be unexpectedly replaced. A wave of sympathy washed over Henry.
Accustomed to pity from his past ordeals in an orphanage, Henry merely pursed his lips, refusing to show any emotion. Manuel approached Edward, who clapped him on the shoulder, clearly pleased. "Manuel, say something."
Manuel nodded, then addressed the assembled executives. His gaze startled Susan, who initially had little interest in the meeting. Seeing Manuel, however, she realized her father had lost his mind. Damn it.
Manuel calmly said, "Hello, everyone. I'm Manuel, 23 years old. As a newcomer, I have much to learn and welcome any advice. I also aim to quickly grasp the business and contribute positively to the company. Thank you." He bowed.
His brief, confident speech, though unexpected, impressed some, who began to applaud. Gradually, the applause spread, except from Henry and Susan. Henry refused to join in, while Susan remained bewildered.
The meeting concluded quickly. Manuel left with Edward, seemingly ignoring Susan. Susan remained, joined by Henry, who, despite his disappointment, approached her. "Susan, let's go." Susan snapped out of her stupor. "What's wrong with Manuel? Why is he here?"
Henry smiled, concealing his frustration. "Maybe you should ask your father!"
"Damn it," Susan exclaimed, rushing from the room to confront her father about Manuel's sudden employment, particularly given her recent divorce. She felt deeply disturbed.