Chapter 811: Susan Back
Susan's business trip unexpectedly extended to two weeks, instead of the planned one. Numerous unforeseen events nearly derailed her project. She hadn't realized the client company's desire for Phillips Bank's involvement until deep in negotiations with their CEO. This explained why her previous meeting requests had been rejected. The project would have failed had she not visited their office in person. Fortunately, the client's officers were favorably impressed by her team's sincerity. Susan waited daily outside their offices until securing a cooperative agreement.
That afternoon, Susan and Matt returned to Kensbury City, contract in hand. Susan longed for rest; sleep had been elusive during the trip, her anxieties about the contract consuming her nights. But upon arrival, a call from Manuel summoned them back to the office.
Exhausted, they reached Manuel's office. Nothing seemed changed. Susan remained outwardly calm. The door opened, and Clara Stern entered with three cups of coffee.
"President, your mocha," Clara smiled, offering it to Manuel.
"Thank you," Manuel replied.
Clara, with a pleasant smile, distributed the remaining coffees to Susan and Matt before leaving.
Susan sensed Manuel's displeasure. "The contract is signed," she began, presenting it to him.
Manuel briefly reviewed the document.
"The contract fulfills our company's requirements. The client is pleased with our cooperation," Susan added.
"Then why the delay?" Manuel asked.
Susan hesitated before explaining, "They had no intention of cooperating, actively negotiating with other firms. Their concern about our lack of cross-industry experience fueled their initial rejections. The situation differed significantly from my expectations. The project would have faltered without your insight."
Susan admired Manuel's perceptive understanding of the client's lack of initial interest, initially misinterpreting their unavailability as mere busyness. She learned a harsh lesson about the absence of sentimentality in business dealings.
Manuel remained impassive.
Susan continued, "We persisted, meeting with them daily until finally gaining an audience. Their agreement stemmed partly from respect for you." This wasn't flattery; it was factual. Her own rapport with the client, combined with their high regard for Manuel's business acumen, had secured the deal. "Initially, they questioned our cross-industry capabilities, but mentioning you sparked hesitation. After careful consideration, they affirmed their faith in your talents and agreed to cooperate. That's the full story."
This incident highlighted the growing distance between Susan and Manuel. Her childhood coolness towards him now felt like a chasm.
Manuel remained silent as Susan concluded. She waited patiently for his criticism, a newfound peace settling over her.
"Susan, as general manager, you bear the responsibility of the company. Did you not consider the impact of your absence?" Manuel finally asked, forgoing praise and focusing on her oversight.
"I won't repeat it," she readily admitted, accepting the blame without excuse. Though she'd worked remotely and late, that wasn't the true reason; her fault lay in failing to seek his approval.
"You require my permission for all future trips," Manuel stated coldly.
"Yes," Susan replied promptly.
"You may leave," Manuel dismissed her.
Susan and Matt departed, weary.
"You can go home," Susan said to Matt.
Matt, equally exhausted, didn't object. He'd wanted to defend Susan, but he suppressed the urge; workplace self-preservation often took precedence.
"And you?" Matt asked.
"Do you think I can leave? Manuel is clearly dissatisfied," Susan sighed.
"Then I—"
"Go home. You're my subordinate, not Manuel's," Susan interrupted. Bypassing direct leadership was inappropriate. "Rest well; we have much to address tomorrow."
"All right. Take care," Matt said.
Susan nodded. Youth, she reflected, afforded a degree of resilience.