A sudden sound disrupted the scene. Mary's footsteps faltered; she stumbled, injuring her ankle. Polly, beside her, quickly offered assistance, smoothly flattering, "Miss Cooper, watch out."
Mary turned, her expression shifting upon seeing Hannah. Previously, she had cultivated a vulnerable image before the Cooper family to garner sympathy. However, in the workplace, she aimed for a different effect – arrogance, command, respect. She relished the flattery, having long desired this position and the power it afforded. But Hannah's presence threw her. Arrogance would be disastrous; reverting to her previous demeanor would be equally foolish, a humiliating spectacle before her staff.
Hannah perceived Mary's panic. Why feign a dual personality, if afraid of exposure?
Mary started to speak, but Polly, supporting her, interjected with displeasure, "Aren't you looking for the director? The director's office is further in; the director isn't here yet. You can wait there."
"I am the new director," Hannah stated plainly.
Polly was stunned, remembering yesterday's announcement: the previous director's transfer and the arrival of a new one. She'd also learned of Jane's replacement, but the news of the new director had been overshadowed by the impending arrival of Jane Cooper, a formidable figure whose displeasure could have dire consequences. Mary, Jane's sister, demanded meticulous attention; Polly had focused on welcoming the new manager, neglecting the earlier announcement. Besides, she pictured the director as older—a woman in her thirties or forties, not the young woman before her. Now, however, Polly felt secure, believing she'd won the favor of the new manager.
"Oh, you're the director! Perfect. Let me introduce our new manager, Miss Cooper," Polly offered, subtly reminding Hannah not to antagonize Mary.
Hannah merely sneered. Mary's face paled at Polly's words. Without intervention, she couldn't predict the staff's reaction. She dared not offend Hannah.
Mary rushed forward, grasping Hannah's hand. "Hannah, I didn't know you were coming today."
The employees were stunned. Polly stared, incredulous, at both women, at Mary's blatant fawning. As a secretary, she knew the Cooper Group's inner workings. Jane was the chairman's niece; Hannah Cooper, now Hannah Wells, was his daughter.
Polly nearly fainted. The new director possessed immense influence. She'd heard the chairman's daughter had no business interest, preferring domesticity. And hadn't she just married? A honeymoon should follow; a wealthy daughter working days after her wedding seemed improbable.
Overwhelmed, Polly longed to escape.
Hannah largely ignored Polly, addressing Mary with nonchalance, "The Cooper Group's efficiency is surprising. My father approved your placement yesterday; your office is already prepared, even perfumed. Quite pleasant."
The employee who'd sprayed the perfume nervously lowered her head.
"Perhaps someone could tidy my office now that Mary's is prepared," Hannah continued, her quiet dignity commanding respect.
"I'll do it myself, Ms. Hannah," Polly eagerly volunteered.
"The cleaning lady will suffice. In ten minutes, all sales department supervisors and above should convene in the meeting room," Hannah instructed.
"Yes," Polly responded respectfully.
Hannah glanced at Mary. "You, too."
"Okay, Hannah," Mary replied.
"Where's the meeting room?" Hannah asked.
"I'll take you," Polly offered eagerly.
Hannah pointed to another employee. The pointed employee rushed forward. "This way, Ms. Hannah."
As Hannah left, she turned, "I'm allergic to perfume." The sarcastic remark clearly targeted Mary.
Later, Mary furiously reprimanded Polly, "Are you incompetent? You didn't know she was coming? Did you deliberately humiliate me?"
"No, Miss Cooper, I didn't know Hannah was the director. I'm so sorry. I only received word of a new director; there were no specific instructions, only a request to assist you well."
"Shut up!" Mary snapped. The humiliation of her first day, her loss of face before her staff, was undeniable.