Chapter 6
After leaving HE, Harper was intercepted in the hallway by some colleagues from her department.
“Rodriguez just called an emergency design team meeting,” said Trevor, glancing at his Apple Watch. “Word is he’s announcing the new Director. Meeting’s starting in five—you coming?”
Harper nodded and fell in step with the group heading toward the conference room. Along the way, several coworkers offered congratulatory nudges and knowing smiles.
“Your portfolio’s gotten the firm those international gold medals,” said Emma from digital. “Girl, you’ve crushed every major project for three years straight!”
“That Director chair has your name all over it,” Jason chimed in. “With your track record and how Rodriguez always gives you the premium clients, this is a no-brainer. Once it’s official, you’re definitely on the hook for happy hour tonight.”
Having worked alongside these people through countless late nights and impossible deadlines, Harper knew their support was genuine. She considered telling them about her resignation but decided to wait until drinks later, since Dylan hadn’t officially signed off on it yet.
“Actually, I have some news! Whether I get the position or not isn’t really the point,” she said with a slight shrug. “But I do want to buy everyone drinks tonight. I want to share something with all of you.”
They continued chatting as they walked, quickly reaching the sleek, glass-walled conference room. Harper slid into a chair in the back corner.
Once everyone was seated, Dylan strode in precisely on time, his tailored suit impeccable as always. He scanned the room with that trademark cool appraisal before cutting straight to business.
“I’m sure the rumor mill’s been working overtime today,” he said dryly. “We’re here to announce the new Design Director. Any thoughts before I make it official?”
All eyes swiveled toward Harper. Wanting to prevent any awkward scenes, she decided to speak up before the announcement.
She took a deep breath and stood, meeting Dylan’s impassive stare. “Mr. Rodriguez, I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me these past years, trusting me with key accounts. My team and I have busted our asses to deliver results. Before you announce your choice, I’d like to voluntarily—”
Before she could finish saying “withdraw from consideration,” Dylan cut her off.
“Regarding the Director position, while the current design team has all contributed solid work, and Ms. Coulson’s portfolio is admittedly strong, she lacks executive experience. I’ve decided to bring in someone with more comprehensive credentials for this leadership role.”
His words left the room in stunned silence. Harper stood frozen, the unfinished sentence dying on her lips.
A moment later, Dylan’s voice sliced through the tension.
“Everyone, meet our new Design Director: Ruby Hale.”
The door swung open dramatically, and Ruby glided in, launching into what sounded like a rehearsed introduction.
“Hi team! I’m Ruby Hale. I’m finishing my doctorate at the Milan Design Institute and have been recognized with the European Young Designer Prize.”
The room temperature seemed to drop ten degrees as colleagues exchanged incredulous glances. The discomfort was palpable—several designers present had won the very awards Ruby was listing as qualifications. With zero actual industry experience and parachuting into this senior position straight from grad school, the team was visibly bristling—especially Mark and Jen, who’d been with the company for almost five years.
“Mr. Rodriguez,” said Mark, leaning forward with barely contained frustration, “with all due respect, Ms. Hale has an impressive academic background, but this role requires practical experience she simply doesn’t have. Harper has consistently delivered under impossible deadlines and built client relationships that have doubled our revenue. She earned this position.”
As Mark spoke, other team members nodded and murmured in agreement. Ruby’s eyes instantly welled up with tears, her lower lip trembling slightly as she looked at Dylan with wounded puppy-dog eyes. Sensing her distress, Dylan’s expression immediately softened before his gaze turned sharp as it landed on Harper.
“Let me be crystal clear,” he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Ruby graduated top of her class at the world’s premier design institution and has a trophy case full of international recognition. Her vision and capabilities are exactly what Rodriguez Group needs right now. Yes, Harper has handled some significant projects, but any success was due to the infrastructure and resources this department provides. Ruby will not only match those results, she’ll exceed them. The Director position is hers, effective immediately. This discussion is closed.”