Trevor addressed the factory employees' concerns. He gestured to Thea, saying, "Everyone, this is Thea Callahan, the company's new chairman. She will oversee the Pacific Group, effective immediately. Rest assured, the Pacific Group is now financially secure and will immediately pay all outstanding wages."

Murmurs arose. "What? Thea?" "Isn't Thea with Eternality? Why is she here?" "Are you telling the truth, Mr. Trevor?"

The employees' eyes were fixed on Thea. Trevor affirmed, "It's true. Everyone will receive their three months' overdue wages. Furthermore, I'm authorizing an additional half-month's wages as compensation. I expect everyone to work diligently, including overtime as needed, once the company is back on track. I will double everyone's salaries." The news was met with excitement.

Quill rushed forward, bowing. "Ms. Callahan, I'm Quill, the deputy director."

Thea looked at him, recognizing him as the ringleader of the recent riot. She remembered his threats to leave with other employees for a new company. "Ms. Callahan," Quill began, "I've been with the Pacific Group for eight years, through thick and thin. It's like home to me."

Thea's gaze was unwavering. "You're fired."

Quill's eyes widened. "What? Ms. Callahan, did you fire me?"

"Go to the finance department for your salary, then leave," Thea responded. Her experience at Eternality equipped her to handle such situations. Quill's insubordination during the crisis made his dismissal necessary. While the Pacific Group needed employees, they had to address his actions.

Quill, however, protested loudly. "I've worked diligently for eight years! Why fire only me, so soon after taking over?" He turned to the other employees. "This is Trevor's plan to stall us! Eternality's expansion makes their acquisition of Pacific Group improbable, and everyone knows about Lex and Trevor's relationship! Why would Lex save Pacific Group? Come with me; I've found a new company!"

Many were tempted by this truth. "I'm coming, Mr. Wright!" "Me too!" Quill, basking in the support of his former subordinates, continued, "Ms. Callahan, I'm the deputy director; firing me will cause widespread departures."

Thea remained unmoved. "Leave if you wish. I won't force anyone to stay. Collect your wages from finance."

Quill scoffed. "Wages? Is there any money left? Promise to double my salary, or I'm not leaving!"

Thea simply pointed to the exit. His threats were ineffective.

"Let's get our wages! Let's see if Pacific Group can pay today!" he shouted, assuming the upper hand. "Fire me? The factory won't function without me!"

Over a hundred people left with Quill; only about twenty remained.

Thea addressed the remaining employees. "Your wages will be increased by twenty percent." Their cheers filled the space.

(The final promotional sentences have been removed as they are not part of the text cleanup.)