Chapter 349

Chapter 349

Caroline really didn't want to see Arthur. She folded his clothes neatly, left them at his door early, and headed to work.

When Arthur left at his usual time and spotted the clothes on the ground, he knew Caroline was still bothered by yesterday's incident—that's why she'd deliberately avoided him.

He let out a quiet sigh. Even though he'd been working to ease the tension between them lately, he could still feel her distance.

Sometimes even he wondered: would persistence really bring him a response?

Arthur wasn't sure. He only knew he couldn't just let things end like this.

He didn't want things with Caroline to be over.

Caroline sneezed. She wasn't sure if it was because she'd dressed too lightly today, or if someone was thinking about her.

Rubbing her nose, she asked her secretary, "How's the HR recruitment going?"

"Ms. Hamilton, we're almost at the end of the year. It's hard to hire people right now. It might be easier after the New Year." The secretary spoke quietly.

They'd actually posted the HR position a while ago, but they needed someone with experience. HR professionals like that were usually locked into long contracts with companies, and even if they left, they'd be snatched up immediately. Small companies like theirs didn't stand a chance. So far, they hadn't found anyone suitable.

"Didn't we just win Outstanding Enterprise? Raise the compensation package a bit more. See if we can hire someone soon." Year-end hiring was definitely tough, but the company and research institute were in rapid development. The sooner they could hire someone, the fewer headaches they'd have.

The secretary nodded, increased the compensation, and reposted the listing.

But everyone knew this was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Getting someone before the New Year was probably impossible.

Still, the company had other business to handle. The secretary stayed busy.

When the message came in amid all the chaos, even the secretary was stunned.

"You're saying you have seven years of industry experience, previously worked at a major corporation, just left a week ago, and now want to apply for our HR position?" She double-checked, disbelieving. Could a small company like theirs really attract someone like this?

Since they didn't currently have proper HR, Caroline and Gavin handled new hires. The secretary watched the applicant nod, then frantically went to find Caroline to tell her.

Caroline was equally astonished. "That fast?"

"Call them in. I'll interview them myself."

The person had been waiting in the conference room. As soon as they received word, they came over.

Profile, education, work history—all impressive. They answered every professional question flawlessly.

Caroline studied him seriously. "You're not someone Arthur sent, are you?"

She couldn't be blamed for suspecting. The salary she offered was decent, but not enough to make someone of Lowell Warren's caliber come looking voluntarily.

Especially since Lowell had just left the Windsor Group.

"You mean Mr. Windsor? The Windsor Group's benefits are certainly good, but I have my own career ambitions. Over there, I had several colleagues competing with me for advancement."

"Your company may be small, but you won Outstanding Entrepreneur. I believe the company's future development will be strong."

"To put it bluntly, I'm betting on your future."

"I want absolute authority over personnel matters at this company. Compensation raised annually. Can you accept that?"

Lowell adjusted his glasses, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes beneath them.

His asking price wasn't cheap, but the more he said this, the more reassured Caroline felt.

As long as Arthur hadn't specifically sent him over to help her, that was fine.

After all, in the current situation, finding a suitable, experienced HR professional wasn't easy.

Lowell perfectly met her expectations, and his timing was impeccable. An employee who met her requirements and had solid work capabilities—she had no reason not to hire him.

Lowell didn't haggle. That very day, he signed a contract with Caroline.

Caroline generously gave Lowell the position of HR Manager, entrusting all personnel transfers and recruitment matters to him.

However, since it was a newly established department, he was the only person in HR. He'd need to find all the team members himself.

"Don't worry about company funding. As long as you can recruit employees who meet requirements, you can keep them." Caroline gave Lowell the projected staffing numbers for each department that she and Gavin had discussed, along with current personnel status. He glanced over it and nodded. "I can do this. Any time constraints?"

"Ideally, have a general framework in place before the New Year. The company has plenty to do after the holiday." Caroline answered.

This was actually Caroline's rather optimistic scenario. She was waiting for Lowell to negotiate, but he'd already nodded. "I can do that."

Caroline looked at him in surprise. "You're sure?"

"Is Ms. Hamilton doubting my abilities?" Lowell smiled at Caroline. She shook her head. "No, if I chose you, of course I trust you."

"Then Ms. Hamilton just needs to wait." Lowell was extremely confident.

Caroline nodded.

Since she'd chosen Lowell, even if he had his own agenda, as long as he could complete the tasks the company gave him, she'd accept it.

She'd nearly finished talking with Lowell when the secretary knocked on the office door from outside, saying Gavin had arrived.

Caroline had called Gavin over at the start, but he'd had other matters to handle and hadn't come immediately—he was running a bit late.

"How'd the interview go? Can we use him?" As soon as Gavin walked in, he asked, then spotted Lowell.

"Mr. Bennett, it's been a while." Lowell greeted Gavin first.

Gavin's expression wasn't pleasant. He stared at Lowell. "So it's you."

"You two know each other?" Caroline's gaze moved between them.

Gavin nodded. "He tried to recruit me to join the Windsor Group before. I turned him down."

"So did the Windsor Group specifically send him over to you?" He knew about Caroline and Arthur's relationship, so he asked directly.

Before Caroline could respond, Lowell shook his head. "No. Like Mr. Bennett, I'm here to realize my own ambitions."

Gavin locked eyes with him. Lowell's expression was open and honest. "A company that wins Outstanding Entrepreneur in just its first year—I believe Ms. Hamilton can go even further."

"Didn't Mr. Bennett also see Ms. Hamilton's capabilities, which is why you left Vanguard Enterprises Group to join Ms. Hamilton's company?"

Of course, Caroline's personal connection with Gavin alone wouldn't have been enough to make him choose her without hesitation.

He'd similarly seen Caroline's potential, which was why he'd joined.

After holding each other's gaze for a moment, the smile in Lowell's eyes deepened. Finally Gavin spoke.

"Then I should call you Mr. Warren from now on."

"Mr. Bennett, looking forward to our cooperation."

They shook hands, though the looks they gave each other weren't particularly friendly.