Chapter 121

Gregory felt a bit conflicted after hearing those words.

Alexandra stood up and handed him one of the boxes.

"Think of it as a reward from me. You handled the cafeteria issue really well today."

"Really?" Gregory's lips finally curled into a smile. "But it was all thanks to you, Miss Smith!"

"If you hadn't told me about the cafeteria situation and if I hadn't kept the original copies, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

Alexandra looked at Gregory seriously. "You have a good head on your shoulders and know your limits. You deserve a reward."

"Thank you, Miss Smith!" Gregory finally accepted, though he was still excited. "But these are too valuable. You shouldn't share them with the department heads."

"No." Alexandra turned to look at the pastries on the table. "If they're as valuable as you say, then they should be shared with them even more."

"Huh?" Gregory was somewhat puzzled by Alexandra's intention.

"Your reward is for your good work. For them, it's to win them over." Alexandra walked towards the window. "The department heads who stayed understand my methods and won't easily make mistakes."

"But they've worked under Anna for years. They might not be willing to submit to me, especially since I'm young and haven't been with the company long. They probably don't respect me yet."

"Give them a taste of something sweet, and they'll waver. It'll help in the future when I need to bring them in line."

"I get it!" Gregory suddenly understood. "You always have a plan, Miss Smith. I'll go distribute these right away!"

Gregory was about to gather the pastry boxes when he heard a commotion outside.

"Ms. Anna, please calm down!"

"I'll inform Miss Smith right away. Please wait here!"

"Who do you think you are?" Anna's sharp voice pierced through. "You know I'm the VP of the Windsor Group! How dare you stop me?"

"So now that Miss Smith is here from headquarters, you're all turning against me? Do I not exist to you anymore?"

"It's not like that, Ms. Anna! Please calm down!" The employee being scolded looked very aggrieved. "Mr. Lopez instructed us to announce anyone entering Miss Smith's office. We're just following the rules!"

"Rules? There are no such rules with me!"

Anna was about to force her way in, but the employee wisely kept blocking her.

Gregory muttered as he moved to intervene, "Ms. Anna really has no sense. After making such a big mistake, she still has the nerve to cause a scene!"

"Let her in," Alexandra said, standing by the window, looking out at the bustling street.

Gregory was momentarily stunned but obediently opened the door.

Anna was struggling, and the employee, red-faced, was trying to hold her back.

"Ms. Anna, Miss Smith said you can go in."

Anna shot Gregory a nasty look. "You wretch!"

She then stormed into the office.

Gregory rolled his eyes and reassured the employee, "Don't sweat it. Our VP's days are numbered."

After closing the door, Anna turned to Alexandra, her demeanor changing instantly.

"Miss Smith."

"Ms. Anna, you must have a lot on your plate right now. Why the rush to see me?"

Alexandra didn't turn around, holding a cup of coffee made by Frederick.

Anna approached but kept a respectful distance of about a meter.

"Miss Smith, the head chef has been taken to the police station. We don't know what kind of punishment he'll face. Could you show some leniency and not be so harsh?"

Alexandra turned to look at her. Anna's face was full of flattery and anxiety, her hands nervously rubbing together.

"Why do you think I should let him off?" Alexandra almost laughed. "Embezzling funds for personal gain, buying spoiled ingredients, and nearly causing illness among the employees—such serious offenses, and you think I should just let it go because you ask?"

"Yes, it was all his fault! But he didn't do it on purpose."

Anna hesitated, her expression growing more awkward. "He was just momentarily foolish. He knows he made a huge mistake. If you forgive him this time, he won't do it again!"

"So you think I should not only forgive him but also let him continue as head chef?"

Alexandra couldn't help but laugh.

Anna, oblivious to Alexandra's sarcasm, thought she was serious and nodded eagerly.

"Yes, he's been our head chef for so long and knows the cafeteria best. Replacing him suddenly might not be good for the company."

"He made a mistake, but he's truly remorseful. If you let him out, he can make amends by following the rules and continuing to cook for everyone."

"Hahaha." Alexandra couldn't hold back her laughter.

Anna felt a chill down her spine, not understanding why Alexandra was laughing.

"Miss Smith, what do you mean? Why are you laughing?"

"You started the joke. Can't I laugh?"

Alexandra's smile faded as she looked at Anna.

"Embezzling funds is a serious crime. At the very least, he has to repay the money. At worst, he could face years in prison. Plus, his actions endangered the health of our employees. This is no small matter. Why should I overlook it?"

"And the money must be repaid. After what he's done, there's no way he can return to the company. Do you think the employees he harmed would agree?"

The situation was clearly more serious than Anna had thought. "It's just the employees' opinions. Why should we care?"

"Anna, do you think I'm a fool because I'm young?"

Alexandra was genuinely angry now. "First, I won't forgive him. Second, even if his sentence is short, I won't let someone like him run wild in the company. And don't think I don't know you were complicit."