Chapter 19 Are You Playing Double Standards Here?
Michael's reprimand was a complete disaster for Olivia.
She looked completely bewildered.
Wasn't the loss of Johnson Group's clients due to management's incompetence?
Questioning her now was just laughable!
Olivia had no intention of taking this lying down. She stood up immediately and responded coldly, "Weren't you personally overseeing things when I handed over the project? Don't you know if I pulled any tricks?
Since the problem arose after I handed it over, it's not my fault. You come back and blame me—don't you think that's ridiculous?
What does the loss of clients have to do with me? I've already resigned and am home taking care of my kid, not doing anything. How can you pin this on me?"
She seemed to think of something and let out a sarcastic laugh, "Who said that if a project has issues, the person in charge should be held accountable? Did you forget your own words so quickly, or is this just a double standard?"
Earlier this year, a project in the R&D department had a minor error due to a team member's mistake, nearly causing the entire system to fail.
At that time, she discovered and fixed it in time, preventing serious losses.
When Michael found out, he scolded her severely in front of the team.
Olivia remembered his words clearly, "You are the team leader. No matter who makes a mistake, the responsibility ultimately falls on you!"
Even though the person who made the mistake apologized, Michael didn't cut her any slack.
He even docked her three months' bonus before the matter was settled!
But how long has it been...
The same situation happened with Sophia, and he swallowed his words.
Michael frowned and retorted without hesitation, "Are these two things the same? Sophia just joined and isn't yet familiar with Johnson Group's projects. How could she cause such a big issue in such a short time?
If you hadn't intentionally caused problems from the start to interfere with Sophia's work, how could the clients be dissatisfied?"
Michael's expression grew colder.
He clearly had no patience to continue arguing with Olivia. He directly ordered, "Enough pointless arguing. No matter what, you must fix this loss!
Now, come with me to the company. Apologize to the clients, placate them, and meet their demands, whatever they may be!"
Olivia almost laughed.
Sophia's mistake, and she had to apologize.
Yes, she admitted she used to love him, loved him so much she lost herself.
But not to the extent of humiliating herself!
She wasn't that low!
"I'll say it again, I've already resigned. Whatever happens at the company has nothing to do with me, and I won't get involved!
As for apologizing, I did nothing wrong, so why should I bow my head? If you care so much about Sophia, why don't you solve these problems for her? Rest assured. If you do, I won't interfere!"
Michael frowned, anger inexplicably gathering in his heart.
Olivia saw this and mocked, "What? Are you going to drag me to the company by force? But Michael, have you forgotten? You were the one who kicked me out!
I did what I was supposed to do. Why should I solve other people's problems? What do you take me for—a lapdog that comes and goes at your command?"
Michael's frown deepened.
He coldly said, "Olivia, I'm discussing business with you. Don't get emotional! I explained why you had to leave the company—Sophia is more capable than you. For the R&D department to make breakthroughs, sacrifices had to be made.
And focusing on taking care of the child at home—what's wrong with that? You were constantly distracted by Bianca's issues. How could you manage the department properly?"
Olivia felt completely drained.
She didn't even bother reminding him that when the department was running smoothly, she was the one balancing work and taking care of their child.
Once someone had a prejudice, their eyes were completely blinded.
Saying more was a waste of breath.
She closed her eyes briefly, suppressing her disappointment, and said, "I have no interest in continuing this conversation. In any case, I won't get involved. You can find someone else!"
After saying this, Olivia picked up Bianca and went back to the upstairs playroom.
Once inside, she couldn't calm down for a long time.
Michael's bias and every word defending Sophia were like sharp knives, repeatedly cutting her.
Even though she had decided to give up, her heart still ached.
Olivia pressed her lips together, afraid of affecting Bianca, and tried to digest these bad emotions herself.
Just then, Bianca, who had been lost in her own world, suddenly came over and softly called, "Mommy."
Olivia forced a smile and gently asked, "What is it, baby?"
Bianca didn't answer but held out her small hand, saying, "Candy... Mommy eat... feel better."
Olivia looked down and saw a piece of her favorite candy in Bianca's palm.
Every time she comforted Bianca, she would say this.
She didn't expect Bianca to remember and comfort her in return.
Olivia felt like crying and immediately hugged her tightly.
All the disappointment and sadness seemed to be healed in that moment.
"Okay... I will eat!" She didn't refuse, unwrapped the candy, and quickly put it in her mouth.
Bianca leaned against her, smiling with her little mouth, looking adorable.
Olivia, full of love, hugged her even tighter.
Maybe the sweetness in her mouth helped, and her mood gradually improved.
Soon, Bianca went back to playing with her Legos.
Only then did Olivia remember she forgot to remind Michael to sign the papers.
But on second thought, there was no need to rush.
Michael would see them when he returned to the room.
He should be more eager to sign than she was.
After all, once divorced, he could be with Sophia!
Thinking of this, she put the matter aside and opened her laptop to contact Evelyn.
Olivia: [Evelyn, here's the information I found online about that psychologist. See if you can investigate their identity from another angle?]
Evelyn replied quickly: [Olivia, you're amazing! You thought of investigating through military forums! Don't worry, I'll get on it right away and let you know as soon as I have any news!]
Olivia: [Okay.]
After finishing the chat, Olivia thought for a moment and then opened her contacts, scrolling quickly.
Near the bottom, her finger paused on a name—Daniel Wilson.
She hadn't contacted him in over four years.
If she reached out now, would he still be willing to talk to her?
After all, their last interaction hadn't ended well.
His angry words still echoed in her mind, "Olivia, giving up your career for a man and switching to a field you're not good at—have you lost your mind? I'm telling you, if you really do this, don't contact me again!"
Olivia hesitated for a moment but finally made the call.
It connected quickly, but no one answered, and it was disconnected the first time.
Olivia thought it was an accidental hang-up.
She called again.
This time, the phone rang for a long time, and just before it was about to end, it was answered.
A deep, cold, and slightly angry male voice came from the other end, "What do you need, Ms. Smith?"