Chapter 46
The rest of the staff chimed in, their frustration bubbling over.
"They're doing this on purpose! They got the project, we lost it—now they're just rubbing salt in the wound!"
"They invited us to celebrate just to watch us squirm. Ms. Whitaker, please don't go!"
One person's success affected everyone around them. But my failure? That meant my whole team had to eat humble pie too.
They weren't just venting for themselves—they genuinely had my back.
I clapped Soren on the shoulder, keeping my voice level. "Big projects come with big responsibilities. Not necessarily a bad thing. Everything's got pros and cons—don't judge a book by its cover."
Soren shot me a confused look.
I sighed, spelling it out. "Look, I lost the general manager position that was practically mine, right? But I'm keeping my cool about it."
At the entrance, Brielle strutted in, dressed to the nines and radiating smug energy.
The second she caught my words, her expression soured. That self-satisfied glow vanished like someone had flipped a switch.
Brielle marched forward, chin raised. "Hold up—what do you mean by 'the general manager position that was practically yours'?"
All eyes turned our way.
"Company rules are clear: whoever lands the project gets the promotion. You're talking like you already had the job and graciously handed it to me!"
Brielle's voice dripped with manufactured indignation.
I glanced at her sideways. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. You're projecting because deep down, you know you don't measure up to me. Face it—the only reason you got that promotion is that the client didn't want me. You just got lucky picking up my leftovers."
Brielle's jaw worked soundlessly for a beat before she found her comeback.
"Who says I didn't earn this fair and square?"
Everyone was watching now. I let a cold smile curve my lips. "Are you seriously asking me that? Real qualifications? What qualifications?"
"You've never set foot in this company before, you have zero track record, you've never led a single project, and you've sure as hell never created a proposal that made any client's eyes light up. And you actually think this is about merit?"
Brielle stood there speechless. Her team members exchanged awkward glances, clearly out of ammunition.
I turned and gave Soren a meaningful look.
"Alright, everyone, back to work. Don't clog up our space."
Brielle's expression darkened further. She stared daggers at me, clearly plotting something.
Two seconds later, she raised her voice. "Project Department—everyone! Conference room in ten minutes!"
With that, Brielle spun on her designer heels and clicked away.
The spectators dispersed. Just my team remained.
I nodded. "Come on, let's get ready for this meeting."
Soren snorted under his breath. "Wonder what fresh hell she's cooking up now."
I smiled, unbothered, and shot him a look that said stay cool.
My assistant's attitude reflected mine.
I wasn't about to give Brielle the satisfaction of thinking I cared about her little power plays.
Soon enough, everyone assembled in the conference room.
Brielle perched at the head of the table, radiating new-boss energy as she launched into her lecture. The self-importance was almost impressive.
After her little speech, she flipped through a folder. "I'm reassigning all current projects to ensure every team has the opportunity to perform and hit their targets."
Everyone exchanged wary glances.
Reassigning projects meant Brielle controlled everything now.
Performance, commissions, bonuses—all at her discretion.
A cold feeling settled in my gut.
Sure enough, Brielle slid several time-consuming, low-profit grunt projects across the table toward me.
"Seraphine, you're so experienced and capable—these projects are perfect for your team. Consider it professional development."
Her smile was plastic and smug, practically screaming, 'I'm screwing you over, and what are you gonna do about it?'
I didn't hesitate. "General Manager, this allocation is completely unreasonable. You're wasting my team's resources. These projects don't showcase our capabilities or create value for the company."
"I'm the Project General Manager. I make the assignments."
Brielle lifted her chin, wielding her title like a weapon.
"What—you got a problem with my decisions?"
"I'm stating facts. If you insist on this distribution, I'll escalate to the board."
My team erupted in support.
"We're the top-performing team in the entire company! Dumping these throwaway projects on us—aren't you worried about the company suffering?"
"No one else can handle the major projects. If they stall, are you taking responsibility?"
"Ms. Brielle Whitaker doesn't even understand how this company works, and she's already playing dictator! Doesn't she care about the business at all?"
The criticism came from all sides.
Brielle couldn't keep up. Her face went chalk-white as she whipped out her phone.
"Fine! I'll call a board member right now, and we'll see what they think!"
I caught a glimpse of her screen.
She was calling Rhys Watson.
Rhys—one of Amara's old cronies, strategically placed ages ago. He'd blindly side with Brielle no matter what.
Within minutes, Rhys rushed in, adopting a patronizing tone. "Ms. Seraphine Whitaker, you need to follow company directives. Consider this character-building. Perfect time to reflect on why you lost that project."
"I know exactly why I lost the project." My voice stayed steady. "But my personal issues shouldn't punish my entire team."
I met Rhys's eyes. "These are top-tier professionals. They shouldn't be 'building character' through grunt work with no commissions or bonuses just because I lost one project."
My team members looked at me with something like awe.
I pressed on. "Stifling their growth doesn't benefit the company."
Rhys's patience was clearly wearing thin.
He hardened his voice. "Follow. Management. Stop stirring up trouble, or you can kiss your Project Director position goodbye too!"
The room went silent. Everyone's eyes locked on me.
I straightened my spine.
This was not the time to back down.
I wasn't just fighting for myself—I was fighting for my team.
I couldn't let them suffer because of me. If I did, I had no business leading them.
With that thought steeling me, I held my ground. "Since when does Mr. Watson speak for the entire board?"
Rhys froze.
I arched an eyebrow. "Last I checked, one person's opinion doesn't override everything. I'm formally requesting a board meeting."
Rhys's face reddened. He slammed his palm on the table. "My decision is final! You want to bother the entire board over this petty nonsense? Can you handle that responsibility? This discussion is over!"
The conference room fell deathly silent.
Then the door swung open.
A low, commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Who's arrogant enough to think the Whitaker Group is their personal dictatorship?"
My breath caught. I snapped my head up to see the figure entering the room.