C212 Sarah Did Not Report To Work

The atmosphere inside the boardroom remained heavy long after I declared the meeting over. No one stood up immediately. The silence itself felt like another meeting. Thomas Becker sat with a dark expression, his fingers tapping lightly against the polished table. Beside him, Edward McCarthy looked equally dissatisfied. But they accepted the fact that they can't do anything.

Charlie Kinlore quietly closed her file, but the disappointment on her face was obvious. She slowly said " Vice director only the company's Director has the right to review anything past a year. It is just the company rules. I responded "Then Tomorrow she will review them. The disappointment in the was visible .They had failed. At least for today. I gathered my documents calmly before looking around the room. "Is there anything else?" No one answered.

I nodded once. "Very well." "The meeting is officially adjourned." One by one, the executives finally stood. Some greeted me politely before leaving. Others merely nodded. Thomas and Edward were the last to leave. As they reached the door, Thomas suddenly stopped. He turned back. "Vice Director." I looked up. "Yes?" Thomas forced out a smile. "I hope Director Smith understands that none of us are trying to oppose her." "We simply want what is best for Lucia Goods."

I smiled politely. "I'll make sure she hears your concerns." Thomas nodded. "Thank you." The two supervisors finally left. The moment the door closed... I released a long breath. "...That was exhausting." Adam Tavez and Leon Wright had purposely remained behind. Adam walked over first. "Vice Director." I smiled. "Mr. Tavez." He scratched his head awkwardly. "To be honest... I was worried." "Worried?"

He nodded. "When everyone started objecting..." "I thought Director's decision would really be cancelled." Leon sighed beside him. "So did I." I stood up and walked toward them. "We promised both of you yesterday." "As long as Director Smith made that decision..." "I won't overturn it." Adam smiled with relief. "But..." "You still delayed it."

I laughed. "I had no choice." "The supervisors questioned Director's authority." "The Finance Department questioned company expenses." "If I forced everything through today..." "They would only say Director abuses her power." Leon slowly nodded. "So..." "You bought Director time." "Exactly." I smiled. "Tomorrow she returns." "And when she does..." "They'll have to explain everything directly to her." Adam chuckled. "I almost feel sorry for them." I laughed."I don't."

Adam suddenly became serious again. "Vice Director..." "I have worked for almost fifteen years." I looked at him. "In all those years..." "I have never seen supervisors openly challenge a Director." Leon agreed. "Neither have I." "They're becoming too bold." I folded my arms. "I noticed." "They're either hiding something..." "...or they genuinely believe nobody can replace them." Adam nodded slowly. "Personally..." "I think it's both." His answer made me thoughtful. Perhaps... Alicia had been right yesterday. There really was something hidden inside those departments.

The afternoon passed much more peacefully. I buried myself in paperwork inside Director Alicia's office. For the first time... I truly understood how difficult her position was. Files covered almost every corner of the desk. Production reports. Financial summaries. Supplier contracts. Development requests. Employee evaluations. There was so much work that I barely noticed time passing.

I leaned back in the chair and rubbed my temples. "So this is what Alicia is supposed to be handling..." "No wonder she looked tired." I smiled to myself. "I'll definitely help her more from now on." Around four o'clock, I finally finished reviewing the urgent documents. I stretched my arms. Knock. Knock. The HR manager entered. "Vice Director." I looked up. "Come in." She smiled politely. "Today's schedule has officially ended." "Is there anything else you would like arranged before I leave?"

I shook my head. "No." "Thank you." She hesitated before speaking again. "...Vice Director." "Director Alicia..." "Is she feeling well?" I smiled warmly. "Much better." "She's recovering well." Relief appeared on her face. "I'm glad." "Please tell Director we wish her a speedy recovery." "I will." I looked at her again "What your name again?" She bowed slightly before responding, "Faith McDonald." "Well Faith i will remember your name. She bowed before leaving.

The office suddenly became quiet. I picked up my phone. There was only one person I wanted to call. I pressed Chris's number. The phone rang twice. "Brother?" His familiar cheerful voice came through the speaker. I smiled. "Are you busy?" "Not really." "I've just finished today's work." "Why?" I leaned back in the chair. "How about we go visit Alicia together?" Chris laughed. "I was actually planning to go after work." "Perfect." "But..."

His cheerful voice suddenly became quieter. "Brother..." "Something has been bothering me all day." I frowned. "What happened?" There was a brief silence. "I'll explain everything when we meet." "I don't really know how to say it over the phone." I became even more curious. "What is it?" Chris sighed softly. "I will explain everything when you get here." His voice carried unmistakable worry. I understood immediately. Chris wasn't the type to panic easily. If he sounded like this... Then something really was wrong.

I stood up and grabbed my car keys. "Brother." "I'll come pick you up." Chris laughed. "No need." "I'll just take a taxi." "We're both going to the same place anyway." I shook my head instinctively before remembering he couldn't see me. "Forget the taxi." "I'll be there soon." "Just wait for me." He sounded confused. "But..." "How will you get here?" I chuckled. "Just wait outside Wood IT." "I'll explain when I get there." Before Chris could ask another question... I ended the call.

I looked at the blue Hyundai's keys in my hands. Peter's gift. I still couldn't believe it. Smiling to myself, I walked toward the parking lot. I recalled Alicia transferring $30 000 to her grandfather buying Volkswagen for me. Sadly this is my first and last day driving this Hyundai. Soon... The blue Hyundai slowly drove out of Lucia Goods Headquarters... Heading toward Wood IT Company.