C241 Revolution

The boardroom remained silent for several long seconds after the heavy wooden doors closed behind Thomas Becker and Edward McCarthy. No one dared to speak. Even the sound of breathing seemed unusually loud. The remaining executives exchanged uneasy glances before lowering their heads once more. The two veteran supervisors had walked in confidently. They had walked out unemployed.

For the first time since Lucia Goods had changed ownership, everyone finally understood something. Director Alicia Smith was not making empty threats. She truly meant every word she said. Alicia slowly swept her gaze across the room. Although her expression remained calm, her sharp eyes made everyone avoid eye contact. She folded her hands neatly on the table before speaking. "So..." Her gentle voice echoed throughout the room. "I hope today's meeting has answered the question some of you had yesterday." No one replied.

She smiled faintly. "Yesterday some people believed I was too young to lead this company." "They questioned every decision I made." "They even tried to overturn my authority before I had completed twenty-four hours as your Director." She paused. "I find that... rather interesting." Several executives subconsciously lowered their heads even further. Alicia continued, "I have never expected everyone to like me." "I have never expected immediate loyalty." "But I do expect professionalism." "If you disagree with a decision..." "Come to me." "If you have evidence..." "Present it." "If you have a better solution..." "Convince me."

Her voice suddenly became colder. "But if your intention is simply to challenge my authority because you believe I am inexperienced..." "...then I promise you..." "You will lose every single time." Silence. Absolute silence. She slowly stood up from her chair. "The reason I demoted Mr. Becker and Mr. McCarthy was not because they disagreed with me." She looked around the room. "It was because they forgot their positions." "They repeatedly interfered with management decisions." "They attempted to pressure the Vice Director." "They attempted to force a vote." "And even after receiving a warning..." "They continued."

She spread her hands calmly. "So tell me..." "What choice did they leave me?" Nobody answered. Because nobody could. Everything she said was true. Alicia nodded gently. "Exactly." She looked toward the Human Resources representative. "Please ensure that both resignation letters are processed immediately." Faith quickly stood. "Yes, Director."

She then looked toward another executive. "Notify Administration." "The positions of Production Supervisor and Technical Supervisor are now officially vacant." "We will begin the appointment process immediately." "Yes, Director." Another person hurriedly wrote the instruction down. Alicia continued. "As for the Inspector positions..." "They will proceed exactly as originally planned." "The recruitment process begins today." "I don't want another day's delay."

Everyone answered together. "Understood, Director." She smiled slightly. "Good." She then leaned forward slightly. "There is one final matter." The atmosphere instantly became tense again. Everyone instinctively straightened their backs. Alicia calmly folded her arms. "This morning..." "I carefully reviewed part of the company's financial records." Several people froze. Although only for a brief moment... ...she noticed it. Especially among those seated near the finance department.

Alicia continued as if nothing had happened. "I discovered something rather interesting." She let the sentence hang. No explanation followed. Immediately... Several executives began wondering what she had found. Some became nervous. Others remained expressionless. She deliberately allowed the silence to grow. Finally she smiled. "Don't worry." "I'm not discussing it today." A collective sigh of relief spread through part of the room. I almost laughed. She did that on purpose. Alicia had intentionally unsettled everyone.

She continued. "But I will say this..." "If anyone here believes that hiding evidence..." "Destroying documents..." "Or resigning..." "...will erase the truth..." She slowly shook her head. "They are mistaken." Every word landed heavily. "I have time." "I have patience." "And eventually..." "I always find answers." Nobody dared move. She then added calmly, "I also know..." "...that Harris Group has people inside this company." The room became even quieter. Several executives exchanged nervous looks.

Alicia noticed every tiny reaction. She smiled again. "Relax." "I'm not asking anyone to confess today." "I'm giving everyone an opportunity." "If you've made mistakes..." "Correct them." "If you've been helping the wrong people..." "Stop." "If you remain loyal to Lucia Goods from today onward..." "I will judge you based on your future actions." She paused. "But..." "If anyone deliberately harms this company..." "If anyone leaks confidential information..." "If anyone assists our competitors..."

She looked at every single executive one by one. "...then don't blame me for what happens afterward." Her voice remained soft. Yet somehow... That made it even more frightening. "I can forgive mistakes." "I cannot forgive betrayal." No one doubted her anymore. Finally... She smiled warmly again. "The meeting is officially concluded." "I hope next time we meet..." "...it will be to celebrate the company's progress." "Not to discuss disciplinary matters." She picked up her documents. "Thank you, everyone."

Almost instantly. Every executive stood. Unlike yesterday... Nobody hesitated. Nobody remained seated. Together they bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Director." "We understand." One after another, they quietly left the boardroom. Nobody lingered behind. Not Adam. Not Leon. Not even the department heads. Within moments... Only Alicia and I remained. The once-tense boardroom suddenly became peaceful.

I stood up, walked around the table, and gently wrapped my arms around Alicia from behind. I rested my chin lightly on her shoulder. "My wife..." "You did incredibly well." Alicia relaxed into my embrace. "Did I?" I smiled. "You didn't just win a meeting." "You changed the company's atmosphere." I turned her chair slightly so she faced me. "From today onward..." "They know who the Director is."

Alicia laughed softly. "Our revolution begins now." I nodded proudly. "Yes." "And it's only the beginning." She looked at me thoughtfully. "Actually..." "I already have your next assignment." I raised an eyebrow dramatically. "So soon?" "I don't even get a lunch break?" She giggled. "No." "You don't." I sighed theatrically. "My wife is such a strict boss." She poked my forehead. "Vice Director..." "Behave."

I chuckled. "What do you need?" Alicia handed me two files. "I want you to visit the Production Department and the Technical Department." "Observe everyone carefully." "I don't just want skilled employees." "I want honest leaders." "Find people worthy of becoming supervisors." I accepted the files seriously. "I'll personally evaluate them." She smiled. "I knew I could rely on you."

I suddenly grinned mischievously. "As the mother of my child wishes." Alicia blinked. "That's rare." I laughed. "Well..." "We've been so busy overthrowing departments..." "...that we haven't even discussed our own baby." She froze for a second before smiling. "You're right..." "We haven't." I gently touched her stomach. "I wonder..." "Will our little one be a boy..." "...or a girl?" Alicia smiled sheepishly. "To be honest..." "I've been so focused on work..." "I haven't even thought about it."

I pretended to look shocked. "My wife..." "The famous genius..." "Forgot to think about our baby?" She laughed. "Don't tease me." I chuckled. "Fine." "But tonight..." "We're discussing baby names." She widened her eyes. "Already?" "Isn't it too early?" I shook my head confidently. "It's never too early." "Our child deserves the best name in the world." Alicia intertwined her fingers with his. "Then we'll choose it together." I smiled warmly. "Together."

They slowly walked out of the boardroom side by side. Behind them... The conference table was finally empty. But the decisions made there today would reshape Lucia Goods forever. The first obstacle had fallen. The revolution had truly begun.