Chapter 375 Keep Your Word
Nicole raised an eyebrow as she leaned against her chair.
Then, she asked unhurriedly, “From the moment I entered until now, which words of retort have I uttered?”
As she spoke, she turned to look at the directors who were arguing with her earlier.
“I simply answered your questions. I never said anything out of turn, did I?”
The directors intended to kick Nicole out of Gardner Corporation and retrieve their rights to Ann since it was a popular brand right now.
With Alice’s endorsement, Ann had become even more popular than before and its sales had even multiplied.
The reason behind the brand’s success was because of Nicole’s hard work during its early stages. Even if Nicole was no longer there, Ann could still continue being in the market.
“Well, we are saying that you should resign from your position as the creator of Ann.”
Nicole looked up just then, her lips curving into a pretty smile. Indeed, they were very calculative. She didn’t express her disagreement, but she didn’t agree to it either. She simply placed a hand on the desk and swept a gaze across the crowd while asking a simple question, “Do you guys think that I’m the only one at fault for this incident, eh?”
When they heard Nicole’s query, the group of old men fell silent. However, they were all blinded by profit and if they didn’t let her take the hit, Gardner Corporation would have to pay a huge sum as compensation for the incident with Aimee International.
After some detailed calculation, they decided they should just appoint a scapegoat to take all the blame.
“Of course. This all happened because of the lack of supervision on your end. Whose fault would it be other than you?”
Nicole couldn’t help but chuckle when she saw their matter-of-fact attitude. These people really thought they were something. “I can leave Ann, but on one condition. If you agree to my terms, I will leave immediately.”
The directors thought she would make an outrageous demand, so they thought for a while before saying, “As long as it’s not too outrageous, we can agree to it.”
Nicole pursed her lips and crossed her arms as she expressed, “It’s not something too outrageous. I will admit I was partly at fault for the plagiarized drafts this time, but is Joanna, the person in charge of collecting the drafts, totally innocent?”
The directors understood what Nicole meant. Was she trying to blame Joanna in turn?
“The signed name on the contract is yours, so even if Director Schmidt made any mistakes, you’re the only one who can be held responsible by the law!” they reminded her gracefully.
“That’s true, and I’m willing to take the responsibility. However, since everyone is at fault here, I cannot be the only one taking all the blame. If not, I’d feel upset and refuse to take responsibility.” Nicole leaned back in her chair, her voice indolent.
Just like she said, since she had to suffer, everyone else should also suffer with her.
“What do you mean?” The directors sitting diagonally across from Nicole narrowed their eyes as they looked over at her.
She said sharply, “It’s as exactly as what it suggests. I can resign, but Joanna must be fired as well. If not, I won’t take responsibility for this incident.”
“You’re being unreasonable!”
If Joanna left, Gardner Apparel would lose its backbone; how could it carry on by then?!
“I agree.” Colton, who had been silent in his seat all the while, suddenly spoke up.
This time, it was the directors’ turn to be stunned. Why would he agree to it all of a sudden?
“President Gardner, even though Director Schmidt might be at fault, it’s not such a serious mistake for her to be fired. She has worked hard for Gardner Corporation for seven years, after all. It wouldn’t be humane to fire her now.”
Nicole turned and looked at Colton as she noticed the suppressed smile in his eyes. Evidently, this person had understood what she was hinting at.
She smiled and continued his line of thought. “That would be for the best. After all, it would look fairer like this. I’ll go back right now and make the announcement. I hope you keep your word, President Gardner.”
