Chapter 504 The Promotion
After finding out that Lydia was suddenly promoted to be the supervisor, Rory was the one who was most shocked. She glanced at George and found that he, too, was surprised. Then, she shifted her gaze and looked at Amelia, noticing the latter was smiling happily as if she was sincerely happy for Lydia to be promoted. Although Lydia tried her best to suppress her joy, her face was beaming with excitement.
A wave of mixed emotions washed over Rory. She had always seen Lydia as her rival, and now the latter had become her superior.
It was only at that moment that Rory felt the workplace was unpredictable and ruthless.
Therefore, she didn’t even hear what Lydia said at the meeting following the announcement.
After the meeting ended, Amelia saw that Rory was still in a daze, so she nudged her and asked, “Rory, what’s wrong? Are you not feeling well?”
Rory returned to her senses, forced a smile, and replied, “My tummy’s not feeling well. Maybe I have food poisoning. I’ll have to excuse myself to the toilet.”
“Go ahead. Take the day off and rest at home if you really don’t feel well,” said Amelia.
Rory nodded and quickly left the conference room.
Amelia was about to leave, too, when Shane’s voice rang out behind her. “Amelia.”
She turned her head and smiled. “Greetings, Mr. Franklin.”
“There’s no one here. Just call me by my name.” Shane grinned. “Becca made a big fuss last night. I hope it didn’t affect you and Mr. Clinton.”
“It’s not a big deal. It’s because Tony is still young and doesn’t know much. Please apologize to Chelsea on my behalf.” Amelia raised the folder in her hand and said, “Once I get the chance, I’ll treat her a dinner as an apology.”
“Chelsea wasn’t mad, but she said she felt sorry about what had happened. She even said great things about you last night. She may look gentle and friendly, but she’s wary as to who she mixes with. Although she is not beautiful, she is very independent. I’m glad she likes you.” Shane’s face was filled with tenderness as he spoke about his wife.
“Shane, it seems that you love your wife very much,” Amelia looked at him and commented.
“Of course, I love her. She is a woman worthy of a man’s love.”
“I thought you were only attracted to gorgeous ladies. I wasn’t expecting that. Indeed, Chelsea looks ordinary, but she’s pleasant to talk to. I felt very comfortable, as if there was an instant connection between us. Hence, I can understand why you’re so in love with her. If I were you, I’d be attracted to her as well.”
When Shane heard that, he couldn’t help but laugh. “If she heard that, she’d be thrilled. I think you’ll definitely become good friends.”
The duo then went to Shane’s office, and as they entered, he said, “I gave Lydia a chance according to your suggestion. How are you going to repay me?”
Amelia shrugged her shoulders and uttered, “Mr. Franklin, isn’t that your duty?”
“I actually wanted to promote you, but I didn’t think you would leave the opportunity to someone else.”
“I’ll have the opportunity again in the future.” Amelia continued indifferently, “Lydia is in her thirties and has been with the company for many years. I have seen how she works, and she’s a serious and reliable person. It’s not fair to her to work as a lowly employee forever. I believe if we give her a chance, she will bring more profit to the company.”
Shane proceeded to scrutinize Amelia. At times, I really do admire how she carries herself. Her composed mannerisms allow her to analyze matters thoroughly.
“You are so close to Rory, and I thought you would definitely recommend her for the supervisor’s position. Your action exceeded my expectations.” He laughed.
“Rory is still young. She may not be competent enough to be a supervisor now. It will also give her the illusion that she can succeed if she does whatever it takes. I don’t want her to focus too much on money and profit. She still has a long way to go, and a minor setback will make her better in the future.”
“However, she might not understand your kind intentions,” Shane reminded.
Amelia shrugged, unfazed. “I don’t expect her to understand. I see the shadow of my former self whenever I look at her, so I’m just looking out for her and helping her understand that it’s better not to rush into anything. If she does not appreciate my kindness, there’s nothing I can do.”
“You’re really open-minded.”
The duo chatted for a few more minutes before they discussed work matters.
“Mr. Moore may be promoted to the director’s position next year. I think you should be able to be a manager after a year here at the company. Don’t be so modest as to say that you joined the company just for the experience. The basic work can’t play up your skills, so I will leave the vacant manager’s position to you.” Looking at Amelia, Shane shared his plans with her.
“Since that’s what you have in mind, it’d be really presumptuous of me to decline again. However, let’s put this matter off until next year. Today’s work is not yet done, and you have already thought of next year’s matters. That doesn’t suit your style.”
“I just want to give you prior notice so you do not have any excuses to turn me down. An employee who does not think about climbing the social ladder is not necessarily an outstanding employee. You should learn this from Rory. The entire design department can see how ambitious she is. Nevertheless, she’s too self-centered, and she’ll eventually get into serious trouble if she continues being like that.”
“Well, youngsters have to overcome hurdles in order to grow.”
The two continued to chat for a few more minutes, and Amelia left with the documents in her arms.
Back in the design department, everyone was engrossed in discussions.
“Amelia’s back,” someone shouted, and the colleagues who were still making noise immediately quietened down.
Lydia, who was surrounded by her colleagues, pushed the crowd aside and walked over with a bright smile. “Amelia, thank you so much. If you hadn’t put in a few good words for me in front of Mr. Franklin, I think I would still be an insignificant employee.”
“Lydia, don’t say that. You have worked a long time, and you’re talented. You just needed an opportunity to shine. I was just casually talking about you when Mr. Franklin mentioned you in front of me. In fact, I did not do much. The most important thing is your ability,” responded Amelia, as she did not want to take the credit for Lydia’s promotion.
Although she had said that, everyone present knew that if she did not put in a good word for Lydia, the latter would still be an insignificant, lowly employee all her life. Everyone was aware of that and wanted to be friends with Amelia.
“Amelia, I thought you would be the supervisor. I didn’t expect you to recommend me, and I don’t even know how to thank you for that.” Lydia’s eyes were red. She felt like she was finally being rewarded after working in the company for so many years. She had truly sacrificed her youth for the company.
Lydia thought she would spend her entire life working as a mere employee, but she did not expect to suddenly become a supervisor, which was like a gift from heaven. Even though the supervisor position was not a great position with immense power, her status was promoted, and there was a significant increase in her salary.
“Lydia, I’m not as important as you think. These are all Mr. Franklin’s decisions, really.” Amelia was nonplussed.
Lydia laughed out loud and announced, “Since I’ve been promoted, let me treat all of you to a meal! I’d be glad if everyone could attend.”
As soon as her words fell, Rory entered the office.
Everyone glanced at her with mixed emotions in their eyes.
Amelia walked up to her and asked gently, “Rory, are you feeling better?”
The latter’s facial expression showed that she wasn’t feeling too well. Her eyes were even a little red, but it was hard to tell unless one were to pay extra attention to them.
“Amelia, my tummy doesn’t feel too good, and I want to take a half-day off. Can you help me inform Mr. Moore about this?” said Rory, covering her abdomen.
“Sure, go ahead. I’ll inform Mr. Moore on your behalf later. If there’s any problem, call me. I’ll accompany you to the hospital, okay?” said Amelia. She was concerned about Rory’s condition.
“Amelia, thank you. I’ll go home then.”
After she left, Lydia’s expression changed. Since Amelia had said good things on her behalf, she whispered a reminder to Amelia, “Amelia, don’t treat this young girl too well. I’m afraid she does not know how good you are to her and will be ungrateful. It’s not my intention to sow discord between you both, but I just want you to be careful. Don’t let her deceive you.”
Amelia responded with a smile, “Lydia, thank you for reminding me. I know what I’m doing. You are all my colleagues, and I would love to get along with all of you.”
Lydia was bright enough to understand Amelia’s words. Hence, she said nothing more.
After being promoted, Lydia looked different, as if she had gone through a total transformation. Although her appearance was still the same, her confidence made her seem more elegant and charming.
That evening, when everyone got off from work, she wanted to treat the entire design department to dinner, saying she was grateful for the care and consideration her group of colleagues had shown over the years.
When they arrived outside the office building, Oscar was seen waiting for Amelia next to his car for quite some time. Amelia said somewhat apologetically, “Lydia, I’m afraid I can’t join this round. How about this? You guys go ahead and enjoy on my behalf as well.”
Lydia didn’t want to snatch Amelia away from Oscar, nor did she dare invite such a big shot. Hence, she greeted him and left.
“Oscar, when did you arrive? Why didn’t you call me?” Amelia walked over to him and flashed a bright smile.
“I arrived not too long ago, just minutes before you came down.” Oscar kissed her on the lips, opened the car door for her to enter, and closed it.
Amelia fastened her seatbelt and said, “If you arrived slightly later, I would have gone to dinner with my colleagues. She got promoted today, so she wants to treat all of us from the same department to a meal.”
“You didn’t get promoted?” asked Oscar as he drove the car.
“I just joined the company.”
“I thought Shane would be smart enough to offer you the vice president’s position. After all, you’re my woman. Even if you’re a fool, pleasing you is indirectly pleasing me. I’ll be happy if you’re happy. Maybe I’d even agree to all collaboration with your company if I were in a good mood,” Oscar stated. No one knew if he was serious or joking.
“Both of you really have what it takes to be a businessman. Both of you benefit from one another, and I am just like a pawn. Do you find this amusing, huh?” Amelia turned her head to him and chuckled.
“If you’re not happy, I’ll cancel all projects with his company.”
“Shouldn’t you refrain from mixing personal matters with business?”
“In my heart, you’re the most important person.”
Upon hearing that, Amelia couldn’t help but smile, feeling contented.
“Although those are sweet nothings, I like to hear them. It’s soothing to my ears. Say more to me.”
Oscar reached out his right hand and patted her head. He laughed and said, “You’re so cheeky.”
“Am I?”
“You are, but I like you that way. I enjoy it when you are yourself in front of me.”
“In that case, may I mess with you a little more in the future?”
“Sure.”
“What should I do? Seeing how you’re spoiling me, I’m afraid I’ll rely on you too much. What would I do when you leave me?”
When Oscar heard that, he rolled his eyes at her.
Amelia instantly added, “I was just kidding. Don’t take it seriously.”
“Make it up to me tonight, and I won’t be mad anymore.”
Amelia was rendered speechless.
