Chapter 102
Everyone’s attention was on Andrew, and a few senior executive even began subtly pressuring him.
“Mr. Coleman, you can’t put the company’s interests at risk over one person.”
“Mr. Coleman, Ms. Carlson has been with you for years and has always performed well without any major issues. How could you let her leave and bring in…”
The executive cast a disdainful glance at Alyssa. “…a decorative piece? She doesn’t have the skills, and without capability, the work is bound to suffer.”
*****
These executives had caught wind of rumors that Cathy was forced out because of a conflict with Alyssa, and that Andrew had taken Alyssa’s side, which led to Cathy’s departure. Now, they were directing their criticism at Alyssa.
After Andrew heard their remarks, his expression turned cold as he responded, “This time, Adair’s design draft was ruined because Cathy deliberately poured coffee on it. This wasn’t a simple mistake–it was a willful act that harmed the company. Do you really think we should bring someone like that back?”
The executive who had labeled Alyssa a ‘pretty face‘ spoke up again. “But Mr. Coleman, it was Ms. Carlson who originally brought Adair in. If she destroyed the design, she’s still capable of getting another one.”
“This is a professional environment. We can’t allow a secretary to behave however she pleases,” Andrew said, his tone icy. Sensing Andrew’s growing irritation, the executive quieted down but grumbled under his breath, “She was the one who brought in the design. If she wants to destroy it, it’s up to her.”
Simon couldn’t hold back anymore and cut in, “Mr. Holloway, that’s not how it works. Sure, Cathy was the one who reached out to Adair, but she did it as a representative of the company, not on her own behalf. The payment to Adair came from company funds, not Ms. Carlson’s pocket. That design belongs to the company, not her. She had no right to destroy it.”
Kenneth Holloway fell silent, finally at a loss for words.
Sitting beside Andrew, Alyssa could sense the tension and felt a twinge of guilt. She knew her presence had indirectly contributed to this mess. If it weren’t for her, Cathy probably wouldn’t have destroyed Adair’s design. Maybe she could help the company out.
She took out her phone, opened WhatsApp, and sent a message: [Did you do a design for Coleman Fashion?]
Adair, who was lounging on his couch playing games, was startled when the notification popped up. Seeing who it was from, he immediately sat up straight and frantically typed a reply: [My dear master, you finally contacted me!]
Before Alyssa could respond, Adair quickly sent another message: [Let me explain. I did create a design for Coleman Fashion, but I didn’t use my name, and I didn’t take advantage of your reputation to make money. I just needed something, and only Mr. Coleman at Coleman Fashion could provide it, so I traded the design for it. If you’re upset about me working with them, I’ll stop immediately and return what I got from Mr. Coleman.]
Alyssa smiled slightly and replied: [No need to be nervous. I actually need your help with something.]
Adair quickly responded: [Ms. Dawson, Don’t say ‘help. Just tell me what you need–it scares me when you put it that way.]
Alyssa: [I need you to create another design for Coleman Fashion, this time with a rose theme.]