Chapter 17
The Frotconn weekly Monday meeting was the time to wrap the previous week’s work. This was Noelle’s first time back at the familiar table since she had left a year ago. The board members did a double take when they now hersome were clueless about her return, while others had their opinions of her colored by the recent scandal
Noelle pretended she did not see a thing, grabbed the papers, and plopped down in her chair. Her gaze was steady as she ignored the buzz around her. The bigwigs, the chairman and the general manager, had not shown up yet, so the room was buzzing with chatter. Some of the older, more seasoned directors were acting like uncles at a family reunion, rehashing the drama from the engagement party with flair.
One of the directors, who had butted heads with Noelle before over work matters, could not resist stirring the pot. “Some people embarrass themselves and still strut into the office like nothing happened.”
Noelle’s brow creased ever so slightly. She meant to let it slide, but Mr. Lambert was on a roll and did not look like he was stopping anytime soon.
“She hasn’t done anything noteworthy at work, yet she climbed the ladder so fast. It makes you wonder, right? It turns out she had a big shot pulling strings for her. Too bad she’s bitten off more than she can chew, trying to snag her sister’s spot.”
“Is that so? That’s sinking pretty low.”
“Tell me about it.
With each word, Noelle’s face turned stormiler. She bit her lip and shot Mr. Lambert a withering look, her laugh sharp as ice. “I always thought gossip was a game for the ladies, but look at this! It turns out everyone thinks they have the right to run their mouths. Kids might get a pass for saying whatever pops into their heads, but grown–ups…
“You…” Mr. Lambert’s face immediately reddened. He smacked the table hard and said, Noelle, you dare talk back to me like that?”
Noelle met Mr. Lambert’s gaze without flinching, her eyes steady and fearless. After a long, tense moment, she burst into laughter. “Was I talking to you just now?”
I
“You… you… you think you’re so clever, don’t you? I know you were talking about mel”
“Oh, Mr. Lambert, you’ve got it all wrong. Everyone here is a grown–up. Did anyone else hear me specifically mention Mr. Lambert’s name just now?”
Since Noelle had not actually sold Mr. Lambert’s name even once, he would have to think. twice before causing a commotion. Sensing the electric tension between Noelle and Mr. Lambert, the other directors and executives decided to stay out of it.
Mr. Lambert was so mad that he was at a loss for words. Just then, the conference room.
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door swung open, and Xavier walked in behind Joseph Harris.
Joseph could tell something was off the moment he stepped in. His eyes swept the room, pausing on Noelle for a split second before moving on as if she were a stranger.
Xavier, on the other hand, was hit with a wave of mixed feelings when he saw Noelle. The memory of that night was still fresh, and the things Noelle had said to him were hard to swallow.
Noelle caught the shift in Joseph’s vibe towards her in a flash, and she could not resist a wry smile. She played it cool, acting like she did not know him.
“Okay, team, let’s get this meeting rolling. First up, a big welcome back to Ms. Shaw! She’s been out there for a whole year, wheeling and dealing for the company. She’s put in some serious work, folks. Let’s give it up for her and her return to home soil!”
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