Chapter 19: Promoting From Within

Zayne exploded when he saw Jared at his desk. "Jared! How dare you still be here? You're fired!"

Lydia laughed cruelly. "He's so shameless! Get out!"

Others joined in, echoing the sentiments. "Get out! You're bad news for the sales department!" "Are you afraid of not finding another job?" "I've never seen someone so shameless!"

The sales department mocked Jared while showering Zayne with praise.

Jared calmly gathered his things. "Don't worry, I'm not staying in sales."

Hilda rushed after him. Though angry earlier, she couldn't bear to see him go. "Jared, if you're leaving, I'm leaving too! This company is awful!"

Jared smiled. "Don't be rash. I'm just leaving this department. It's not the company, just Zayne being a pain."

Hilda was surprised. "You're going to another department?"

Jared nodded. Reassured, Hilda said nothing more.

Maria approached. "Jared, need help finding a new job?"

"Thanks, but no," Jared replied, leaving. (The promotional material at the end of the original text has been removed.)

Zayne breathed a sigh of relief. "Finally! He's always opposed me. Now, no one will stand in my way." He addressed the remaining staff, "Get back to work. Forget about the general manager position. Whoever headquarters sends, we'll be fine if we're united."

Soon, the general manager's secretary arrived. "Mr. Carlson, Ms. Sullivan is here. She wants everyone in the conference room for an announcement."

Zayne smiled. "Ms. Lane, is this about the new general manager?"

She nodded.

Zayne pressed for more information. "Do you know who she brought? Man or woman?"

Amelia, the secretary, replied, "Ms. Sullivan came alone."

Zayne was taken aback. "She didn't bring anyone? She's not appointing someone from headquarters?"

"No. Ms. Sullivan is promoting from within. Get your staff to the conference room." Amelia left.

Zayne, stunned, furrowed his brow. He told his team, "Conference room, now!"

A staff member asked, "Is this about the new general manager?"

Zayne nodded.

Lydia asked anxiously, "Man or woman?"

Zayne answered, perplexed, "I don't know, but it's an internal promotion."

Shock rippled through the department. Speculation began. "Who else is qualified?"

"Mr. Carlson! We just secured the Cosmic Chemical contract! Headquarters must know!"

"He's the perfect choice! He knows our products best!"

"Mr. Carlson, don't forget about us once you're promoted!"

The staff fawned over Zayne, assuming his appointment was a certainty.