Filed to story: Finding the Secret Daddy for My Baby Novel >>
However, Elliot’s gaze rested on the woman next to him, causing Anastasia to receive full attention from the crowd. The female employees suddenly felt that the coffee in their hands didn’t taste as well as it had seconds ago, because they now realized that Anastasia was the main reason they were able to drink the coffee in the first place!
Meanwhile, Anastasia, who was skimming through the store sales analysis report, took a sip of coffee. This led a hint of smile to creep into the eyes of the man beside her. Everyone at the scene clearly took in his reaction.
“At present, the price war in the market is very intense. Our recent store sales have increased by 5% compared to the previous month. The company has decided to promote an associate director to supervise the entire Department of Design alongside me.”
Alice’s eyes widened at that mention. She felt as though the position would have to belong to her and nobody could take it away from her.
On the contrary, Anastasia, whose full attention was on design and nothing else, was uninterested with this management position.
“How much will the salary increment be when one is promoted to be an associate director?” One of the designers went straight to the crux of matter.
“The person who is promoted to become the associate director shall have a salary
increment of 5,000 to 10,000 on top of his or her original basic salary, depending on this person’s capability,” Felicia announced.
Anastasia, who had been initially uninterested with the promotion, heard that, and her stunning eyes lit up and her interest was instantly piqued. “What are the conditions that one must fulfill in order to be entitled for the promotion?”
“Firstly, one must have worked with the company for more than 5 years. Secondly, we will review their design skills. Thirdly, one must possess a teamwork spirit, understand the market direction, and be able to analyze the market needs.
The light in Anastasia’s eyes dimmed when she heard that, while Alice, who was sitting opposite her, smiled and deliberately reminded her, “Anastasia, you merely worked with the company for two months. You don’t fit the first condition.”
Although Anastasia was disgruntled, she said nothing. Just then, a low yet firm male voice rang out beside her. “Anastasia will be promoted as the associate director.”
Anastasia abruptly jerked her head toward him, but Elliot was seen looking at Felicia as he ordered, “Notify the Human Resource Department about this.”
Felicia, who didn’t expect the boss to promote Anastasia with just a statement, revealed an awkward smile. “Sure, I’ll notify the Human Resource Department about the change in her position.”
At that, Alice, who was sitting opposite them, was so mad that her face blanched, while the other designers were astounded. Does Anastasia have such a powerful background? Could it be that the reason President Presgrave attended the meeting today is just to promote her as the associate director in front of all of us?
“But that’s unfair, President Presgrave! Shouldn’t other employees be given a fair chance?” Alice boldly refuted. “It will be difficult to convince the others if you make an exception and grant her a promotion like this.”
As soon as Alice voiced out her disapproval, the air in the meeting room instantly became heavy.
Elliot furrowed his brows, darting a sharp gaze at her. “Are you objecting to my decision?”
“N-No… I-I just think that t-this is a company, and the company should have rules and regulations…” Alice was so frightened that she started stammering and her face flushed crimson.
Anastasia suddenly didn’t find the position of the associate director attractive anymore. It would be alright if she earned the position with her own effort, but an exceptional promotion like this was indeed unfair to the others, let alone when she didn’t want to owe the man any favors in the first place.
“President Presgrave, I refuse to accept the position. Please allow Felicia to pick someone more suitable!” Anastasia chimed in reasonably.
Elliot’s cold gaze that had initially been on Alice now landed on Anastasia, but there currently was a hint of frustration in them. Why is she concerned about all those irrelevant matters? Doesn’t she want to earn more money?
“Let’s do it this way, then. Anastasia gains the right to compete for the position because her capability is undeniably outstanding. Alice, Anastasia and Alexia are the suitable candidates for this position. I’ll assign tasks to the three of you to assess your capabilities.”
“You guys can take it from here,” Elliot calmly announced. It was apparent that he had no intention to participate in the meeting further, so he rose up from his seat and left.
As soon as he had left, everyone in the meeting room exhaled in relief. The heavy atmosphere earlier had been suffocating.
“Anastasia, we will fight for the position in a fair and square manner. If you can beat me, I’ll give you the position!” Alice sneered.
“I don’t need you to give it to me. Let’s each do our best,” Anastasia coldly refuted.
“Other than the three people whose names were called earlier, the others may leave.” Felicia asked them to leave, as she wanted to have a private talk with the trio.
In the task this time, all three of them would be responsible for one of the stores under the company. Whoever attained the best sales performance the next month would be crowned the champion. However, they were not allowed to request their friends or family members to make bulk orders. Only sales from free-will customers would be taken into account.
“You three may liaise with the store managers, or you may take care of the store in person. Ultimately, the three of you have the right to do anything in the store. The total sales next month will be the deciding factor.”
All three of them, including Anastasia, blindly picked a store. Since she had decided to participate in the competition, she wouldn’t give up that easily.
“Anastasia, I dare you to not rely on President Presgrave’s influence and compete with us fair and square.”
“I would have accepted the position if I were to rely on his influence, no?” Anastasia refuted.
“Anastasia, what in the world did you do to make President Presgrave treat you so differently? Could it be that you are hooking up with him?” Alice sneered in disdain.
Anastasia merely looked at the other woman coldly without saying a word. Upon hearing that, Felicia tried to make peace between them. “Alright, we are all colleagues. Please speak to each other politely.”
In the end, Alice tossed the documents on the table and announced, “Anastasia, I won’t lose to you!” With that, she arrogantly left the scene.
After Anastasia returned to her office, she received a call from her father. When Francis heard that she wouldn’t be bringing her son along, he asked, “Why aren’t you bringing Jared?”
“Dad, there are many people at the banquet. I’m worried that Jared would wander off. Besides, I’ve made arrangements for him.”
“Alright. Since you have made arrangements, just leave him at home, then.” Ever since the incident when Jared had been lost, Francis dared not show the slightest negligence when it came to the matter about the kid.
“And do remember to dress prettier,” Francis reminded in the end.
At that, Anastasia couldn’t help but look down at what she was wearing that day. It was regular office attire-a gray blouse paired with a tight-fitting skirt, and she didn’t prepare any other clothes.
At noon, Anastasia had lunch with Felicia. The latter told her that the mold for the custom-made jewelry had been produced by the factory. What came next would be the craftspeople doing their jobs, and the final product would be completed by the end of the month.
A sense of achievement bubbled up inside Anastasia upon hearing that. She, too, hoped to bring more profit to the company.
At 3.00 PM, Anastasia called Grace over to her office. She instructed her to help her to look after Jared, to which Grace happily agreed.