Chapter 457 Workplace Gaslighting
Seraphina walked straight over and settled onto the sofa, extending her hand. Thomas handed her the documents without a word.
“Honestly, our company has been thriving this past year, with project after project, yet it seems you’re not really involved, are you?” She remarked, her tone smooth yet cutting.
Artificial intelligence was the product of her relentless push. The large projects were the results of Sivir’s management. The rest were merely attracted to Cross Group’s brand for collaboration.
In this case, what was the purpose of maintaining a project team?
Joseph glanced nervously at Sivir. Yet Sivir sat silently beside him, his expression cold, and didn’t speak up on Joseph’s behalf.
“Ma’am, I-”
Seraphina raised her hand, cutting him off with a soft smile.
High–level discussions have always taken place upstairs. The reason I’ve come down this time is to see how the company’s pests have been nurtured.”
Seraphina delivered each word with a deceptively gentle tone that instilled a deep sense of dread.
This was far more terrifying than a boss’s harsh scolding.
Joseph felt a chill sweep over him, his body trembling. The thought of being laid off at nearly forty left him feeling cornered.
“Ma’am, I’ll make sure they work properly right away!”
Seraphina smiled slightly, her voice cool.
“Don’t rush to make promises, Joseph. Anyone who gets into this company is top of the cream. Those who remain on your project team are the elite of the elite. You’ve turned a group of talents into this disgrace. How do you plan to compensate the company for its losses?”
Joseph felt his strength drain away, his legs trembling.
As a senior executive at Cross Group with a seven–figure salary, his entire family depended on him. What would happen to them if he lost his job?
Would they be forced to live on air?
Fear gripped him, nearly paralyzing him. Although Seraphina had been with the company for a short time, her reputation for decisiveness was well known.
She had previously dared to challenge the shareholders; was it now his turn?
“Ms. Cross…” he managed to utter.
Seraphina turned her gaze away, her tone shifting to one of courtesy.
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Chapter 457 Workplace Gaslighting
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one left standing. My father kept you for my brother, not because you hadn’t taken sides but because your
abilities were undeniable.
“Yet, when life becomes too comfortable, it breeds complacency.
“Today, I can no longer tolerate my subordinates living like this.
“I offer you two choices: either you resign, and it looks good for both of us; or you stand up and lead the project team out of this mess.”
The air grew tense and fell quiet for several seconds.
Joseph suddenly looked up at her, disbelief etched on his face. Could he really continue on after everything?
But with no choice left, he stood up with fervor.
“I can do it! I will ensure the project is successful, whatever it takes. I promise to give it my all!”
He was practically ready to swear on it.
Seraphina smiled again, casting a glance at Sivir before turning back to Joseph.
“Then let’s proceed with this new direction. Review the materials I’ve provided. Once you’re done, we can discuss the next steps.”
With that, she stood up and left, her demeanor composed and decisive, just as it had been upon her
arrival.
Sivir stood, patting Joseph on the shoulder, his tone chilly. “You should thank Seraphina; she’s the reason you’re still here.”
Without Seraphina, Joseph would have already lost his job.
A cold shiver ran down Joseph’s spine.
Katie entered, carrying a coffee. “Joseph, have my cousins left already?”
Joseph shot her a complicated glance, biting his lip as he gestured toward her small desk.
“You should clear out your things. From now on, you’re no different from anyone else. You should complete the tasks assigned to you!
Katie’s expression changed immediately. She asked, “Is there some misunderstanding? You just saw that Seraphina and Sivir are my cousins!”
“There’s no misunderstanding. The company treats everyone equally. Besides, I suggest you change the family photo on your computer desktop. We can’t have such bad influences lingering in the office. Talent should always come first.”
Joseph took a deep breath. As a man on the verge of losing his job, he needed to tread carefully at every step.
“W–why is this happening?”
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