Chapter 3

For two consecutive days, the post remained at peak popularity. Dennis was starting to panic.

He said, "Ms. Sarandon, the original poster added a pinned update yesterday. Shouldn't we explain things as soon as possible?"

I opened my phone, and sure enough, there was an update.

"I have confronted my boss head-on, but she sure is stubborn. An insignificant employee like me is powerless against the one calling the shots. I'm going to quit and leave."

It was accompanied by a teary, aggrieved emoji.

In the comments, many people offered words of comfort. Of course, there were also plenty of insults directed at me.

"Losing you is their loss. Wishing you a bright future, brave one."

"What a heartless and unscrupulous boss! They won't even let their employees have a small share of what they deserve while they rake up all the money."

I rubbed my temples in frustration. We must not keep Ingrid around any longer.

I instructed, "First, deal with the internal problem. I assume you already know who posted this. Since she wants to leave, I'll gladly let her resign. As for the rest…"

Stuart was a longtime employee and the sole breadwinner for his family. If I dismissed him, his whole family would be left with nothing.

I couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant to cut him off so mercilessly.

"Ms. Sarandon, I've heard that Mr. Hunt has recently been organizing a collective strike to protest against your salary increase announcement. Several hundred employees have already signed the petition," Dennis informed, observing me cautiously.

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over me. It sobered me up instantly.

Back then, my dad had been just as soft-hearted. But last year, just because he had refused to hire the son of a longtime employee, that same employee stabbed him seven times on his way to work.

He was still receiving treatment in Loxim, while I had been forced to cut short my studies abroad and return to take over the company urgently.

Was I going to follow his path and endlessly support these ingrates without limits?

I took a deep breath and instructed, "Draft a public statement for me to explain the entire situation. Notify all employees that we will hold an assembly to discuss the salary increase and year-end bonus plan at 10:00 am tomorrow.

"Also, invite reporters from Jerton Daily as well. It would be best if the whole thing is livestreamed."

After handling everything, I slumped over my desk in a daze.

Just then, Dad called me. "Hailey, if you really don't want to do this anymore, just sell the company."

…

By 9:30 am the next morning, the company auditorium was packed with people.

Stuart stood in the center of the crowd like a proud victor while blabbering, "Hailey is still too young, and a woman at that! If Mr. Sarandon had a son, would she be putting on airs here? I heard she studied art before. What does she even know about running a company?"

Ingrid sat beside him, puffing up with pride. "As I said, with things blown up to such grand proportions, how could she stay indifferent? Everyone should thank the one who posted about this mistreatment online. Public opinion is power!"

Some people nearby tried to speak up in my defense, but Ingrid shot them down self-righteously.

She said with a scoff, "Have you stayed loyal to the company for so long that you don't know how to resist anymore? We don't need lapdogs here. Look, even the reporters are here today. The government is already paying attention to this."

At exactly 10:00 am, I walked onto the stage of the auditorium. The crowd gradually quieted down as the reporters' cameras focused on me, and the livestream officially began.

I looked at the familiar faces below. There were students we had once sponsored, reformed ex-convicts who had found a new path, and even elders who had held me as a child.

Those past kindnesses and warmth had now turned into sharp blades that stabbed into my chest painfully.

I picked up the microphone and faced the audience. "Many employees have received the company's salary adjustment notice, which has also caused a major uproar online. First, I would like to apologize again for affecting everyone's mood during this festive season."

As I bowed deeply, the livestream comments flooded the screen.

"Sure, go on and apologize. As if you really mean any of it."

"They'll still do it again next time!"

"Skip the fluff. Just tell us what you're going to do about this."

I turned on the large screen at the center of the stage and listed the company's achievements one by one.

I said to the audience, "Since the company was founded 37 years ago, we have donated to 47 impoverished elementary schools and contributed over 500 million dollars in charity nationwide. My father always told me that running a business is not just about making money.

"It's about taking responsibility for society. It's about providing jobs and helping employees live better lives."

As I thought of Dad lying in a hospital bed and still worrying about me, my voice caught in my throat. Many employees were visibly moved.

I continued, "This year, our largest client went bankrupt, and our accounts receivable have yet to be recovered. Hence, I decided to issue a year-end bonus of 20 thousand dollars per person for now. Once we recover the funds next year, I will give everyone a satisfactory increment."

The comments section buzzed with shock.

"Wait, what? The poster only mentioned a 20-dollar raise. No one said anything about a 20-thousand-dollar bonus!"

"Did I hear that right? Did she say a bonus of 20 thousand dollars?"

"You heard it right. Even the most ordinary employees get 20 thousand!"

"I thought the workers were suffering, but it turns out they're doing great!"

Unlike the envious online spectators, Stuart was clearly dissatisfied.

He argued, "Ms. Sarandon, the 20-thousand bonus is one thing, but the salary increase is an entirely different matter. Don't lump them all into one!"

I met his gaze calmly and said, "Of course. Everyone is free to choose to forgo the year-end bonus and opt for a 20-dollar salary increase instead, following the tradition of the past 37 years. Today, we will have a vote, and I will follow the decision of the majority."

The employees began whispering among themselves. A cacophony of voices filled the entire auditorium.

Ingrid interrupted the discussion loudly, "Don't be misled! We deserve both the year-end bonus and the salary increase! Why should we be forced to give up one of them?"

Some employees were clearly swayed by her words and began to echo her sentiments. Encouraged by the support, Ingrid looked at me smugly from across the crowd.

As the voices of opposition grew louder, I finally made my decision.

I said evenly, "Since everyone is still dissatisfied, and coupled with the fact that the company has been operating at a loss for two consecutive years… I have decided to shut down the company and begin asset liquidation after the New Year!

"Thank you all for being with us over the past 37 years. I wish you the best in your future endeavors."

The auditorium that was noisy a moment ago fell into complete silence in an instant.