Chapter 233
Effie could see the calculating look in Irving Butler’s eyes, but she didn’t let it bother her.
When the time came, she’d handle whatever he threw at her. Let’s see who has
the last laugh.
Irving Butler continued, “In just a few days, Effie’s already held three team meetings. It’s clear she’s taking this project seriously.”
No one else on the team spoke up. No one was about to expose their own shortcomings.
Then Malcom stepped forward. “That’s not true, Mr. Butler,” she said.
Malcom gave her story a dramatic twist, claiming she’d tried so hard to fit in with Effie’s group, but her own workload was overwhelming, so she’d been late. According to Malcom, Effie had canceled two meetings for personal reasons, using Malcom’s absence as an excuse, and for the final meeting, she’d used the excuse of “third time’s the charm” to kick Malcom out of the group altogether.
As she spoke, Malcom’s voice trembled and her eyes turned red, as if she’d suffered some terrible injustice. She turned away, dabbing at her eyes. “I really did try, I did so much research for this project,” she said.
Malcom pulled out a folder she’d prepared, holding it out as proof.
If Randell still didn’t realize Malcom was trying to drag him into this, he’d have to be a fool.
“Oh? Is that so?” he replied, reaching out a hand toward Malcom.
But just as he was about to take the folder, he suddenly pulled his hand back. Malcom, caught off guard, fumbled the folder and it fell to the floor.
“I’m sorry, I’ll pick it up right away,” she stammered, stooping down in a hurry.
“I don’t need it,” Randell said coldly. “I have no interest in reading work prepared by someone who throws her own teammates under the bus.”
Malcom froze, looking up at Randell in shock. “Mr. Hoffman, I don’t understand…”
“Whether you really don’t understand or you’re just pretending, only you know,” Randell replied, his voice icy.
He turned to Lyman. “Lyman, I’m honestly surprised you’d allow someone so toxic into your company.”
Honestly, did they really think they could pull one over on Effie? Did they have a death wish?
He glanced at Lyman, as if asking for approval.
Lyman spoke coolly. “In that case, she’s fired.”
Malcom stood stunned for a moment, then hurried toward Lyman, only to be blocked by his assistant.
“Mr. Etheridge, please, I’m innocent, I swear!” Malcom sobbed, her tears streaking her makeup until she looked like a tragic clown.
But no one paid her any mind.
“You’re saying I’m falsely accusing you?” Randell’s tone was sharp as glass.
Malcom realized too late that she’d said the wrong thing, but she had nowhere left to turn. “Mr. Hoffman, I know you and Effie—”
Damn it!
Irving Butler shot Malcom a furious glare—was she out of her mind?
If she blurted out something so reckless, Randell would only get angrier, and the whole design department would be finished. And as department manager, Irving would be first in the firing line.
He barked, “Malcom, have you lost your mind? You’ve been shirking your responsibilities, missing meetings, and now you turn around and slander your colleagues? That’s enough!”
“Pack your things and get out. Now!”
Malcom struggled, trying to say something else.
But just then, Nelly appeared, grabbing Malcom’s arm and leading her away without another word.
“Nelly…” Malcom whimpered, her voice trailing off down the hallway.