Chapter 47 Making An Impression
Chapter 47 Making An Impression
Rachel took another day off.
Though the wound on her left arm hadn’t fully healed, it didn’t interfere with her work.
She had only planned to take half a day off the day before, but things spiraled out of control. It was the first time something like that had ever happened to her, and she hoped it would be the last.
When she arrived at the research institute, she quickly got back into the swing of things.
However, her absence the previous day gave Diego just the opening he needed to capitalize on her mistake.
He took the chance to tease her, “Ms. Freeman, even if you’re the key member of the research team handpicked by Mr. Jenkins, you can’t just show such a lack of work ethic, can you? Do you realize that disappearing like you did yesterday scared everyone in the institute?
“We almost thought you’d suddenly left the country.”
Rachel glanced around the room. No one said a word. Their eyes avoided hers, but not one person stepped up to challenge Diego’s claim.
Rebecca opened her mouth to speak, but Rachel stopped her.
“It’s true–I didn’t formally request leave yesterday. That’s on me,” she said, calm but firm. “But Mr. Fann, you know how much I’ve taken on. I finished two days‘ worth of work on the first day alone. My absence yesterday didn’t slow down your progress–and you know it.”
As she spoke, Rachel picked up the research documents beside her and tossed them in front of Diego. “If I’ve been negligent, I’ll accept the consequences. But in my absence, is this how you lead the team as deputy leader? Why was only a third of the work done yesterday?”
“That’s because you—”
“Because I wasn’t present to give the team instructions on what to do next?” Rachel cut him off, her voice cold and sharp. “Diego, what’s the point of having a deputy leader if you t handle things? Are you just for show?”
Diego’s face flushed red, then turned pale in an instant.
Rachel’s expression didn’t waver. Her voice was firm, unwavering. “If you can’t handle the responsibilities of a deputy leader, I can replace you anytime. I don’t do second chances.”
She swept her gaze across the room and said sharply, “Get back to work. I’m going to see Mr.
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Chapter 47 Making An Impression
Jenkins to accept my punishment. If you don’t want to be stuck here late with me tonight, then stay focused and do your jobs right.”
Her words sent a clear message. All the researchers immediately buried themselves in their work.
Only Diego remained standing, glaring at her with resentment, but he didn’t dare to say another word.
Rachel ignored him and went straight to Mason’s office.
To her surprise, as soon as the door opened, she saw Zane sitting inside before she could say a word. The sight threw her off for a few seconds, but she quickly regained her composure.
“Mr. Jennings, I have something to discuss with you.”
Mason greeted her with a cheerful smile. “Rachel, are you here about the day before yesterday? Mr. Jenkins came by today specifically to explain that. He asked you to meet with him alone to discuss the project’s development.
“Why didn’t you say anything? You even worked yourself sick. If you don’t take care of yourself, how am I supposed to explain it to Mr. Riley?”
Rachel looked at Zane in surprise. But Zane sat there casually, his face cold and unreadable, not even glancing her way.
She wasn’t sure why Zane was covering for her. But he had indeed helped her out of a tricky situation.
“It was just an accident,” she replied.
Mason offered a polite smile. “Mr. Jenkins mentioned your conversation from the other day wasn’t finished. I’ll leave the office to the two of you so you can pick it back up. If you need anything, just give me a call.”
Rachel had no reason to stop him, and moments later, the door clicked shut behind him.
Silence settled over the room. The atmosphere felt slightly awkward, but Rachel pushed past it, stepping forward and speaking first.
“Thank you for helping me the other day.”
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Chapter 48 1 Demand Quality
