True Heiress Returns to Her Unemployed Rich Family (Arabella) novel Chapter 107

Chapter 107 A Show of Authority

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Chapter 107 A Show of Authority

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Arabella’s cool gaze swept across the room before she began to speak. “On my way into the building today, I had a rather disagreeable encounter with a remarkably arrogant receptionist in the lobby.”

As she spoke, her eyes methodically scanned the faces around the table. “Some of you may already be aware of the incident.”

“That’s right; we heard,” a few murmurs confirmed.

“But if I may,” a man named Justin Scott interjected, shooting Arabella a challenging look, “what exactly did she do that was so offensive? Was it really serious enough to warrant immediate termination?”

Arabella took his measure in one glance, sensing his connection to the dismissed employee was more than professional.

“What is your relationship with her that you feel compelled to speak up on her behalf?” she asked flatly, her expression neutral.

Justin’s face tightened slightly. He glanced around awkwardly. It wasn’t something he could- or wanted to–answer directly. “There’s no special relationship. I simply don’t understand the rationale,” he deflected, avoiding her eyes.

The subtle exchanges of looks among the other staff, however, told a different story. It was clearly an open secret within the company, one people simply avoided discussing in Justin’s presence.

Arabella immediately picked up on the unspoken dynamic in the room.

“It sounds less like a question of rationale and more like you and that receptionist had a personal understanding,” she stated bluntly, calling it out publicly. Having already uncovered one problem, she saw no issue in digging a little deeper.

Hearing this, Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Justin.

Feeling the weight of Ethan’s gaze, Justin began to panic internally. He launched into a defense. “Mr. Hamilton, what are you implying? That’s an unfair accusation–I’m not that sort of person!”

“There’s no need for alarm. What sort of person you are, after your years here, is likely best understood by everyone in this room.” Arabella’s tone was dry. She then turned to Ethan’s assistant. “How was that receptionist originally hired?”

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Chapter 107 A Show of Authority

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The executive assistant glanced briefly at Justin before reporting, “The hiring was overseen by Justin, who-”

Before the assistant could finish, Justin cut in. “That’s correct, I handled it. Her credentials were solid at the time–prior experience at a reputable firm. I believed she was a good fit for the role.”

Arabella regarded him. “Which department do you lead?”

“Human Resources. And I followed all standard procedures in that hiring decision,” Justin asserted, puffing out his chest slightly.

Arabella’s eyebrow lifted almost imperceptibly. So, that was the connection.

“By that logic, she must have been quite a competent employee, then?” she pressed, watching him closely.

“Naturally. Otherwise, I would never have approved her hiring,” Justin replied, sensing an opportunity. He thought Arabella might be reconsidering, perhaps even open to reinstatement.

Seizing the moment, he pushed further. “Ms. Hamilton, I suspect there may have been a simple misunderstanding between you. As part of my HR responsibilities, perhaps I could facilitate a mediation?” In other words, he wanted to bring the receptionist back.

A faint, amused glint appeared in Arabella’s eyes. “Justin, you seem deeply concerned about the company losing this particular ‘talent.”

“My concern is always for the company’s best interests. So, what do you say, Ms. Hamilton?” Justin waited eagerly, already mentally drafting the text he’d send to the receptionist with the good news.

“I say your mediation won’t be necessary. I am entirely certain there was no misunderstanding.”

Hearing this, the tension in Justin’s shoulders eased, and a slight, triumphant smile touched his lips.

“Her appalling attitude made a lasting impression,” Arabella continued, her voice cutting through his relief. “To prevent such issues from recurring, the company will refrain from hiring ‘talent‘ of that caliber in the future.

“And as for you,” she concluded, her tone turning icy calm, “since you and she were so closely aligned, you may submit your resignation. Consider it pre–approved.”

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18:51 Wed, Jan 21

Chapter 107 A Show of Authority

46

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The smile vanished from Justin’s face, replaced by stunned disbelief, as if he’d been physically struck.

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