Sophie was definitely not joking about surpassing Whitley Group. Instead, she was seriously planning on doing so.
"Of course, I remember. I take everything you ask me to do to heart." How could I possibly have forgotten about it?
"Has Jennifer been up to any tricks again recently?" She ended up on the losing end back during William's birthday party, so she would undoubtedly sabotage me relentlessly.
"Not at the moment, but even if she does pull any tricks, it's nothing for us to worry about." Victor had great confidence in himself.
While the outside world waxes poetry about Jennifer's capabilities, she's actually not all that impressive. If it weren't for her father, she couldn't have managed the company so well.
He had some interactions with Jennifer in the past, so he was fully aware of her capabilities.
In truth, the rumors out there were overly exaggerated.
That daughter of the Whitley family wasn't all that capable in reality.
"Keep your guard up in everything you do."
Indeed, there isn't much to fear about Jennifer. However, our rival is not the Whitley family alone, and surpassing the latter is merely our short-term goal, mused Sophie.
"Got it, Ms. Sophie! Don't worry, for I've committed everything you said to memory," Victor reassured deferentially.
There aren't many whom I admire in my lifetime, but she's one of the few.
As there wasn't much to do, Sophie scanned through information on the current condition of Tanner Group in the office for the entire afternoon.
Her speed in doing that was incredibly fast.
Even professional finance personnel would likely require quite some time to discern the problems in the reports, but she had already identified several issues in just an afternoon.
When the finance manager was summoned to her office, he broke into a cold sweat.
"May I know what's wrong with the accounts, Ms. Sophie?" he inquired respectfully. Back when Yale was in power, the man was wholly ignorant, so there were some problems he neglected to handle.
Well, I heard she's studying medicine, so she probably doesn't know much about finance!
"You're James Lestrange, yes? Let me put it in such a way—if I come tomorrow and still see the same reports, you may leave the company."
Sophie's tone was as indifferent as ever.
Upon hearing that, the finance manager—James Lestrange—started sweating profusely.
"I'm not sure what the problem is, Ms. Sophie. Do you mind telling me directly?" Nonetheless, he was convinced that she knew nothing about finance. If she really perceives the problems, she wouldn't possibly let me off the hook so easily, would she?
At that, Sophie lifted her eyes. What does he mean by that?
"You truly think I don't see the problems, don't you? This is your last chance. If you don't wish to work here, you may leave."
Good Lord! The mistakes are so blatant, yet he thinks others can't tell.
"Ms. Sophie, I—"
Just then, Victor came over, only to be greeted by that scene.
"What exactly is your problem, James? If you don't wish to work here anymore, feel free to leave right now," he snapped unceremoniously.
Ms. Sophie's capabilities are evident to all. If she says there are errors, then that must be the case!
"You can't do this to me, Ms. Sophie! I've been working for the company even when Old Mr. Tanner was here and contributed much in the past ten years and more." James started capitalizing on his seniority.
I worked alongside Old Mr. Tanner, and even he never said such harsh words to me. What right does she have to treat me in such a manner when she's merely a snot-nosed kid?
Following his remark, Sophie couldn't help sneering.
Well, well, well... This is precisely the biggest problem in Tanner Group. There's a group of people thinking that I don't dare do anything to them because they've been working here since my grandfather's time. Thus, they do nothing at work, hampering the company's development.
"Since my grandfather has handed the company over to me, I call the shots in Tanner Group now. If I fire you, then you're fired." I already gave him a chance earlier. Since he doesn't plan on appreciating it, there's no need for me to yak with him.
Hearing that, James was livid. "You're... really... I wonder if Old Mr. Tanner knows that you're so arrogant and high-handed!"
"Naturally, my grandfather knows my temperament full well. Therefore, you don't need to use him to threaten me, for he'll undoubtedly take my side." If I don't have even that much confidence, how am I to manage the company?
James was so infuriated that he stormed off, slamming the door behind him.
"Ms. Sophie, it's indeed true that James has been working here since Old Mr. Tanner's time."
"So what? If he still hasn't redone the reports tomorrow, dismiss him straight away."
"I'm afraid that there'd be the talk among the employees if you were to fire someone who's served the company for so long. At that time, your image will be tarnished. How about this? Push all the blame onto me. I'll shoulder the responsibility."
No matter what, she's a lady, so she shouldn't bear the brunt of gossip. Conversely, it's different for me. I've always been ruthless, so no one would dare say anything were I to do such a thing.
"Don't worry, Mr. White. I'm not that fragile, so just let others say whatever they want."
Meanwhile, James went straight to the Tanner residence after leaving the office. When he arrived, he remained by Josiah's side and reminisced about the past.
Recalling the days when they worked hard together, Josiah was animated beyond words.
"Oh well, if it weren't because I'm really up in years, I truly want to continue striving with all of you. You're probably retiring soon as well, right? At that time, we can go fishing together. That'll also be great."
"I know you don't disdain me, Old Mr. Tanner. But perhaps I'm really getting on in age, for seemingly everything I do isn't to Ms. Sophie's satisfaction!"
At long last, James gave voice to the reason for his visit that day.
"What do you mean by that?" Josiah quirked a brow.
So, he only came here today to complain? Anyway, Sophie is sensible and would never scorn him for no reason.
"I've worked for Tanner Group all these years and have contributed much, Old Mr. Tanner. Since Ms. Sophie doesn't like me, I'll have no choice but to leave."
"Ah, you came here today to tell me this, James? If you really want to leave Tanner Group, I'll speak to Sophie about it!"
No matter what happened, Josiah would choose to side with Sophie, if for no other reason than her being the heir he selected.
Hence, he would support any decision she made.
"Old Mr. Tanner!"
Never had James expected the outcome to be such.
"All right, I'm tired, so let's call it a day." Josiah's enthusiasm just now had all vanished into thin air.
James' blood boiled, but he couldn't say anything since he was at the Tanner residence.
Instead, he could only leave.
At that very moment, sheer hatred toward the Tanner family welled within him.
I've worked for Tanner Group for more than ten years, yet this is what I get at the end of the day! I don't think anyone would be able to accept this!
No sooner had he stepped out of the Tanner residence than a car stopped beside him. Jennifer alighted from the vehicle and walked over to him.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Changing only for her (Sophie and Tristan)
Very nice story. Thank you author...more stories please......
Will there be new chapters soon?...