Chapter 118
“You seem to know Charles Sawyer very well.” Theodore wore a meaningful, almost prying look.
Oscar remained silent, his gaze fixed on the distance.
“How did you even find the time to get to know a guy like him?” Theodore pressed. When Oscar didn't answer, a lightbulb seemed to go off. “You’ve been eyeing his girl for a long time, haven't you? This wasn't a sudden move.”
Oscar finally glanced at him, his eyes cool and sharp. “Cut the crap, Theodore. Just do what I told you.”
Theodore sighed, adjusting his collar. “Fine. But remember who was there to comfort you during those 'hard days' when you were just a pining observer.”
As Hannah stepped out of the villa, she found a man waiting by the gate. He was built like a tank, with eyes that scanned the perimeter with mechanical precision.
“Mrs. Wells,” the man said, bowing slightly. “Starting today, I am your driver and your primary bodyguard. I am Jimmy. I will be with you at all times.”
Hannah offered a small, appreciative smile. Oscar’s methods were often overbearing, but after the night she’d just had, she wasn't about to complain about extra security. “Thanks, Jimmy. Let's go.”
They arrived at the Cooper building shortly after. When Hannah walked into her office with Jimmy in tow, Rose nearly dropped her tablet.
“This is Jimmy, my bodyguard,” Hannah said, moving toward her desk as if having a shadow was the most natural thing in the world.
Rose blinked. “A bodyguard? In your own family company?”
“The risks aren't always outside the building, Rose,” Hannah replied, ignoring her secretary's bewildered expression. “Jimmy, this is Rose, my secretary.”
Rose, ever the professional, extended a hand. “Hello, Jimmy.”
Jimmy didn't move. He didn't blink. He stood like a statue, staring straight ahead as if Rose were invisible. After a long, awkward silence, Rose retracted her hand, clearing her throat to hide her embarrassment.
“I’ve tracked down the leader of the sales department protest,” Rose said, shifting focus. “It’s Mason Porter, the head of Inventory Analysis.”
“Mason Porter...” Hannah searched her memories. “The name sounds familiar, but only vaguely.”
“He’s been here twenty years,” Rose explained. “He hasn't accomplished much, but he uses his seniority like a weapon. He was notoriously respectful to Jane, yet he’d yell at the Sales Director whenever he felt like it. He’s furious that you moved him to the Support Center and denied him a supervisor title. Now, he’s riled up all the other transferred employees to strike.”
Hannah leaned back. “A twenty-year veteran who ignores his director but bows to a junior like Jane? That’s not just office politics, Rose. That’s a lifeline. He has a backer in senior leadership.”
Rose nodded. “It would explain why he feels untouchable. Should I look into his connections?”
“No, I’ll handle that. I have a more urgent task for you,” Hannah handed her a thick file. “I’m tired of projects that are ‘safe.’ They don't generate the kind of profit I need to meet my quota. I want the data on the Unfinished Building and the Light Building projects. Both have been stalling for years. I want a full breakdown by the end of the day. We meet at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow.”
Rose looked at the files—the "black holes" of the company—and nodded solemnly. “Understood. Black coffee?”
“Yes, please. And Jimmy? What would you like?”
“Water,” Jimmy said. “To maintain peak physical condition and mental clarity.”
Hannah suppressed a smile. “Serious as always. Get him a glass of water, Rose.”
Once Rose left, Hannah dialed Percy Richards in Human Resources.
“Ms. Hannah, what can I do for you?” Percy’s voice was polite, though he sounded tired.
“Tell me about Mason Porter. Who does he really answer to on the board?”
Percy paused. “He’s arrogant and has a foul mouth, but he’s remarkably loyal to Roger Cooper’s old circle. I suspect he was Roger’s eyes and ears in the department for years.”
“That’s all I needed to know,” Hannah said. “What if I fired him?”
“Fired him?” Percy sounded alarmed. “Hannah, you’re new. Firing a twenty-year veteran without a bulletproof cause could cause a PR nightmare. The union, the other seniors... it’ll be a mess.”
“Do you have a better way to stop the protest?” Hannah asked.
Percy was silent. “No.”
“Then we need a sacrificial lamb. If I use this strategy correctly, the rest of the department will fall in line out of fear. If I fail, I’m in trouble anyway. Within thirty minutes, I want the word out: Mason Porter is terminated. Effective immediately.”
Less than an hour later, the door to Hannah’s office was slammed open. Mason Porter stormed in, his face a shade of purple that matched his tie.
“You!” he roared, pointing a finger at Hannah. “How dare you fire me? Twenty years I’ve given to this company, and you think you can just kick me out? I’m not leaving this room until you give me a real reason!”
He took a threatening step toward her desk, his eyes wild.
Hannah didn't flinch. She didn't even stand up. She looked at Jimmy, who had already stepped into Mason’s path, his hand resting subtly near his belt. The sight of the massive bodyguard made Mason hesitate, his bravado wavering for a fraction of a second.
Hannah looked at the trembling veteran with a cold, predatory calm.
“You want a reason, Mason? I’m the heir to the Cooper family. In this building, my will is the reason. You’re fired because I find your presence—and your loyalties—redundant.”