billion book
Chapter 16 You Are Fired
Chapter 16 You Are Fired
Elaine froze. She gritted her teeth and glared at the two other interviewers.
It seemed that Garrett had already investigated this matter thoroughly, and he was dead serious about the consequences. There was no way she could save herself with a few measly lies.
But the Larson Group discarded dozens, if not hundreds, of hopeful applicants every day.
She really couldn't see what was so special about Janet. Why would a powerful man like Garrett go out of his way to personally handle something so trivial?
At this point, Elaine decided to face the situation head-on. She lifted her chin, her eyes burning with resentment and defiance. "I have no evidence. I only heard the rumors. I disliked her on the spot and didn't want her to work in the company, and that's why I said that she has a moral issue."
The amiable expression on Garrett's face disappeared, turning cold. "You made a subjective conjecture about another person based on rumors, and because of your personal feelings, you slandered and insisted on eliminating a perfectly capable applicant. In doing so, you almost cost the company a competent employee. It is obvious that you are unfit for a position in the Human Resources Department. The only person of moral issues here is you. Elaine Sellers, you are fired."
A tense silence descended over the room.
All the color drained from Elaine's place. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Harding!" she immediately begged. "I know I was wrong. I've realized my mistakes. It was all my fault. Please, I've been working for the Larson Group since I graduated from university. Please, I beg you, let me go this once. If only for the sake of my years of hard work in the company."
Her desperation was written all over her face.
The Larson Group was a leading enterprise in the field of design, after all. It hadn't been easy for her to get into the company in the first place. She had even bragged about it to everyone she knew. More importantly, if word got out that she had been fired by the Larson Group, she might not be able to land a job in the industry again.
Elaine's career would be ruined for good.
Unfortunately for her, Garrett didn't care. He ignored her and turned to his assistant. "Call security and have them take Elaine Sellers out of the building."
A small ruckus ensued. Only when the guards had dragged Elaine away did the meeting room fall into another silence.
Garrett's eyes darted toward Janet. Finally, he could observe this clever and talented woman at his leisure.
"Miss Lind," he said kindly, "you may continue your application process if you like. I have read your resume. You meet the requirements that the Larson Group has set for new graduates."
Janet gaped at him for a few seconds. When she finally came back to her senses, all she could manage was a thoughtless nod. "I see. Okay. Thank you."
She couldn't wrap her head around it. Thankfully, Garrett spoke again, or she would have remained there, dazed and lost.
"Thank you again for coming today," he said, flashing her a smile. "I have another meeting, so I will be leaving first."
He got to his feet and the rest of the men followed suit. Garrett was at the door when he suddenly turned and winked at Janet. He appeared to be interested in her. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Miss Lind. I look forward to seeing you again."
Once they had left, the female interviewer with chestnut hair came over and patted Janet on the shoulder. "Great job, Miss Lind!" And then she left before Janet could say anything. Now all by herself, Janet gripped the armrests of her chair, as if to ground herself and make sure that everything was real.
When she stood up a while later, she felt like she was stepping on clouds, weightless and free.
She was just as confused as she had been when she had first arrived, if not more so. What the heck had just happened? Why did her failed interview draw so much attention, and from the VP of the company, no less?