Chapter 122: Turns out I''d learned it before, Allison said, dismissing thepliment with a hint of nonchnce.


    Plus, it''s part of the job description.


    I have no intention of watching thepany fall apart as soon as I walk in the door, he joked, gently changing the subject.


    Then he turned the tables with apliment to Ken.


    Mr.


    Lloyd, yourpany''s security system is top-notch.


    Even if I weren''t here, someone would have noticed sooner orter.


    What I did was nothing more than a drop of water.


    Ken sensed her evasiveness, but decided not to interfere.


    If she wanted to keep her thoughts to herself, he wouldn''t force the issue.


    I appreciate your efforts, Miss rke.


    I''m well aware of what our rivals are capable of this time.


    Ken''s expression changed as he pondered something, and he narrowed his eyes as he asked: Miss rke, did you encounter any problems on your first day? Someone gave you a hard time.


    The tension in the room increased.


    Those present, including Marc, held their breath and looked nervously at the surveince camera above.


    Their earlier argument had been recorded, leaving them no room to deny it.


    As they struggled toe up with an excuse, Allison nonchntly replied, No.


    Everyone here knows not to upset their boss.


    They wouldn''t want me toplicate their lives, right.


    His carefree tone contrasted with the icy gleam in his eyes.


    The group exhaled silently, relieved, and their gazes fell to the floor, too apprehensive to meet his gaze.


    Ken waved them off.


    Very good.


    I have invited you several times to join our team.


    If someone crosses the line, I won''t let it go.


    He smiled, but his words sounded a sharp warning to everyone.


    As of now, Miss rke is the head of thisboratory.


    She has the final say on any personnel changes without needing my approval.


    Essentially, Allison had the power to hire or fire at her discretion.


    The others flinched at the implication.


    Got it! they chanted, their voices barely above a whisper.


    Allison reflected that if she couldn''t handle this minor matter without Ken''s intervention, her authority would be called into question.


    Fortunately, Ken understood the unspoken dynamics of the workce and was confident in her abilities.


    Ms.


    rke, feel free to use theboratory as you see fit.


    Thank you, Mr.


    Lloyd.


    After exchanging a few more light-hearted words, Ken left.


    The moment he left, Allison''s expression hardened and her voice remained cold as she ordered: Everyone to your posts.


    This is the first time you have left your posts without permission.


    If it happens again, I will deal with it ording to the rules, and I will not be soft on anyone.


    Regardless of her intentions, the team hurried back to their tasks, wary of provoking her again.


    He was now their leader and his decisions could change their future.


    Shortly after, a young woman in a id shirt and bangs entered Allison''s office silently, her head bowed.


    Allison bowed her head and asked, "What''s on your mind?" I just wanted to say sorry, Aimee Williams murmured, her eyes brimming with regret.


    Sorry you didn''t say a word before, Allison replied, noting that Aimee had remained silent throughout the conversation.


    previous confrontation.


    Aimee shook her head, lowering her voice even further.


    Women have it difficult in this field.


    I stayed silent, believing their gossip and doubting you.


    I should have defended you.


    By not saying anything, I became an unwitting aplice.


    I can''t find peace without apologizing.


    Allison remained calm.


    What good would it have been? Those people are seasoned professionals at stirring the pot.


    They will always outshine you with their words.


    Even if you had defended me, they wouldn''t have believed you and would have even started throwing mud at you.


    Self-preservation is instinctive; You don''t have to feel guilty about it.


    Aimee''s shoulders sagged even more in shame.


    After a moment of hesitation, he finally worked up the courage to share something with Allison.


    Miss rke, there is unrest in theboratory.


    There are cliques that argue over research results or sabotage customers.


    His methods are shady.


    You have to tread carefully.


    Aimee had lost an important client to these tactics when she arrived and was feeling increasingly discouraged as she spoke.


    Allison nodded and gave Aimee a reassuring pat on the shoulder.


    I thank you for the notice.


    Now, get back to work.


    Aimee left in silence, clutching her files.


    Allison looked out the window and saw dark clouds gathering on the horizon.


    It seemed like a storm wasing.


    .


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