Chapter 5

• ROBERT'S POV
• While returning to my office, I knew that Emma Williams had stirred something within me, and I was determined to find out what it was and unravel the mysteries surrounding this intriguing woman.
• Upon reaching my floor, Hazel, my trusted secretary, was ready to greet me with a friendly smile. She sensed that something was amiss.
• "Good afternoon, Mr. Parker. How may I assist you today?" She inquired, her voice soft and professional.
• "Hazel, please, summon Benjamin Cook and ask him to come to my office immediately," I said, feeling the weight of the decision I was about to face.
• Hazel nodded and picked up the phone to make the call. As she did, I looked out the window and observed the bustling traffic on the streets below. Silicon Valley was always in motion.
• Shortly thereafter, Benjamin Cook knocked on my office door and entered, wearing a serious expression with a touch of nervousness. He was aware that this meeting wouldn't be pleasant.
• "Mr. Cook, please, have a seat," I said, indicating the chair in front of my desk. He complied, and our gazes met for a moment before I continued. "I have some questions about Emma Williams' dismissal."
• Benjamin seemed surprised by the topic immediately. "Oh, that, Mr. Parker? It was a tough decision, but believe me, it was in the best interest of the company."
• I maintained my serious expression. "I'd like to understand the details, Mr. Cook. I want to ensure that we were not unfair to her and that Miss Williams doesn't have any legal grounds to sue us."
• He appeared uncomfortable. "Well, the reason is straightforward, but I think it's quite reasonable. She conducted the presentation of the new tablet on a program called Prize, and I couldn't open the file."
• My brow furrowed as I processed this explanation. "Are you saying that Miss Williams' dismissal is based on the fact that you couldn't open the presentation file?"
• He hesitated for a moment before confirming, "Yes, Mr. Parker. I didn't want to admit it, but I only know how to use PowerPoint, and Prize was entirely unfamiliar to me."
• I took a deep breath, trying to control my frustration. It was an absurd situation, and I knew I needed to take steps to rectify it. "Have you tried learning to use Prize or asking someone to teach you, Mr. Cook?"
• He seemed hesitant. "Well, I was busy with other things, and I thought it was simpler just to let her go."
• My patience was wearing thin. "Cook, this is a grave decision, and you acted hastily. Now we run the risk of being sued for this. Reverse the dismissal immediately."
• He seemed shocked by my decision. "But, Mr. Parker, I've already finalized the paperwork, and…"
• I cut him off firmly. "It doesn't matter, Mr. Cook. Retrieve the paperwork and inform Miss Williams that she is being reinstated. Furthermore, you will learn how to use Prize or find another company willing to accept your inadequacy. And I will make sure no one accepts you."
• He finally nodded, accepting my command. "Understood, Mr. Parker. I will take care of it immediately."
• Benjamin left my office to carry out my instructions, and I was left alone, reflecting on the situation. Emma Williams deserved a second chance, and I was determined to ensure she received it.
• Although I had ordered her reinstatement immediately upon discovering the situation, my decision didn't completely dispel the feeling of unease I carried. There was something more I needed to do, something I hadn't yet uncovered.
• I decided to take action. I called my secretary, Hazel, using the intercom on my desk. She was an efficient and trustworthy woman, always ready to attend to my needs.
• "Hazel, please, convene the top executives of the company and Olivia from Human Resources for an emergency meeting. Tell them to gather in my office in an hour," I instructed firmly.
• "Of course, Mr. Parker. Right away," Hazel responded with her calm voice.
• While waiting for the meeting, I contemplated what was to come. I knew it had to be more than just rehiring Emma due to the potential lawsuit. She deserved justice, and I was determined to ensure the situation was handled appropriately, and the mistakes were corrected.
• Minutes later, the company's top executives, Olivia from Human Resources, and the lawyers were all gathered in my office. The atmosphere was tense, and questioning looks were evident.
• Timothy, my brother, sat beside me, curiously eyeing me. Benjamin Cook appeared uncomfortable, recalling the tablet presentation incident. James Donahoe was as serious as ever, while Nathaniel seemed intrigued.
• Olivia, from the Human Resources Department, was also present, ready to explain the rehiring procedures and ensure everything was done within the company's guidelines.
• "Thank you all for being here," I began, looking at each of them. "I'm sure you're all aware of the Emma Williams situation and her dismissal. However, upon learning how it was conducted, I saw that there was a risk of us being sued, and as a result, I've engaged the legal team."
• Our lawyers began presenting the legal risks involved in Emma Williams' dismissal. They explained that, based on solid evidence that the dismissal was unjust and motivated by questionable reasons, Emma could pursue legal action against the company. This could result in significant financial damage and harm our reputation.
• I knew we had to avoid a lawsuit at all costs. But more than that, I knew I needed to rectify this injustice and restore the team's trust. I looked at Emma's determined face in my mind and knew what had to be done.
• I looked at Benjamin, who was seated at the table in front of me, and regarded him with seriousness. "Benjamin, you know that this dismissal was a hasty and unjust decision. The legal risks are real, and our reputation is at stake."
• He lowered his head, looking defeated. "I know, Robert. I was under pressure, and I shouldn't have acted that way."
• I took a deep breath and glanced at everyone in the room. "That's why I'm proposing the following: let's reverse Emma Williams' dismissal. She should be reinstated into the company immediately, and that way, we can prevent any lawsuits."
• At this point, the lawyers presented a proposal. They suggested that we reach out to Emma and offer her the opportunity to return to the company, with the assurance that the situation would be properly resolved.
• Olivia from Human Resources nodded, acknowledging the wisdom of this decision. The lawyers, although concerned about the legal risks, agreed that this was the best way to mitigate the damages.
• Benjamin raised his eyes, surprised. "Are you saying that Emma should come back? Even after what happened?"
• I nodded firmly. "Yes, Benjamin. Emma is a valuable part of our team, and we made a mistake in losing her. You should hope she accepts our offer to return, and we'll ensure she's treated with the respect and consideration she deserves."
• Benjamin swallowed hard, clearly nervous about the direction of the conversation. I continued with a determined tone. "What happened to Miss Williams cannot simply be ignored. We have to learn from our mistakes and ensure that situations like this don't happen again in our company."
• Timothy nodded, showing his support. James looked more attentive, as if beginning to grasp the gravity of the situation. Nathaniel, always analytical, seemed to be thinking deeply about what I was saying.
• Olivia spoke up, explaining the actions that had already been taken regarding Emma's rehiring and the planned changes in the dismissal process and presentation review. It was essential to me that the situation be addressed transparently and professionally.
• When she finished, I added, "But that's not all. This situation with Miss Williams has revealed a larger issue within our company. We need to ensure that every employee here feels valued and heard. We cannot allow errors like this to happen again."
• Timothy, always practical, raised an eyebrow. "What are you suggesting, Robert?"
• I sighed, knowing that my proposal could be a challenge for all of us. "I'm suggesting a reassessment of our processes and a reshaping of our corporate culture. I want to hear what our employees have to say. I want them to know they can express their concerns and that we, as a company, are committed to rectifying our mistakes."
• Nathaniel seemed intrigued by the idea. "That's a bold step, Robert."
• I nodded. "Yes, it is. But it's a necessary one. My father, Charles Parker, built this company on innovation and excellence, but today, we can't achieve that if our team is demotivated and undervalued."
• Timothy, as always, didn't hesitate to ask a question. "Robert, you mentioned wanting to create a way to listen to our employees. How do you plan to do that?"
• I took a deep breath, knowing that my proposal could be a challenge for all of us. "I propose that, in addition to Miss Williams' reinstatement, I become one of the employees. I'll go undercover as an assistant and start with the Marketing department, working directly with Emma."
• The looks in the room ranged from shock to disbelief. It was a bold idea, and I knew it wouldn't be easy, but it was the only way to truly understand what was happening within our company.
• "Robert, are you serious?" Timothy was the first to break the silence. He seemed genuinely intrigued, but also concerned about the potential repercussions.
• I looked around the table, meeting the gazes of Nathaniel, James, and Olivia. "Yes, I'm serious. The situation with Emma Williams has revealed a flaw in our company that we need to address. Our employees don't know us and don't feel heard and valued. I want to change that."
• James looked thoughtfully at me. "Robert, this is risky. What if it's discovered?"
• I glanced at James with seriousness. "That's a risk I'm willing to take."
• Nathaniel, usually focused on technical matters, seemed intrigued. "Do you think this will make a difference, Robert?"
• I nodded with confidence. "I believe it will. I'll work side by side with our employees, listening to their concerns, understanding their challenges, and seeing the company from their perspective. Then, I'll use that knowledge to implement meaningful changes."
• Olivia smiled, supporting my idea. "This will require a complete review of our internal processes, but I'm willing to support this initiative. I'll coordinate Miss Williams' rehiring and your new identity as an assistant."
• Timothy, on the other hand, appeared more skeptical. "And what if Miss Williams doesn't want to come back to work with us? What if you find out the situation is worse than you imagined?"
• I met his gaze directly. "As for the actual state of the company, I'd rather find that out and face reality than continue in the dark. And if Miss Williams doesn't want to return, we'll accept her decision. But believe me, Miss Williams will come back."