Chapter 53
From the moment the board’s decision was announced, Cedric had lost whatever leverage he thought he had. The security guards weren’t worried about him anymore and felt no need to sugarcoat their words.
Cedric was furious. A mere security guard speaking to him like this?
“Fine, Just wait. I’ll get Ms. Payne down here to handle you personally,” Cedric spat, reaching for his phone.
But before he could even start dialing her number, Grace stepped through the growing crowd.
“No need,” she said sharply. “Lettie is already on her way.”
is gets any worse.”
She then shot Cedric a withering look. “Cedric, you’re really shameless. Take your family and leave before this gets any worse.‘
Upon hearing this, valda immediately jumped in, her voice shrill with indignation. “How dare you talk to us like that? We’re just trying to help the company! Ms. Farmer, don’t forget–we’re part of this too! When Ms. Payne brought us in, she promised security for our roles!”
Valda’s dramatic display drew more onlookers, and Grace’s frustration mounted. She could already see people filming on their phones, some even live–streaming. the spectacle.
This was bound to explode online, which would undoubtedly become a PR nightmare
Grace tumed to Cedric “Get them out of here. Now, Lettie will have a serious mess to clean up if this gets any bigger.”
However, Cedric misinterpreted her urgency as a weakness.
“Oh, no. We’re not leaving,” he said with a sneer. “We’re staying right here until we get an explanation. The board doesn’t get to make decisions like this without consulting Lettie first.”
Grace blinked in disbelief. Was he really doubling down?
Meanwhile, phones were out, and titles like “Corporate Exploitation at Its Worst” and “Toxic Workplace Exposed” began trending online.
By the time Scarlett arrived, the scene outside the building t
ng was chaotic Grace was arguing with the guards, who were doing their best to disperse the crowd. “Grace, stop. This isn’t helping,” Scarlett said, stepping into the tray.
“Lettie,” Grace began, her voice laced with exasperation, “do you even realize how bad this looks? The board is going to flip when they see this mess.”
Scarlett ignored her, focusing on Valda, who immediately switched gears from yelling to loolding hurt and offended.
“Mrs. Reid,” Scarlett began, her tone calm but firm, “there’s been some restructuring at the company. I’ve assured Cedric I’ll handle it, but for now, I need you and everyone else to go home and wait for updates.”
Mistaking Scarlett’s measured tone as a sign of deference, Valda smirked triumphantly, “Well, I’ll head home since you put it that way. But you better make this right, Scarlett. Everyone’s counting on you.”
With an air of arrogance, she walked off as if the dramatic outburst moments ago had been someone else entirely.
As Valda disappeared from view, Scarlett turned her attention back to Cedric, her expression unreadable. Cedric, on the other hand, looked noticeably uneasy “Lettie, I just heard about this,” Cedric said hastily. “I’ll go calm my mom down”
Scarlett gave a slight nod. “Make sure to talk to her and keep her from showing up here again.”
With her firm but measured tone, Scarlett’s words left no room for argument. Cedric hurried after his mother, visibly relieved to have an excuse to leave.
Once the security guards had dispersed the remaining onlookers, Grace stepped forward, concem etched across her face.
“Lettie, what’s going on here? Why are Cedric’s relatives still causing trouble?”
Her voice carried equal parts confusion and frustration. Despite their conversation just yesterday, these people still had the nerve to show up
