CHAPTER 15: CHAPTER 15: INCOMPETENCE, PLENTY OF FLATTERY

Miss Monroe?

Katherine was stunned. Wasn’t it said that Miss Monroe died six years ago? So the company naturally was inherited and managed by Michelle Monroe?

Katherine’s face turned pale. She had worked hard to get to a manager position at GK, earning a high salary. Now, being fired meant her steep monthly mortgage payments were in jeopardy.

"I was wrong, Miss Monroe. I failed to recognize your importance and spoke words that offended you. Please, don’t hold it against me. I’ve cherished this job for over three years and only spoke out of a serious and responsible attitude toward my work."

Katherine was someone who could adapt to the situation. Upon learning Ivana Monroe’s identity, she immediately turned into a meek lamb, playing the sympathy card.

Jacobs said nothing, turning his head to observe Ivana’s response.

GK belonged to Ivana, and who stayed or left was up to her.

"How many years have you been in a leadership position?" Ivana asked.

Katherine froze, unable to fathom why Ivana would ask such a question.

"Two years," she answered truthfully.

Ivana suddenly sneered and slowly said, "After working at the company for just over a year, you were promoted to head of the design department. If it’s not that your work ability is exceptionally strong, then it must be your flattering skill."

Mentioning flattery, Katherine seemed to hit a sore spot. Someone in the company had once called her a sycophant, and she had managed to get them kicked out. Those hired later were all submissive to her, even if they were somewhat less capable at work; as long as they didn’t speak ill of her behind her back or threaten her, it was fine.

Ivana’s words grew harsher: "Since I walked in here, I’ve seen your extremely arrogant and domineering attitude in front of employees and common folk. Yet, when you found out my identity, you immediately changed your face and showed me respect as if I were a deity. This clearly shows you’re someone who presents one face and acts another way behind people. I detest people like you most—lacking ability but proficient in flattery."

Jacobs chuckled. Ivana was spot on about Katherine. Her flattery of Michelle was top-notch, to the point that Michelle had great trust in her, putting the design department under her charge. Even when Katherine made several serious mistakes, Michelle was reluctant to replace her.

Several employees in the design department stifled their laughter, not daring to laugh out loud like Jacobs did.

Katherine was mortified being criticized by Ivana in front of the employees. Jacobs laughing at this moment was like Ivana trampling all over her dignity.

She cried, "Miss Monroe, how can you speak like this? Even if I’ve offended you, there’s no need to make me look worthless in revenge. I don’t need you to like me, as long as President Monroe recognizes me. You want to fire me? It’s not that easy. I only follow President Monroe, unless she tells me to leave, I won’t leave GK."

With that, Katherine turned and ran out crying.

Jacobs frowned, thinking to himself how thick-skinned Katherine must be if she didn’t leave after being berated by Ivana like that.

He worriedly looked at Ivana, knowing that as long as Katherine remained, GK would never improve. And now that Ivana had torn her face with Katherine, she would surely retaliate against Ivana.

Ivana remained calm, knowing that she wouldn’t have an easy transition when she entered GK. Cutting down Katherine was just the first step. She intended to show all the employees unfamiliar with her who the true master of GK was.

Hiding in the bathroom, Katherine phoned Michelle Monroe and recounted the morning’s events in the company, hearing Michelle praise her actions.

Katherine breathed a sigh of relief and maliciously said, "President Monroe, I know I probably shouldn’t say this, but I can’t help it. People like Ivana, who hold grudges over every slight, it would have been better if she remained dead six years ago. Look at how well GK has developed under you? Now she’s back, seems to forget all your efforts, and taking me down to push me out of the company is probably just a ruse for her to snatch back the company you painstakingly developed for six years."