Evangeline pulled into the parking lot outside UME’s headquarters, killed the engine, and glanced up at the glass facade. As she stepped out, she spotted Glenn already waiting by the entrance.
She gave him a quick wave, and together they headed into the building.
The elevator doors slid open on their floor, and almost immediately, raised voices echoed down the hall.
“Did you hear? Mr. Carlisle’s bringing in some newcomer today as head of the Tech Division?”
“That’s not all. Word is, she’s just a college grad–didn’t even bother with grad school. And get this: she’s been a stay–at–home wife for five years.”
“A woman?” a man blurted, his tone incredulous. “A housewife who hasn’t worked in half a decade, suddenly waltzing in as head of Tech? Has Mr. Carlisle lost it?”
Most of UME’s employees boasted stellar resumes. Even those who hadn’t studied at top international universities held PhDs or at least master’s degrees from the best schools in the country. Some of them had vied for the department head position themselves, only to be passed over for someone who hadn’t set foot in an office in years.
No wonder the mood was mutinous.
A quieter voice chimed in, “I looked over her résumé–she’s one of Mr. Carlisle’s old college friends. She’s pretty, I’ll give her that, but honestly, she’s just trouble. People are saying Mr. Carlisle turned down that Fawkes Enterprises investment because of
her.”
“So she really is a femme fatale. This is outrageous!” The first man’s voice grew louder, and he stomped out of the office, cheeks flushed with anger.
He barreled straight into Evangeline and Glenn in the corridor.
Evangeline had expected some backlash for being parachuted into the Tech Division’s top job. But to have it explode like this on her very first day? She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t embarrassed.
Glenn, on the other hand, looked unruffled, as if nothing about the situation. surprised him.
He stepped forward, blocking the angry man’s path, and said calmly, “If
you have
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Chapter 74
something to say, now’s your chance.”
The man hadn’t expected to run into Glenn so soon. He hesitated, lips pressed tight, but finally snapped, “Mr. Carlisle, UME’s come a long way thanks to you. Most of us followed you back here because we trust your judgment.”
“But you can’t just hire any random person off the street for your own personal reasons.” As he spoke, he shot a pointed glance at Evangeline.
Evangeline caught the implication and felt her cheeks burn.
Before starting at UME, Glenn had briefed her on the company’s current staff, even giving her a rundown of key personnel. She recognized this man–Theo Shaw, the Tech Division’s director. Brilliant, quick on his feet, and a technical wizard, but also notoriously arrogant. Apart from Glenn, Theo didn’t seem to respect anyone.
And right now, he clearly wasn’t interested in sparing her feelings. “This isn’t just irresponsible, sir. It’s a slap in the face to everyone who’s worked so hard for this company.”
Glenn’s expression darkened as he swept his gaze across the group forming behind Theo. “Is that how the rest of you feel?”
There was a brief pause, then a few people nodded in
agreement.
Buoyed by their support, Theo straightened his shoulders, growing bolder.
“And what if I told you,” Glenn said, voice steady, “that she was one of UME’s original founders? The core technology we’re using today–that’s her legacy.”
A stunned silence fell over the crowd as people exchanged uneasy glances and whispered among themselves.
Most of the current staff had joined after a major shakeup years earlier, so few recognized Evangeline.
Theo’s eyes narrowed in confusion and disbelief as he stared at her.
He and the others had debated the origins of UME’s tech countless times, always assuming it must have come from some veteran engineer. The idea that it was this young woman standing in front of them seemed impossible.
He finally managed, “Do you have the transfer authorization for the technology?”
Glenn glanced at Evangeline before replying, “There isn’t one. She gave it to UME as a gift.”
Chapter 75
Chapter 75
Heh.
