chapter116

He was just the president's assistant, with barely any real power, and it wasn't like the company had ever trusted him with much before Lydia showed up.

"I need the resumes for everyone in design and finance," Lydia said.

She wanted to start by shaking up those two departments first. Production would have to wait. She already suspected the problems there were even uglier and would take longer to sort out.

"Yes, Ms. Norwood. I'll get those for you right away."

"Thanks."

Josef hesitated. "Do you want to call a meeting today?"

Lydia didn't even pause. "No. Tell everyone to do their usual."

"Understood."

Josef stepped out of her office and was about to head to HR when someone slung an arm over his shoulder.

"Josef..."

He turned to see Henry, looking as lazy and cocky as ever. Josef kept it polite. "Mr. Ragain."

Henry grinned, eyes narrowing with mischief. "So, that girl in there... she's our new president?"

He'd only just found out himself. He'd gone to the secretaries to gossip and ask if Lydia was some new intern, only to be told she was actually the new president, Ms. Norwood.

He'd laughed at first. He'd never seen anyone so young be the boss. And Norwood? That had to mean she was close to the Norwood family. If Lydia really was important to them, Henry figured he wouldn't mind using his charm to get on her good side. Everyone wanted a connection with the Norwoods. If he couldn't win over the proud Lucinda, maybe he could at least cozy up to a cousin.

Josef nodded. "Yes, Mr. Ragain."

"What's she like? Any idea what she's into?" Henry was already digging for details.

"Well... Ms. Norwood is young, but she's smart, steady, and seriously capable. As for her personal preferences... I honestly don't know."

Henry didn't get much out of that, so he just waved Josef off. "Alright, alright. Go do your thing."

After looking through Jenny's design work, Lydia called the front desk.

Jenny was falling apart. Henry had been harassing her again and she wanted to go to Lydia for help, but she was scared she'd drag Lydia into trouble too. Lydia was new here, after all. Besides denry acted like n? owned the place. When he gave an order, even his dad, the vice president, never argued.

What was she supposed to do?

If this was before she met Ms. Norwood, she would've just quit. But Lydia didn't seem like anyone else in the company. She could be the

mentor Jenny had always hoped for.

to just walk away

She didn't want to just

now.

The phone rang, cutting off her anxious thoughts. She didn't even look at the caller

ID. She wiped her eyes and picked up. "Hello, how can I help you?"

Have you been crying?" Lydia's voice was so clear and gentle, it caught Jenny off guard.

"Ms... Ms. Norwood?"

"What happened? Lydia asked.

Jenny blurted out, "No, nothing, Ms. Norwood. I'm fine."

"If it's something personal, you have the right to keep it to yourself. But if it's about work, you can talk to me."

Lydia's voice was soft and kind. Jenny felt a wave of comfort and safety she'd never known before.

Suddenly, she couldn't hold it in anymore. Her fear and frustration spilled out. "Ms. Norwood, it's... it's Mr. Henry Ragain. He said he'd give me two hundred thousand if I spent a few days with him. I don't want to... but I also don't want to just

quit. I don't know what to do..."