บท 7: Resignation
Natalie walked to her office, ignoring the surprised and mocking glances from her colleagues. She heard their whispers, their jokes at her expense, but she kept her composure and walked with the same pride she always did.
A manager was informed of her arrival and quickly approached her. "Miss Ford, you've been asked to be in the meeting room. All the executives are waiting for you."
As the head of the research and development department, attending meetings with executives was nothing unusual for Natalie.
She entered the meeting room and made her way to her chair, passing the executives. They greeted her, some casually, some formally, but all respectfully. Despite what had happened the previous day, they couldn't find fault in Natalie's work ethic or her professionalism.
Two years ago, when Brown Industries was going through a rough patch and investors were pulling out, it was Natalie who helped Ivan turn things around. She created a new perfume that became a sensation in the market and remains the best-selling product of Browns. As a skilled perfumer, Natalie had created many successful fragrances over the past two years, elevating Browns to one of the top companies in the industry.
Natalie sat in her chair, and soon Ivan arrived with Briena by his side. His gaze met Natalie's, but he quickly averted his eyes, as if he couldn't stand to look at her. He pulled out a chair for Briena like a gentleman, demonstrating her status in his life, and then sat in his own chair at the head of the table.
Briena offered a mocking smile, which Natalie ignored, instead starting to doodle in her notebook. Briena's presence here had undoubtedly altered the agenda of the meeting. Though a famous pianist, Briena also claimed to be a perfumer—a well-raised daughter of the Ford family with multiple skills. It wouldn't be surprising if her position was given to Briena today.
Ivan sat in his chair, his face expressionless, his indifferent gaze passing over Natalie. Seeing her unbothered and focused on her notebook, a tinge of dissatisfaction appeared in his eyes.
"Mister Brown," Ivan's assistant called, snapping him back to his senses. He cleared his throat and stood up.
Everyone's attention turned to him, including Natalie's.
"Let me introduce you all to my fiancée, Miss Briena. I'm sure you all recognize her."
Everyone nodded, acknowledging her fame as a pianist.
"Miss Briena's presence means that she is going to endorse our company's product?" one executive inquired.
"Yes, but she has an even more important role." His gaze passed by Natalie as he continued, "From today onwards, along with being our brand ambassador, Miss Briena will be the lead perfumer and the director of the research and development department. She will report directly to me."
Just like everyone else, Natalie showed a moment of surprise before her face returned to its usual calm. A slight smirk tugged at her lips, revealing a hint of sarcasm.
Who was the lead perfumer and director of R&D? That was Natalie. So her position was being given to Briena. Ivan was clearly retaliating for what happened at their wedding!
Natalie had thought he would keep personal and professional matters separate for the sake of the company, but she was wrong. Then again, what could she do when someone insists on courting their own doom?
"Mister Brown, you're not serious, right?" one of the executives asked. "I believe your decision is not influenced by personal matters? Miss Natalie has been managing the department exceptionally well, and we appreciate her abilities. No one knows the department better than she does."
"I agree with Miss Briena endorsing our products, but giving her the lead position isn't convincing," one executive said. "There are many capable employees waiting for promotions. Giving this position directly to Miss Briena isn't fair."
Other executives began to voice their doubts as well.
"I've made my decision, and I know we won't regret it," Ivan responded firmly.
Just then, another executive spoke up. "I support Mr. Brown's decision because I know Miss Briena is a capable perfumer. Have any of you ever heard the name Aroma? That's Miss Briena."
Hearing this, Natalie's gaze turned to surprise as she looked at Briena, only to find her sister averting her eyes.
Briena smiled lightly and spoke. "Do not mention it. It's just something I do to pass my time."
Everyone had heard about the secret perfumer Aroma, and knowing it was Briena, they had no reason to oppose Ivan's decision.
The executive who sided with Briena spoke again. "Here we have a skilled perfumer, Aroma, and on the other side, we have Miss Natalie, who was disqualified in the international competition for plagiarism six years ago and was even expelled from school."
Natalie's face turned pale. Her hands clenched tightly together. Plagiarism, revocation of student status—her life had almost been ruined.
The executive seemed satisfied with Natalie's reaction and shared a smug smile with Briena. Both had planned this together.
"I even heard the one she plagiarized from is none other than Miss Briena, her own sister," the executive added.
"Shut up!" Ivan snapped, stopping him from speaking further. Though he hated Natalie at the moment, those difficult days of her life had been painful, and Ivan had been by her side. Despite his anger, he couldn't bring himself to scratch her old wounds. All he wanted was to hurt her in the same way she had hurt him, which was why he preferred to engage with Briena.
The executive fell silent, his work done. Briena remained quiet as well, her expression triumphant but restrained.
Ivan turned to Natalie, and after a moment of silence, his deep voice reached her shocked ears. "Natalie, you have been managing this department for a long time, and it must have been difficult for you. Briena will share your burden while you work under her as a deputy director. She is new here and will need your help. Although your position has been revoked, you will still—"
"Huh?" Natalie's sarcastic laugh interrupted him, making everyone look at her cold face, full of mockery for Ivan.
"Mister Ivan, what is the reason for revoking my position? Is it because of what happened during our wedding?"
Ivan chose not to answer her. Natalie closed her book and stood up. "You revoked my position either for no reason or because of personal reasons, which you should not involve in business. And you even want me to take care of your fiancée and help her handle the R&D department. Isn't it nothing but trouble for me? What right do you have to tell me what I shall do with my work?"
Her cold voice and words brought silence to the meeting room.
"I have made my decision," Ivan finally broke the silence, looking straight into her cold and angry gaze.
"You can make your decision. I never planned to stay here, but out of responsibility towards my work, I wished to finish the project in hand. But it seems like there is no need. I will send my resignation letter to you today. You can find someone else to cater to your fiancee. I am out."
Hearing this, panic rose among the executives as they started to persuade her to reconsider her decision. Work experience and abilities were important, and they knew it was about Natalie. They didn't want to think about the personal feud between Ivan and her. They simply wished to keep someone capable.
Ivan was surprised as well, and it wouldn't be wrong to say a little panicked. He was used to Natalie's obedience and understanding in the company. If he agreed to let her go, he was sure the company would be in trouble.
"Natalie, you should understand my decision—"
"I don't need to understand anyone's decision. I decided for myself, and my decision is final," she interrupted him, her words and gaze determined.
"You cannot leave like this," he spoke again.
"I'm sure I can. I don't remember signing any labor contract with the company while joining, so don't try to hold me back," she glanced at everyone. "All the best to the R&D department for being in the capable hands of Miss Briena." She walked out, slamming the conference room door behind her.
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