Chapter 1041: Our company isn’t hiring

A moment of awkward silence quickly descended on everyone’s shoulders, except for Atlas. He didn’t take William’s hand, knowing that something as small as a handshake could be twisted into a narrative.

"Take it away," Atlas added, referring to the hand offered to him. "Don’t extend your hand like that so casually. It carries a lot of meaning, so be careful; one might misunderstand. Frankly, I also find it rude."

Rude? Everyone gasped for the second time. Not taking the kind hand offered to him was more rude, though!

William’s under-eyes twitched as he pulled his hand back, his fingers trembling slightly. Part of him wanted to believe he hadn’t just heard such audacious remarks right on his face. But alas, seeing the mortified and displeased reactions from the other members of the board, he knew he hadn’t imagined it.

Atlas had said what he’d said.

’This bastard...’ William felt his blood boil, anger rising at the top of his head. ’I approached him even though I didn’t have to, trying to be kind to the brother of the matriarch of the family. But no, he and Penelope Bennet are just as insufferable and infuriating. How dare he try to make me lose face in front of my people and everyone?!’

William cleared his throat and forced a smile, though the first thing he wanted to do was kick Atlas out. The latter, however, didn’t linger in William’s presence and instead looked back at the security guard.

"You’re still here," Atlas’s flat voice snapped the security guard out of his thoughts. "Are you trying to waste my time as well?"

"Ye—yes, sir!" the security guard panicked, hurrying back to their station to check the name. But just as he reached the desk, he paused, hearing William’s voice.

"Oh, Atlas Bennet, I heard something very interesting and amusing the other day!" William exclaimed, letting everyone hear his somewhat shocked tone. "I even saw a clip of two men walking out of their company building with their stuff. At first, I didn’t believe it."

William snickered as his eyes met Atlas’s again. "But seeing you here instead of running around in your little kingdom, I’m starting to think it’s true! Atlas Bennet, you got kicked out of your own company!"

The interested onlookers, who had initially been minding their own business until William’s announcement, exchanged surprised glances. Their eyes shifted toward Atlas, mouths falling open as they recalled a clip many of them had seen.

Though Global Prime Logistics and the Pierson Corporation were separate entities, many employees were part of the same social media groups and circles. When the video of Atlas and Allen walking out with boxes was shared, it reached a lot of people—not because of who Atlas was or the story behind it, but because many found it funny and added clever captions and "POV" commentary.

Thus, even if people were familiar with the video, only a few truly knew the real story behind it.

"It makes me wonder!" William continued aloud, rubbing his chin as he assessed Atlas Bennet. "What are you here for? Did you beg your sister to help you?"

’Heh. That’s the only reason he’s here,’ William mocked inwardly. ’I’m sure he asked Penelope Bennet, and then that little witch convinced Zoren Pierson to give her brother a job! Did the Bennets think they could just do whatever the hell they wanted in this family?!’

William sneered as his eyes glinted deviously. ’Even if Zoren Pierson lets him in, I’ll make sure it’s the greatest mistake of his life.’

In the Pierson Family, even those with significant power and influence couldn’t just take in outsiders whenever they pleased. This applied to Zoren as well. It wasn’t impossible, per se. But if Zoren took in Atlas without proper reason or justification, it would become Zoren’s responsibility. If Atlas messed up, it would reflect badly on Zoren. If the board found the decision absurd, they’d question Zoren’s judgment.

Unless, of course, the role they were giving away wasn’t an important one.

’Either way, it’s a win for me,’William nodded in satisfaction. ’If Atlas Bennet messes up, not only will it affect Zoren Pierson, but Penelope Bennet as well. But if I can stop him from slithering his way into the Pierson Family affairs, then... that’s also a win.’

As for Atlas, his lips curved downward the moment his sister was brought up again. "It seems my sister left quite an impression on you, Director Pierson," Atlas said coldly. "Though I admit I don’t find any issue with having my little siblings help me, I would never allow myself to become their responsibility."

"Oh?" William smirked, not buying it. "Then, if you didn’t ask your sister, why are you here?"

"Job interview."

For some reason, everyone felt as if a gust of wind had blown past them, accompanied by the sound of a dried leaf rolling across the floor. But alas, there was no wind inside the building, and certainly no dried leaf.

’He said that with so much confidence and pride. I don’t know if I should feel proud of him or just want to evaporate!’ Allen mentally wept, tugging at the hem of Atlas’s suit as if trying to stop him from speaking further. ’Just tell them we’re here because of your brother-in-law or Miss Penny! Even if it’s a lie, they’d stop picking on you!’

"A job in—hahaha!" William Pierson burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the lobby. He laughed so loudly that even those further away could hear. "So, it’s not... haha..."

William wiped his eyes while those with him snickered. "So, it’s not Penelope or... pfft—!" He stopped again, trying to control his laughter. "I guess they didn’t want to carry that kind of shared burden. What a pitiful situation."

Meanwhile, the bodyguard, who had been listening instead of doing his job, furrowed his brows. He assessed the situation before sighing in relief. He figured Atlas was just talking big, probably because he’d once been a big shot in his own company.

Here, however, he was just nothing but a job hunter. No wonder Allen called him friend first and then addressed him more politely. It was because Atlas was his former boss, but now they were both jobless!

"I see. Now I get it!" William mused, his eyelids drooping. "That’s why the security guard wouldn’t let you in, huh?"

His mouth twisted, and even before he could finish, Atlas already knew what Wiliam was about to say wouldn’t be good. "Although I pity your situation, Atlas Bennet, I’m afraid our company isn’t hiring anyone today. So, you should turn around and leave at once—security!"