Chapter 23

Chapter 23 Let Them Go “Harper Group is not going bankrupt!”

Corynn’s vice rang loud and clear as she strode across the lobby. Everyone turned in her direction.

She stopped and steadied herself, then swept her gaze over the engineers.

“That’s very bold of you to say, Miss Harper,” Aydan, another engineer, remarked with a sneer. “Everyone knows that bankruptcy is inevitable. In fact, it’s the only future that awaits this company. Your blind determination alone won’t change what is bound to happen.”

Corynn acknowledged him with a curt nod. Her voice was cold and steely when she said, “I say this because I already found a solution to our problems.”

Nick scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Is that so? Let’s hear it, then! What solution are you talking about?”

Nick had always disapproved of Corynn taking over the company. He didn’t have faith in her skills. Besides, he was of the mind that a woman’s place is in the kitchen, tending to the home and taking care of the children.

“Sorry, I‘ afraid I can’t share any details with you at this point,” Corryn replied. “But I guarantee that we will be able to deliver on all our existing contracts.” The mockery on Nick’s face did not escape her, but she chose to ignore it.

Nick scoffed again. “How are we supposed to trust a word you say when you won’t give us the specifics?”

Corynn inhaled slowly and told herself to remain calm. “There are still a couple of weeks left. If the company does go bankrupt by the end of the month, I will compensate each of you with ten times the amount of your salary. If the company survives, I will double everyone’s salary.”

Some of the engineers were tempted. It didn’t sound like they were going to incur a loss if they stayed for a bit more.

If the Harper Group collapsed, they would be leaving with ten times as much as they usually made. If not, they would be staying on board while making twice as much as they originally did. Either way, they would incur no loss.

Of course, Aydan and Nick didn’t buy it. They had pre–existing bias against Corynn, and nothing she said could convince them to support her. “If you ask me,” Aydan piped up, “it looks like you don’t actually have a concrete solution, after all. I would much rather leave now, while the company is still somewhat afloat.”

Nick nodded. “I hope you don’t blame us for our decision, Miss Harper. We have mouths to feed, too, and a career to take care of. You can’t expect us to waste our time and skills on a floundering company. We need to move forward.”

“You’re right,” Corynn agreed. She turned to address the other engineers. “What about the rest of you? If you’ve made up your minds to leave, I won’t stop you.”

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O 16:40 Chapter 23 Let Them Go “Come on, guys,” Nick interjected. “Why not look for better opportunities insted of languishing away in this dump? The Mason Group is an excellent choice, I’m telling you. Just follow my lead.”

“We can put in a good word for you if you like,” Aydan added. “Their benefits are just as good as over here.”

Corinne gritted her teeth, and her eyes narrowed slightly. So, those two had a plan all along.

The other engineers looked between Corynn and their two colleagues, then pondered in silence. After a few moments, some of them stepped forward toward Corinne. “I’m staying to support Miss Harper.”

“Me, too!”

But there were those who chose to leave with Aydan and Nick as well.

“It’s only natural for people to seek higher ground, lower places tend to be buried when it floods. We hope you understand, Miss Harper.”

Corynn schooled her expression to remain impassive. “Does anyone else have something to say?”

No one said a word.

“Tia,” Corynn turned to the HR manager, “please process their resignation according to company policy.”

Tia nodded and noted it down on her to–do list.

Three engineers had chosen to go with Aydan, while four remained. Realizing that their workload would. increase, Corynn made a split–second decision. “And please double the salary of those who are staying, Tia.”

Aydan and his cohorts‘ expressions immediately darkened, while the other four’s faces lit up.

Corynn turned to the lead engineer among the four, “It will be tough for you all during this time. Once we get through this crisis, everyone will receive a bonus.”

“Thank you, Miss Harper!”

With another round of derisive snorts and snide comments, Aydan and Nick left with the three engineers.

It was the Willis family that had issued a strict order against the Harper Group, and only a fool with a death wish would willingly oppose them.

And only a naive and inexperienced girl like Corynn would believe that Harper Group had any hope of surviving. Leaving now was the smartest move any employee of the company could make.

Those who chose to stay were nothing more than morons who fell for empty promises.

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