Tracy stood at the front beside the projector. She looked sharp in a tailored business suit, hair pinned up neatly, not a trace of last night’s messiness in sight.
Her eyes flickered slightly when she saw me, but she quickly masked it.
Standing behind her was Harry, dressed to the nines, flashing a practiced, polished smile.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Tracy began. “We’ve gathered you all here today to announce an important personnel change. After discussion with the board, we’ve decided to appoint Mr. Harry Williamson as the new Director of the Marketing Department. Effective immediately.”
The room instantly exploded, and every head turned to me—some with confusion, some with sympathy, others simply stunned.
“Ms. Kain, that’s not proper procedure,” Eddie Grant from finance stood up first. “Mr. Clark has led the marketing team to double its performance for three consecutive years. He’s earned that position—”
“This is the board’s decision,” Tracy cut him off, her voice sharp. “Besides, Harry holds a degree from a top international business school and has worked as an executive for global corporations. He brings an international perspective we need.”