“Mr. Scott!”
Eric turned, startled. “Why are you stopping me? You know what I’m about to do!”
“I do,” Phillips said with a nod, but then shook his head. “But I’m certain Hadley wouldn’t want you stepping in right now.”
Eric froze, his momentum halted by Phillips’ words.
“Hadley kept this from you because she believed she could handle it herself,” Phillips continued softly. “If you use your influence to sway Lisa’s decision, it might upset Hadley, no matter the outcome.”
Eric’s shoulders slumped. He knew Phillips was right.
“So I just stand here and do nothing?” he asked, his brow furrowing deeply.
“No need to rush,” Phillips reassured with a calm smile. “If things take a turn, you can step in discreetly later, without Hadley knowing. One way or another, we won’t let her get fired.”
He gestured toward the room. “Look… she seems to have a plan.”
Inside, Hadley faced Lisa with quiet resolve.
“Ms. Beckett, I know I missed the training this morning, but I’ve been diligently studying the materials on my own.”
Lisa scoffed, her eyes sharp. “If self-study were enough, why would we need instructors?”
“You’re absolutely right,” Hadley conceded earnestly. “I’m not excusing my mistake. I just want to explain my situation. If, after hearing me out, you still can’t forgive me, I’ll respect your decision.”
“Hadley!” Elvin gasped, his voice laced with alarm.
Outside, Eric’s fists clenched. “I can’t just stand by!”
Lisa fixed her gaze on Hadley, silent. After letting out her anger, she found herself mostly calmed by Hadley’s sincerity.
Your imagination thrives at puntocom
After a moment, she spoke, her tone still cool. “Self-learning, you say? Fine. Stay after today’s session, and I’ll test you myself.”
She paused and then added, “We’ll discuss your future after the test.”
“Absolutely!” Hadley’s face lit up with a hopeful smile. “Thank you, Ms. Beckett!”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Lisa snapped. “It’s still up in the air whether you’ll keep your role.”
“I’ll give it my all,” Hadley promised, undeterred.
Elvin leaned in, his voice low with concern. “Are you sure about this? Gosh… Let’s play it safe for now. If the test doesn’t go well, I’ll figure something out.”
Hadley flashed him a confident grin. “Trust me, I’ve got this.”
Her assurance eased Elvin’s nerves, and he raised an eyebrow, a flicker of relief crossing his face. “Alright, but I’ll have a backup plan ready, just in case.”
“Sounds good.” Hadley nodded.
Outside, Eric’s tension melted into a relieved smile as he watched Hadley’s confidence shine. Reflecting on her resilience, he recalled how she had faced countless challenges alone with Joy in Blathe, always rising to the occasion.
With a lighter heart, he turned to leave, reassured that Hadley’s strength would carry her through. Even if the worst came to pass, he thought, her capability would see her through any storm.
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