My Boss Fired Me For Being Late To A $100m Deal After I Saved A Kid In Danger. Then, He Turned Pale.
A New Direction
After pondering, the president nodded firmly.
“All right. I’ll appoint you as the project leader.”
“What? A project leader?”
“Yes. Tomkins will be demoted regardless. I want you to take over as manager and research the balance between customer needs and pricing in the field.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’re right. Focusing solely on growing the company is missing the point. We almost betrayed those who favor our products.”
And he looked at Emily and Ray.
“I remembered your words about providing a better life for those in need. I created that brand for my awaited daughter out of sheer love. I wanted her to grow up healthy. Profit was secondary. I nearly forgot those feelings.”
I couldn’t believe my voice had reached the president thanks to Emily and Ray. I was about to thank them when the president addressed Emily.
“What’s this about being a single mother?”
“Huh? Well…”
“Didn’t you elope with some suspicious guy even though you had a fiancé and got disowned for it?”
“Yes.”
“Where did he go?”
“He cheated, so I divorced him. I didn’t have the courage to tell you.”
“Should I even be hearing this?”
The president sighed deeply.
“I told you to stay away from that man. But it led to Ray’s birth, so I don’t regret it.”
“Well, that’s true.”
It looked like their relationship as father and daughter might be mended. Subsequently, Tomkins’ misdeeds came to light. While I was on leave, other employees had become his targets.
After learning about my forced resignation, they began recording his words and actions as evidence. Tomkins tried to make excuses, but the evidence was undeniable. He was transferred to customer service but, lacking the skills, he ultimately resigned voluntarily.
The Future
I managed to reclaim the billion-dollar deal, successfully negotiating it to completion. The president praised me, and we went out for drinks. I was also working on the development of our brand, which was seen increasing sales without lowering prices.
“It’s because you believe in and value our products, Alex. Thank you.”
“No, thank you for the opportunity.”
“With your management skills, you could be the next president.”
“No, you’re joking.”
“No, I’m serious.”
Should I take this seriously? Whenever I visited the Smith family for advice, Emily assured me.
“My father doesn’t joke about such things. If I’m expected to fulfill such a role, I want to challenge that.”
“Alex! Alex!”
“What’s up, Ray?”
“Remember when we went shopping together the other day?”
“Yay!”
“Well, a kid from my class saw us and said Ray’s dad is so cool!”
“Oh, Ray, stop that.”
Emily quickly covered Ray’s mouth in a panic.
“Why can’t I say that? He may not like to be called Dad.”
“Is that true?”
Looking at me with innocent eyes, leaving me unable to say yes or no.
“Um, well, I’d be happy if Alex became my dad. Then we could play every day.”
“Ray…”
To be honest, I had developed feelings for Emily. As I got to know her and Ray, I found her earnestness and the way she cared for Ray truly admirable.
“I’d be happy to have a son like Ray.”
I said, taking a chance. Emily blushed and fumbled for words.
“Really? Then I’ll ask Mom.”
“Ask?”
“Do you mind if Alex becomes my dad?”
“It’s not that I mind, but Ray, don’t ask such troubling things.”
“She doesn’t mind! I’m quite open to the idea, really.”
“Well, I’m somewhat open to it too.”
Seemingly not entirely against the idea. Kindness isn’t just for others, they say, but I didn’t consciously do good deeds. Yet, by holding on to what’s important and being honest with people, they truly see you. This is surely important in life.
I want to pass on what I’ve learned to Ray when he’s older. I hope he becomes someone who can help others, connect people, and create something valuable.
