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Chapter 6 The Promotion Slot
Chapter 6–The Promotion Slot
As soon as Willow stepped out of HR, she had barely turned the corner when a colleague from her department
called out to her.
“Willow! Jax just notified, us–there’s a meeting starting soon. Sounds like he’s going to announce which interns are getting hired full–time. Come with us?”
Willow was about to decline, but before she could speak, her coworker had already looped arms with hers and was leading her down the hallway toward the conference room.
Along the way, several colleagues naturally gathered around her, chatting and smiling.
“Willow, you’ve been on so many major projects since you joined. You’ve gotten an S–rating every month. You’re definitely the best among us interns. You’re a shoo–in.”
“Totally. You’ve always been so diligent. Jax really trusts you. If you don’t make the list, I’ll be shocked.”
“If the good news is announced tonight, you better treat us all to dinner!”
Willow felt a warmth in her chest as she listened.
She knew these people were sincere–and she knew she had, indeed, achieved a lot.
She had planned to tell them about her resignation over dinner later. After all, Jax hadn’t signed the paperwork yet, and she didn’t want to cause unnecessary stir now.
So she just smiled. “Whether I get the offer or not doesn’t really matter. But yes, I’d love to take everyone out tonight. I have something I want to share with you all personally.”
“Come on, don’t be modest! We all know how badly you wanted to stay!”
Their laughter rang through the hall as they reached the conference room.
Willow didn’t sit up front. She chose a quiet corner seat and kept her gaze lowered, calm and expressionless.
Right on time, Jax entered.
He swept the room with a glance, his voice steady and clear.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors. Today’s meeting is to officially announce the interns who will be converted to full–time, and to appoint a new team lead among you. One of you has already accumulated enough experience for the role.”
All at once, every pair of eyes in the room turned to Willow.
Obenccion
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Chapter – The Promotion Slot
She had originally intended to stand and withdraw her name before things got awkward.
So she lifted her head, met Jax’s deep, unreadable gaze, and slowly stood.
“Jax, thank you for the trust you’ve given me over the past few months. Being part of so many key projects has taught me a lot, and I truly treasure the time I spent working with this team. I’m not sure who you’re about to announce, but before you do, I’d like to voluntarily-”
Before she could finish the words withdraw from consideration, Jax raised his hand and interrupted her.
“I’m well aware of everyone’s abilities in this room. And while many of you have made great strides, some still lack the necessary seniority. Willow, you’ve done excellent work, but what I need right now is someone with broader experience and perspective.”
He paused, letting the silence settle as his gaze swept the room.
“That’s why I’ve decided to bring someone in from the outside. Elena Dawson will be assuming the role.”
The door swung open just as he finished.
Elena stepped in, dressed in an elegant white dress and stilettos, wearing a polished, professional smile.
She walked to the front of the room and spoke confidently:
“Hello, everyone. I’m Elena, a graduate of Milan Art Academy. I’ve received the European Young Designer Award. the UK–France Fashion Innovation Prize, and served as a creative consultant on several international branding projects.”
A heavy silence fell over the room.
Not from awe–but from discomfort.
Several team members had received the same awards she listed. And many of the so–called “international projects” were known in the industry to be superficial, often just honorary titles or guest mentions.
What stung the most was that Elena had no prior experience working at the company–yet she was parachuting in as a full–time hire with managerial power.
Finally, one of the senior designers couldn’t hold back.
“Mr. Monroe, with all due respect, Miss Dawson just graduated: She doesn’t even have internship experience here. Don’t you think this decision might be… a little premature?”
Others nodded in agreement. Several even voiced their support for Willow to take the position instead.
Elena’s expression faltered. Her voice trembled slightly.
Chapter 6 – The Promotion Slot
“I… I do have leadership experience. Just in a different context…”
Her eyes shimmered, and she looked helplessly at Jax.
A flicker of emotion crossed Jax’s face–almost like pity. But when he turned to Willow, his gaze was cold as steel.
“Elena is a top student from one of the best design academies in Europe. Her awards and training are beyond what most of you here can match–including Willow.”
“I believe Elena will deliver exceptional results in this role–perhaps even better than expected. So this decision is final. It’s not up for discussion.”
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