Chapter 38
I wasn’t given the position of director right from the start. I had worked tirelessly for two years to earn it. But to outsiders, I was simply Mrs. Fuller, someone who used her title to climb the ranks.
Joe, in particular, believed that I had relied on Ashton to secure my position, which was why he looked down on me.
Glancing briefly at the documents in his hands, I noted that they contained plans for electronic technology. It seemed a new product launch was in the works.
“Mr. Quinn, you’re quite the jokester. How could Fuller Corporation ever become something else? I simply took two days off because I wasn’t feeling well. I must say, I’m very touched by your concern for a mere director like me. However, you seem rather busy, so perhaps it’s best if you focus on your own work. Too many distractions lead to mistakes, wouldn’t you agree?”
There were only three of us in the elevator, and I had no intention of letting him trample all over me. However, his secretary was present, making an outright argument rather awkward.
Just as he was about to retort, the elevator doors opened. He swallowed his words, shot me a cold glare, and stepped out.
Back in my office, I had barely settled into my seat when Stacey walked in. “Ms. Stovall, Mr. Fuller wants to see you in his office.”
I hadn’t even had a chance to warm my chair. How did Ashton already know I was here?
Shaking off my confusion, I nodded. “Alright, I’ll head up in a bit.”
Ashton’s office was spacious and eerily quiet. I pursed my lips, thinking that only he could tolerate working in such a cold environment.
Scanning the area, I spotted Joseph in the secretary’s office, engrossed in his computer screen. I walked over and knocked on the door.
He looked up, slightly surprised to see me. “Ms. Stovall, Mr. Fuller is in Mr. Quinn’s office. He’ll be back soon.”
I nodded. “Alright. Don’t mind me.”
Taking a book from the shelf, I settled into the lounge area to read. Since the project with Dr. Ludwick had wrapped up, there hadn’t been any new assignments for me.
I assumed Ashton had called me here to discuss upcoming work.
However, my thoughts drifted elsewhere. If Ashton had remained as cold and distant as before, leaving would have been much easier. But his recent shift in attitude made me hesitate.
If I left now, would my child and I be giving up something good?
“Ashton, when Parker died, you promised to take care of Rebecca. Don’t you think you’re breaking your word by treating her this way? Have you even considered Rebecca’s feelings? Besides, Scarlett isn’t even compatible with you!” Joe’s voice was loud and urgent, making it impossible not to hear.
I wasn’t eavesdropping, but their voices carried as they walked in.
Ashton and Joe entered the office. Ashton raised a brow when he saw me. “When did you get here?”
“Just now,” I answered, casting a brief glance at Joe, whose expression remained indifferent.
Ashton handed me a file. “Two companies under HiTech are launching new products this month. Follow up on them and keep tabs on OrbitTech as well. Also, the company’s annual review is coming up. Our contract with AC Credit is ending, so check with finance. If we need to renew, follow up. If not, reach out to Nick Harrison from Harrison Credit.”
Joe frowned. “AC Credit has been handling things well. Why switch to another firm? Harrison Credit is a relatively new company. Letting them manage Fuller Corporation’s complex financials is risky. If something goes wrong, the consequences will be severe.”
Ashton ignored him and turned to me. “Review the documents. If you have any questions, consult Joseph.”
I took the files silently but shared Joe’s concerns. After a moment of hesitation, I voiced my thoughts. “Mr. Fuller, I was previously in charge of construction projects. HiTech is an electronic technology company, and I have no experience handling audits. Joseph has always managed these matters. Perhaps he should continue doing so.”
Ashton’s sharp gaze met mine. “Ms. Stovall, do you understand your responsibilities as a director?”
Caught off guard, I nodded. “I do, but—”
“No buts. As a director and shareholder, you need to familiarize yourself with all aspects of the company.”
Without another word, he turned his attention back to Joe and continued issuing orders.
Holding the files, I realized there was no room to refuse. This workload was heavier than usual.
Back in my office, I called Stacey and instructed her to make the necessary arrangements. We would have to closely monitor HiTech’s market activities, which meant the coming days would be extremely busy.