Chapter 362

After their last strategy meeting, Verena wasted no time pushing forward with her plan to eliminate every Kirk family supporter in the company.

Inside the CEO's office at Benedict Pharmaceuticals,a small group had gathered, including Molly, who stood tense among them.

Despite the flawless makeup, the fear in Molly's eyes was unmistakable.

Only last night had Sherwood revealed those old secrets, so now she found herself unsettled in Verena's presence.

The memory weighed on her, and Molly sneaked a nervous glance at Verena.

Verena, arms folded andleaning against the desk,regarded everyone with an unyielding stare.

Sensing Molly's attention, Verena looked up, and their eyes briefly locked.

Caught off guard, Molly quickly looked away, avoiding Verena's gaze as her nerves spiked.

A faint, mocking smirk played at the corners of Verena's mouth. She clearly noticed Molly's discomfort.

Turning her attention back to the rest, Verena's eyes swept the room.

Her voice cut through the tension, cool and decisive."I called you all here today because there are problems within the company that need addressing."

Without warning, Verenafixed her gaze on a man in glasses. "Your project from last month is way behind schedule, and your report is full of errors. Is this what you call professional?"

The man fidgeted and couldn't manage a reply.

Her focus shifted to someone else. "As for you, you used company resources for your own benefit. Did you think the rules in this company don't apply to you?"

That employee kept his eyes glued to the floor, too intimidated to answer Verena.

Verena didn't hold back. She laid into each person with harsh, unfiltered criticism, making sure everyone in the room felt the pressure.

With a casual glance, Verena eyed the three employees who hadn't dared to speak up. She lifted her chin and announced, "The rest of you aren't off the hook. You know exactly what you've done." Her tone left no room for argument. "There are clear rules in this company, and you're not immune to the consequences. Starting now, you're all suspended for a month. Try to push back and you'll be out of a job entirely."

A wave of anxiety passed through the group as they exchanged uneasy glances. Their hands clenched tighter, and their heads hung even lower than before.

Once she'd finished addressing the group,Verena set her sights on Molly, her stare unwavering. "Molly,these people report to you. Their mistakes reflect directly on your leadership,which means you've failed in your role."

Molly's whole body went rigid. Color drained from her cheeks, and though she tried to defend herself,Verena's icy glare shut her down before she could speak.

Verena added, "You're suspended as well, effective immediately. While you're out, I expect a detailed report on your shortcomings and your plans for improvement. When you have an answer for me, I'll decide if you're fit to come back."

It was obvious to everyone in the room that this supposed suspension was just Verena's first step in seizing control. To Molly and the others, this so-called "suspension"was nothing more than a cover for Verena to bring in her own loyal supporters.

Never in her life had Molly felt so humiliated. Rage and pain churned inside her as she dug her nails into her palms,trying desperately not to break down.

But finally, she couldn't hold back anymore. Her voice trembled as she shouted, "Verena, this is too much!These people have given years to this company. How can you just cast them aside? Who gave you the authority to treat us this way?"

Verena didn't bother to respond. She simply nodded toward the door and told the other employees, "You may go now."

Without another word, the suspended employees slipped out, frustration and defeat written all over their faces.

Once the office door clicked shut, Verena turned her attention back to Molly. "You want to know what gives me authority?"

A cold, dismissive laugh slipped from Verena's lips before she replied, "The answer is simple, I'm the CEO of this company. My title alone is enough. Your failure to lead has put everything at risk. Molly, if you want to keep your job, I suggest you follow my orders Otherwise, you'll have to face the consequences yourself."

Verena's warning made Molly's eyes flash wide with outrage, her breaths coming quicker as anger bubbled up inside her.

She snapped back, her voice ringing with accusation,"Who are you kidding with this so-called suspension?I'm not blind, Verena. Don't try to fool me with these fake reasons. I know exactly what you're up to. First,uprooting my entire team, and now you're coming after me. It's obvious you're pushing me out so you can claim the company for yourself."

Her frustration boiled over, and she marched toward Verena, her heels striking the floor with unmistakable force.

Fists clenched tight, Molly stood her ground, as though she was bracing for a confrontation with Verena.

Verena didn't flinch. Her gaze remained steady, eyes glacial and unyielding, with a mocking smirk spreading across her face. "And if I am?"

She narrowed her eyes, her tone colder than ever."Have you ever stopped to think about what your father had really done, Molly?"

The directness of Verena's question left Molly momentarily stunned.

She faltered for a short moment, instinctively breaking eye contact and knotting her hands together in front of her, the pain grounding her as she tried to regain her composure.

She refused to give in, shaking her head defiantly."That's a lie! My father never did anything to you. Stop spreading these ridiculous accusations!"

Even though her words sounded resolute, Molly's unsteady voice made her anxiety impossible to hide.

Verena had no patience for Molly's act. She spoke with deliberate clarity. "Drop the charade, Molly. Let's get one thing straight. I'm here to bring down the Kirk family for good."

She paused, eyes burning with conviction. "Not long after I was born, your father had me taken away. That decision changed my entire life, turning my family's world upside down. All the pain we endured traces back to your family, and now it's time you faced the consequences."

Tilting her chin, Verena cast a frosty, almost superior look at Molly.

Her tone sharpened as she spoke. "You weren't even born yet when all this happened, so for now, you're not my target. But I expect you to resign from this company. Remember, Benedict Pharmaceuticals has always belonged to the Sampson family. I'm not stealing it, I'm just taking back what's ours. Just because you've been here for years doesn't make it yours."

The calm finality in her voice struck Molly like a physical blow, each sentence cutting deeper than the last.

All strength drained from Molly's legs, leaving her unsteady. Panic flashed across her face as she struggled to keep standing.

She tried to respond, but her lips quivered and no sound came out, her voice caught by the weight of shock.

Verena's icy stare didn't waver, unmoved by Molly's obvious distress.

While Molly trembled with outrage, overwhelmed by the loss of everything she'd worked for, Verena seemed to remember something else. With a slight arch of her brow, she added coolly, "One more thing."

A wary glance passed from Molly as she met Verena's gaze, uncertain of what might come next.