Chapter 188 - Termination Letter

…..Inside The Board Room….

"Sir if I'm allowed to speak" Mr Alan raised his hand up, while the president nodded his head in approval.

"Miss Peterson had made a mistake and yes she has acknowledged it, but we should not only focus on that. This mistake she has made has brought this company three different successful projects which we had struggled to achieve in time past. Though we had thought these were done by the hands of Mr Stuart, but now we know better. Even as a mere intern she has shown how competent she is and could be in the nearest future. During her time of working at my department she proved herself to be more capable than her fellow interns. She has proven to be an equal or even better than some of our high paid staff in this company, no offence meant" He quickly apologized to the people sitted there he didn't want his words to be taken the wrong way.

"What I'm saying in essence is, Miss Peterson is a prodigy, one which this company must hold on to. I believe she has a promising future here" Mr Alan said convincingly.

"Thank you Mr Alan for your input" He said before turning to Simon, Jade's new team leader at the graphics department. 

"She's currently working with you, so what do you have to say?" He asked.

"Sir I think I'll have to agree with My Alan. Jade is indeed a capable staff. We all can attest to how she had witfully gotten herself a position as a staff of the company by reeling in the contract with the anti-hack software. She was sent with a higher staff of this establishment but she had done outstandingly well. Even at the department, she has shown great development and skill. So I'll say she has more to offer, and shouldnt be cut off"

Several concuring and approving nods could be seen around the table, after Simon's speech.The president turned to Mrs Tracy, but she shook her head indicating she had nothing to say at the moment. 

"If there's nothing else to say then I guess we shouldn't waste more time. Call them in" He said.

Jade and Cale returned to the board room after waiting for life long minutes. Jade thought that she had already waited a thousand years outside.

"Well we've put all factors into consideration, and I believe the decision we've come up with is the best" He paused and looked at Jade.

"Ms Peterson, you're wrong for doing what you did. It wasn't right for you to deceive the company in this fashion, but we've taken all your input to this company into consideration and I must say they've all been good, and for that you'll be pardoned, but only after you've been queried, for your misconduct" 

Jade felt like life came rushing back into her veins for the first time in the last half hour. She could feel her heart beating properly again. The pain in her rib cage has completely disappeared. She could feel tears of relief trickling her eyes as they threatened to fall. She had the urge to kowtow in front of all of them at the moment.

The president turned to Cale who was standing beside Jade with his head lowered.

"Mr Stuart please ensure to clear out your desk and pick up your termination letter from the HR department. Your are not to be seen within this company premises in the next hour" Hr said coldly. His disdain for Cale could be seen in his eyes and he wasn't even trying to hide it.

He looked at the faces around the table and said, "Ladies and gentlemen that'll be all for today" He said before standing up to his feet, and the other did the same. The President strolled out of the room and the others followed suit, except Mrs Tracy, Jade and Cale.  

Mr Alan patted Jade on her shoulders and smiled at her on his way out, while her boss, Simon playfully wriggled his brows at her.

Cale was stupified by what had happened. He stood in a daze, he couldn't wrap his head over what had happened to him. Did they say he was fired?

"No!" He muttered under his breath but it was audible for the others remaining in the room to hear. He looked at Mrs Tracy and from the look in her eyes he knew he shouldn't even approach her.

He turned to look at Jade, but Jade looked away. She wasn't going to feel sorry for him now. He has caused her a lot of pain and troubles already. He should just go away.

Cale looked at her a little longer before storming out of the office. He was not going to lose his job just like that.

Jade glanced at Mrs Tracy who was still lolled back in her seat. She could see the pensive look on the woman's face directed at her, but why was she giving her that look?

Could there be something else?

Jade didn't know what to think about Mrs Tracy's displeased look at her. Her heart was beginning to race. She loved and respected this woman, and deep down in her heart she didn't want to lose the respect the woman had for her.

So what the hell was wrong?

"Ms Jade, meet me in my office" She said as she got up from her seat and headed for the door.

Jade nodded her head and followed Mrs Tracy out of the conference room. She was shocked when she saw Stephanie still waiting there. Jade noticed the way she smiled sweetly to Mrs Lin as she walked out the door. But the woman only responded with her typical robotic nod, before walking ahead.

The smug smile on Stephanie's face gave her the feeling that whatever Mrs Lin wants to talk about must be related to Stephanie.

But what could it be?

"You're so dead, Jade Peterson" Stephanie cackled in Jade's ear.