Chapter 487
The largest conference room at Global Harmony Medical Institute.
Anastasia swept in right on time, heels clicking against the polished floor. With a single glance around, her eyes narrowed.
The Institute prided itself on its open, easygoing culture. The director gave his assistant broad authority; sometimes when an assistant called a meeting, attendance was optional. Other times, it was mandatory.
Today, Anastasia had made it clear: attendance was not optional. Everyone was to be here. No excuses.
Yet now, as she surveyed the room, nearly half the seats sat empty.
She was newly promoted, but Anastasia already had a firm grasp of the Institute’s internal dynamics. In an instant she realized—at least half the staff had simply chosen not to show up. Follow current nová´‡ls on.net
Those who had arrived studied her with a range of expressions: some curious, some awed, a few openly impressed. The new assistant was striking-tall and poised, with an elegance that outshone even Lauren, the Institute’s much-admired beauty.
Anastasia was a force-her competence and looks easily eclipsed Lauren’s in every way.
Still, beneath their initial admiration, something uneasy flickered in the room. Anastasia had declared this meeting mandatory, yet half the department had defied her. Clearly, not everyone was ready to fall in line. Her authority, it seemed, was already being tested.
Lauren herself was present, flanked by Erin and Cora. She watched from the front row, a cold, faint smirk curling on her lips.
Replace me? Anastasia must be dreaming, Lauren thought. Did Anastasia really think her two years at the Institute meant nothing?
As all eyes turned to her, Anastasia’s lips curved into a cool smile. She shot Lauren a fleeting glance and strode confidently to the podium, unfazed by the empty seats.
“As for today’s meeting,” she said casually, “there’s nothing complicated. I just wanted to meet everyone, introduce myself, and make an announcement—”
Her gaze swept the room, her presence commanding. “From this day on, I’m the director’s new assistant. When the director’s away, I’m in charge. If you have any issues or concerns, bring them to me. And please—” she raised her eyes, looking pointedly at Lauren— “make sure you’re knocking on the right door.”
Everyone understood the warning: things had changed at Global Harmony. Lauren’s reign was over.
Lauren’s expression flickered, anger and humiliation warring across her face. She’d known Anastasia could be brazen, but to be so blatantly dismissed here in front of everyone-
But Lauren forced herself to breathe, her lips twisting in a cold smile. Let
Anastasia enjoy her little victory. This wasn’t over-not by a long shot.
Her eyes drifted to the empty chairs, her frustration slowly subsiding. The battle lines were clear.
Just then, Anastasia’s gaze followed Lauren’s to the vacant seats.
Her tone remained even. “Can someone explain why so many seats are empty?”
A heavy silence fell. No one moved.
Lauren’s smirk deepened.
Without warning, Anastasia called out, “Cora.”
Cora jolted, startled.
After a pause, she stood uncertainly.
Anastasia opened her laptop, not bothering to look up. “I hear you have an excellent memory, Cora. So, who’s missing today? You shoul know-go ahead and st the names for me.”
Cora froze, her face tense.
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Around the room, people exchanged glances of shock. Everyone knew Cora was one of Lauren’s right-hand supporters. The no-shows were loyal to Lauren, skipping the meeting at her encouragement. Now, Anastasia was forcing Cora to betray her own camp.
Cora hesitated, torn, unsure what to do.