Chapter 2050
Aubrey took the lead in clapping, and others followed suit. However, their applause seemed somewhat
insincere as they glanced at Stella with disdain.
Stella thought to herself, 'Well, I wouldn't feel great either if someone who knows nothing about
perfumery became my general manager.'
She had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and assumed such a prominent role in the company.
Moreover, she was the reason everyone had to pause their work just to welcome her, despite not
having proven herself to the company yet. It was understandable that people weren't pleased with her.
With Darcie absent, Aubrey didn't make things any easier for Stella.
Stella raised her hand, signaling for everyone to stop clapping.
When the applause gradually subsided, she asked, "Aubrey, when Jaylene joined the company, did you
also organize such a grand welcome for her?"
Aubrey responded with a smile, "Jaylene is just a team leader in the fragrance department, like
everyone else who joins US. But you're different -you're the general manager, and this is one of the
perks that come with your position."
Jaylene added, "Stella, we're not the same. I had visited Caline before officially joining the team, so
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇteveryone already knew me. This is your first time here, and it's important to have a formal introduction
for everyone to get acquainted with you."
Stella chuckled. "Jaylene, both of US got our positions because of our family backgrounds. How are we
any different? Those who don't know might think I'm here to flaunt on my first day."
Jaylene was surprised. She hadn't anticipated Stella would criticize herself just to point out her
privilege.
Not only that she directly told everyone how she got into Caline, but she also dragged Jaylene into it.
Aware that joining a company through connections wouldn't earn respect from others, Darcie had
smoothed the path for Jaylene. She took her to different departments to learn before officially starting,
and then gave her a relatively low-key role to avoid unnecessary attention.
However, with just a few words, Stella exposed Jaylene's background, causing her expression to
darken despite her peaceful tenure at the company.
Aubrey said gently, "I wasn't being considerate enough. I thought since it's your first time coming to the
office, it'd be good for everyone to meet you. It turns out that I'm making you look bad."
Stella smiled. "Aubrey, it was just a jest. No hard feelings. Since everyone's already gathered here, I'll
share a few words."
Then, she addressed the crowd, saying, "I apologize for taking up your time. My name is Stella Hall,
and starting today, I'll be serving as the general manager of Caline. I don't have a professional
background in fragrances and my knowledge in this field is limited.
"However, my mother was the founder of Enchanted, and her dream was to make it an international
brand. Since my father is too busy to pursue this, he's entrusted me with the task.
"I feel he may have overestimated my abilities. How can he expect someone like me, who lacks
experience, to achieve what Darcie couldn't accomplish over the years?"
Stella's playful tone drew laughter from the crowd. None of them had anticipated their new boss to be
so lighthearted.
Stella added with a smile, "But you can never say no to your father, right? Even though I've been given
such a prominent role in the company, my knowledge is probably less than that of an intern here.
"So, I hope that in the days ahead, everyone in the company can guide me and teach me about what I
don't know. That way, when my dad asks, I can at least give him a plausible ex- I mean response."
The employees exchanged glances. 'Did she almost say "plausible excuse"? I
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBefore Stella joined the company, there had been several notices warning employees to behave
appropriately around her. So, everyone already had a negative impression of her before she even
arrived.
Some had even begun plotting how to assert their authority once she arrived.
They already had a plan for dealing with this new general manager, but they did not expect her to be so
straightforward, bluntly stating her intentions here on the first day.
All of them were confused and dared not to say anything.
Then, Luis Sawn, the manager of the fragrance department, broke the silence, saying, "Ms. Hall, you
have a knack for humor. None of US here knows everything. We're all here to learn from each other."
Damien chimed in jesting, "Ms. Hall, I heard you studied performing arts. If you had joined US earlier,
I'm sure the performance at the year-end party wouldn't have been so dreadful."
After the managers' lighthearted banter, others from different departments also spoke up, creating a
lively and cheerful atmosphere.
Aubrey then introduced Stella to the managers of each department.
Although Stella had already familiarized herself with their information at home, she acted as if she was
meeting them for the first time, exchanging greetings and shaking hands.