Chapter: 1117

"Ms. Holt, hello. I'm Kiley Natt, the project assistant. I have a few questions if you have a moment," said the woman at the door, her smile forced and reluctant.

Unaware of Kiley's strained expression, Bethany gestured to a chair.

“Of course, have a seat. I'll send those documents first."

Kiley took a seat and forcefully placed the documents on the table with a resounding smack.

The sharp sound clearly conveyed her irritation.

Bethany paused her work and glanced upward. "Was there something in the meeting that confused you?"

"It's no big issue, Ms. Holt. It's just that your analysis was truly distinct, a departure from what we usually see in our Team Four. It's normal to find it baffling, right?"

Her mention of “our Team Four" was laden with a subtle undertone.

Despite being the newcomer to the team, Bethany was far from clueless.

“Perhaps that's the reason your team has never led in the project rankings. There's a lack of acceptance and understanding."

Kiley's hands balled into fists, her frustration palpable. "Aren't you a member of Team Four as well?"

“From your tone, it seems you don't fully recognize me as the leader of this team." Bethany offered a smile, maintaining eye contact with Kiley. "I get that joining the Bates Group as an assistant implies you're highly accomplished with at least a master's degree. But around here, that's nothing out of the ordinary. You should focus on bettering yourself instead of causing difficulties for others."

"Ms. Holt, there's no need for such harshness," Kiley said. "I merely mentioned that I didn't understand your analysis and was hoping you might explain it once more. Why must you respond so sharply? I had envisioned a new director of our team who would embody gentleness and patience, but..."

By that time, the documents Bethany was transferring had finished uploading. She rose from her desk, fetched a glass of water, and returned to Kiley, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"If it's gentleness and patience you're seeking, perhaps a kindergarten would be more suitable. There, both principals and teachers consistently exhibit those qualities. However, this is a workplace."

Bethany was willing to explain again, a gesture of goodwill. But if she chose otherwise, Kiley would need to reconsider her own ability to comprehend the material.

“Ms. Holt, it seems you reserve this stern demeanor exclusively for your female colleagues. I suspect you wouldn't dare let the men in our team witness this side of you. They're merely concerned with appearances - fools, one might say!"

At that, Bethany paused, a sly smile flickering in her eyes.

She grasped Kiley's arm, flung open the office door, and announced loudly, "This assistant just described all the male members of Team Four as fools. I'm the newcomer here. Does she speak the truth?"

In an instant, all eyes in the office converged on Bethany, their collective gaze fixed on her with silent intrigue.

Even Colt, who had been buried in a sea of paperwork, looked up in alarm.

He burst out of his office and caught sight of Bethany grappling with Kiley. Colt's face darkened as he barked, "Kiley, my office. Now!"

Kiley, clearly ruffled, wrenched free from Bethany's grasp and marched to Colt's office, seething.

Bethany, preferring to avoid any unnecessary drama, retreated back to her desk.