Chapter 15: Rejecting Byron

"I'm firmly against Byron Qualls joining us!" Smack!  Ashlyn slammed her hand on the table and raised her voice. "He's an ex-convict. Hiring him will seriously damage the company's image. We're the Thubron Group, a major corporation. How can we put someone with a criminal record in charge?" Her voice rang through the office, setting off a ripple of agreement. People who had already been startled and displeased by Byron's arrival spoke up one after another. "Ashlyn's right! How can an ex-convict be our boss?" someone said. "We're all graduates of top universities. We worked hard to get into the Thubron Group. Why should an ex-convict boss us around?" another employee called out. "We must never let him lead us. We won't be able to show our faces in the industry," a senior staffer said, his fist clenched. Seeing the tide turn her way, Ashlyn grew smug. Folding her arms, she looked Byron up and down. "Byron, look around. Nobody wants you here. If you have any self-respect, just leave. Stop embarrassing yourself." Byron frowned. He was about to speak, but the rising chorus swallowed his voice. "What gives an ex-convict the right to work at the Thubron Group?" "Get out, you're hurting the company's image." The resistance swelled, and the scene tipped into chaos. Aliana tried to steady the room. "Everyone, quiet!" she called. "Byron was personally appointed as medical consultant by Ms. Thubron. He must be very capable. We should trust Ms. Thubron's decision." It did not help. No one listened. The pushback surged on. Aliana's nerves frayed. She wove through the crowd, urging people to calm down, but it was useless. "What's all this commotion during work hours?" Kara had arrived. She crossed the floor with poise, authority in every step. At the sight of her, the room fell still. Everyone knew her temper and did not dare test it. Kara's gaze swept the room, her clear eyes carrying a quiet sharpness. "What happened?" she asked coolly. Aliana hurried over. "Ms. Thubron, everyone's unhappy about Byron's appointment. They're fighting it." "What's the issue with this?" Kara asked, frowning. Before Aliana could answer, Ashlyn stepped forward. Chin lifted, she declared, "Ms. Thubron, Byron stabbed someone and did time. He has a criminal record. Letting him join the Thubron Group will seriously damage our image. We can't let someone like that lead us. You should cut our losses now so he doesn't hurt the company's growth." Ashlyn looked at Kara with pride, already picturing herself being praised for removing a hidden risk. Desmond stepped out to back her. "Ms. Thubron, Ashlyn is right. We can't let an ex-convict lead us. It's a huge blow to our reputation." Two or three dozen senior staff followed suit, adding their voices and painting Byron's past in the worst possible light. Kara listened in silence, her face unreadable. "Are you finished?" she asked, voice cold. Sensing the shift, people traded uneasy looks and fell quiet. Kara's eyes moved from face to face. "Anyone who objects to Byron's appointment is dismissed effective immediately." Shock rippled through the room. Eyes went wide. No one could quite believe what they had heard. Ashlyn stood dumbstruck. She never imagined her grandstanding would end like this. "Ms. Thubron, you… you can't do that! We're doing this for the company!" "Byron is the medical consultant I appointed personally. If you reject him, you reject me." Kara's voice stayed flat. "I won't force anyone to accept my leadership. Go to HR/Payroll, pick up your final paycheck, and leave." Her words landed with a finality that left no room for argument. Ashlyn's face shifted from triumph to shock. Desmond stared, equally stunned; he had expected benefits from siding with Ashlyn, not the loss of his job. Panic set in. Those dismissed rushed to plead. "Ms. Thubron, we were wrong. Please give us another chance." "Ms. Thubron, we'll follow the company's arrangements from now on." Kara did not budge. She turned to Aliana. "Process their terminations immediately." With that, she left the crowd behind and walked straight to Byron. "Don't take their words to heart," she said, "I trust your abilities. With you on board, the Thubron Group will move further ahead." Byron gave a small nod. "Thank you for your trust, Ms. Thubron. But I don't think firing them is necessary. Give them another chance." "But they…" Kara frowned. Byron lifted a shoulder. "I'm not so petty that I can't stomach a little dissent." "All right." Kara inclined her head. She looked at the employees, her tone authoritative. "You should thank Byron. If not for his generosity, you'd be out of a job. Now, apologize to him sincerely." They exchanged glances. It stung their pride, but they wanted to keep their jobs. One after another, they stepped forward, bowed their heads, and said, "Mr. Qualls, we were wrong. We're sorry." Aliana and Desmond stood to the side, both looking grim. They had once looked down on Byron, yet here they were, lowering their heads for the sake of their work. Aliana bit her lip, walked up to Byron, and gave a small bow. "Mr. Qualls, I apologize for my earlier behavior." Desmond hurried to follow. "Mr. Qualls, I was wrong too. Please forgive me." Byron lifted his chin slightly, his expression calm. "Remember this. Don't be so quick to look down on people." They nodded in quick agreement. Once Kara agreed, the staff returned to their desks and resumed work. After that, under Aliana's guidance, Byron familiarized himself with the company's departments and workflows. He walked through bright, spacious offices, watched people moving at a steady clip, and formed a first impression of his new role. "Mr. Qualls, as medical consultant, you mainly advise leadership on major decisions and maintain relationships with important clients. You'll also take part in key business events," Aliana explained, laying out his responsibilities and authority in detail. Byron listened and nodded along, a clearer picture of his place in the Thubron Group taking shape in his mind. The day slipped by. Byron was about to head home for dinner when Kara came to his office, smiling. "Byron, last time you left so quickly I didn't get the chance to treat you. Let's grab a simple meal at a restaurant near the office." He studied her cool, striking features, considered a moment, then nodded. "I won't say no to that, Ms. Thubron." They left the building and went to a nearby five-star restaurant. Fresh flowers stood at the entrance, and the glass doors caught the light. Inside, lilting music drifted through the air, and the soft lighting set a romantic mood. A server led them to a window seat. When the menus arrived, Kara inclined her head for Byron to order first. He asked for a steak and a coffee; she chose escargot and a glass of juice. Her phone rang. She answered, a faint crease between her brows, apology flickering in her eyes. Rising from her chair, she said, "Byron, I'm sorry. Something urgent at the company needs my attention." Byron nodded for her to go. Kara left in a hurry, and Byron sat alone at the table. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and let the music wash over him, trying to unwind. The calm did not last. A surprised voice rang out, cutting through the music. Byron opened his eyes, his expression hardening.  Not far away, Anastasia was there with Otis. She wore head-to-toe designer, makeup meticulous, but her sharp, mean streak still broke through. He sported a designer suit, hair slicked to a shine, the picture of swagger and entitlement. When bitter enemies cross paths, sparks fly.