Chapter 323:
“If Vivien genuinely had the talent, I wouldn’t interfere,” Freya admitted earnestly. “However, she’s neither hardworking nor meticulous, and she exploits her position to intimidate others. The company cannot condone keeping such a person.”
“Huh?” Hugh responded, clearly taken aback. Freya’s portrayal starkly contradicted his own perceptions of Vivien.
Freya gave him a puzzled look, one brow slightly raised.
“From what I’ve seen, Vivien might not be as sharp as you, but she has consistently shown herself to be straightforward and diligent,” Hugh said thoughtfully. “I remember once when I visited…”
Then he noticed that Freya wasn’t really interested in the specifics and simply said with a curt nod, “I saw her doing research and handling work at home.”
Freya slowly closed the contract she had been holding, her movements deliberate.
She had just finished dealing with Ashley’s issues, and now it seemed Vivien was next in line.
“I didn’t think she’d go as far as pretending to be diligent right in front of me.” Hugh’s tone shifted, a bit more weight behind his words now.
Freya hesitated for a brief second before impulsively blurting out, “Do you really trust what I’m telling you?”
Maybe it was the way Kristian had never truly trusted her—or the string of recent misunderstandings that wore her down. Hearing Hugh speak with such sincerity made her heart clench nervously in her chest.
“You’re my daughter,” Hugh responded firmly, his voice filled with genuine affection. “Of course, I would trust you.” His words carried the comforting confidence that only a parent could offer. “I know your character well enough, as your father.”
In his eyes, Freya had always been direct and fair, never intentionally harming or misleading anyone. He knew this clearly and deeply respected her integrity.
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝓶𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻
“Relax,” he assured her gently. “I’ll discuss this properly with Vivien’s mother.” He understood exactly how Freya felt about the matter and added decisively, “In a few days, I’ll move Vivien to training. It might finally teach her a thing or two.”
Freya didn’t have much to say about the outcome.
Yet, as her mind wandered back to Vivien’s earlier words, she absentmindedly twirled the contract between her fingers and sighed. “She once threatened me, claiming that once her father found out, I’d be shown the door.”
Hugh’s face faltered for a brief moment. What wild tales had Vivien been spinning this time?
“Her father has no say over you, much less the right to meddle in Briggs Group’s business,” Hugh declared, his stance unwavering.
Freya’s eyes met his, her expression unreadable, ensuring he didn’t feel cornered. “Next time I step foot into the company, I expect her to be nowhere near the planning department. If she can’t cut it after training, then she should be let go.”
Dismissals at Briggs Group weren’t handed out on a whim. If an employee underperformed, they’d be given paid training for half a month or even a full month. Only if they still couldn’t meet the standards would they be reassigned—and only then, if nothing improved, would they be let go. Vivien’s incompetence had long crossed the line.
“Understood.” Hugh nodded, fully backing Freya, his cherished daughter.
As the conversation wrapped up, Hugh observed that Freya seemed a little distant, her demeanor still cool. He hesitated, clearing his throat before speaking. “When we step outside, you should make the announcement. It wouldn’t be proper for me to do it.”
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