Chapter 14 - Take the fall
645 Words
To Ningning's surprise, it was a set of rules. Her eyes faltered and dimmed as she gazed at it, wondering why she was even curious to see if that midnight mistake had actually done any good for once.
After finishing her meal, she grabbed her bag and stepped toward the entrance when a guard approached, bowing his head. "Good morning, Mrs. Ford."
"Good morning," she replied.
"Are you stepping out, madam?"
"Yes, I am," she said.
Without hesitation, the guard quickly ran ahead, signaling for a car to move into position at the entrance. She stood there, observing the scene. Immediately, a car pulled up and stopped right in front of her. The guard rushed forward, opened the back door, and motioned for her to enter.
She blinked in surprise. The guard smiled and said, "Madam, Mr. Ford insisted on ensuring your safety."
Ningning's eyes flickered. "Um, I can actually drive myself," she murmured.
The guard nodded. "It's fine. Let us drive you around for at least a week. Anywhere you want to go."
With no real choice, Ningning got into the car.
At Bloomers building, the car pulled to a stop. She stepped out, sunglasses in place, eyes lifting to the towering structure. Just as she was about to enter, two workers hurried out.
"Miss, you're here," they said. She looked at them, unfamiliar but they still escorted her inside.
She found herself seated among a group of directors.
"Miss Ningning, we didn't expect you so soon." The brand director and senior executive were already seated, looking slightly surprised to see her in person.
“Miss Ningning," the director greeted.
Calmly, Ningning replied, "I prefer to handle things directly."
They continued, “We received notice that you intended to withdraw from the endorsement.” The director's tone was cautious.
“We wanted to confirm if this decision still stands or if adjustments can be made. We’re open to increasing your compensation," he added.
Ningning's expression shifted. She leaned back slightly. "It seems there was a misunderstanding.”
The room fell silent. Ningning continued, "I have no intention of withdrawing. In fact, I will continue all scheduled campaigns."
Relief briefly flickered across their faces.
“But!" Ningning's voice suddenly cut through, tense the room once more. All eyes fixed on her.
She tilted her head, looking calm. “But I will be in charge of my own decisions from now on."
Their expressions shifted to confusion.
"I mean, instead of my manager making decisions for me, I will be the one deciding," she clarified, louder this time.
The director's face changed. “Oh, we didn't realize that was what you meant. Hope there won’t be too many issues on your end?”
Ningning smiled. “Nothing much—just some loose ends that will be sorted out sooner than expected."
"That's good to hear," the executive said. “Your presence has been very beneficial to the brand."
Ningning nodded slightly. "Then we are aligned."
The meeting ended smoothly, papers signed, and some of the directors left. The brand director stayed behind, standing to greet Ningning.
“Thank you for your patience with us," he said.
Just as Ningning was about to reply, the door burst open. Her manager stormed in, face tense and eyes blazing. "What’s the meaning of this? You came here and made decisions without telling me?"
Ningning wasn't surprised; she expected this reaction.
The remaining executives exchanged awkward glances but said nothing.
Her manager moved closer, voice lowered but tense. "Do you think you can just act on your own? Who authorized this meeting?" He pointed at her.
Ningning finally looked up, calm. "I did," she said.
He let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You did? Ah.. You’re crossing the line, brat."
Her brows furrowed. Brief silence. She studied him intensely.
"You're fired," she declared.
The room froze. Her manager blinked. "What?"
- Writer
