"Andrew, I'm not leaving." His fists clenched at his sides. "I know I'm not as capable as you yet, but I want to try. Please, give me a chance."
"A chance?" I signaled HR to send the termination notice immediately. "You think an intern is worthy of negotiating the Zhou deal? You?"
His jaw tightened. "Andrew, you can't fire me without cause."
I looked down at him, letting my contempt show. "Your performance is substandard. You failed your probation. That is cause enough."
I leaned in close. My voice dropped to a whisper. "Out of humanitarian pity, I'll give you ten thousand bucks in severance. But you—get out. Now."
Before he could respond, the office door slammed open.
The sharp staccato of high heels cut through the tension. Jade Henson marched in.
For years, she had rarely stepped foot in the company, entrusting everything to me. One hundred percent faith in my judgment.
But today, she didn't even glance in my direction. She walked straight to Max's side and, in front of the entire staff, ripped the termination notice in half.
Her hand settled on his shoulder. Her voice dripped with a gentleness I hadn't heard in years.