No Wife, No Life Chapter 186

Felix had always given Harper a hard time before. Little did he expect that Harper, harboring no grudges, would actually promote him to Vice President.

"So, what do you think? I did my homework on you. Though you're straightforward, your work ethic remains commendably diligent." Harper said, looking him straight in the eye.

Then, Harper handed him a set of commemorative coins. "I know you like collecting these, so I got you a set as a promotional gift."

She really knew how to win people over, catering to their interests.

With the promotion and the gift, Felix's eyes lit up. "Thanks, Ms. Orsini. You can count on me from now on."

Harper had her own plans. She had just joined FusionX Company and needed trustworthy people around her to navigate the challenges ahead. Felix was her top choice.

Out of gratitude, Felix revealed that the board executives had a scheme. They planned to use Harper to secure contracts and subsequently compel her to resign.

Leaning in, Felix whispered, "I heard they’re going to frame you for stealing company secrets."

Harper chuckled softly. "Will I be imprisoned for stealing company secrets?"

Felix nodded. Harper had already suspected as much. They wouldn't have made her CEO without a hidden agenda.

"I will root out those plotting against me and kick them out of FusionX Company," Harper declared firmly. She was not one to show mercy in such matters.

Felix said, "Ms. Orsini, we're on the same team now. You can't get into trouble, or I'll be in deep water too."

"Don't worry; if anyone's in trouble, it'll be them," Harper reassured him.

Just as Felix was about to leave, he remembered something. "Oh, Ms. Orsini, the financial summit is coming up, and the company is holding an emergency meeting. I'm here to inform you."

Harper nodded slightly, checking the time. The meeting was about to start. 

Felix led her to the top-floor conference room, which was already filled with people.

Harper took her seat and noticed Manuel hadn't arrived yet. Just as she was about to call him, Manuel and his team strolled in, all dressed in black suits and white lab coats, taking their seats on either side of the long table.

Everyone stood to greet Manuel, except Harper, who remained seated, quietly reviewing her notes. Harper then began her report on recent work and plans for the financial summit.

After her presentation, one of Manuel's assistants raised the issue of research funding. 

Manuel was known for his extravagant spending, which had led to a cash flow problem. That was why he reached out to Harper, inviting her to become his partner.

Harper frowned at the report they handed her. "This is a lot of money. I'll review it and get back to you. If anyone has suggestions, feel free to share. For now, the meeting's over."

She didn't immediately agree to Manuel's request. Just then, a researcher sitting next to Manuel spoke up. "Ms. Orsini, can I bring up something else?"

Another topic? Harper leaned back in her chair, eyes half-closed. This was clearly aimed at her and unlikely to be pleasant. They were trying to intimidate her.

Manuel, lounging with his legs crossed, looked amused. 

"Additional topics should be discussed privately," Harper said, dismissing the request.

"It's not really an additional topic. It’s closely related to our lab work," the researcher insisted before Harper could respond. "Ms. Orsini wore high heels in our lab. With all the delicate equipment, what if you tripped and damaged something? Even the cheapest equipment costs millions. Can you take responsibility for that?"

Everyone turned to Harper, their eyes filled with blame and doubt. How could she handle being CEO like this?

Harper had only visited the lab briefly and hadn't expected them to make an issue of it. She remained calm and unflustered. "It seems I didn't consider that. I apologize," she said evenly.

The researcher smirked, but Harper continued, "Regarding our lab, Mr. Bailey and I have established some rules. As you mentioned, the equipment is valuable, and we can't afford to waste company resources."

She picked up a remote and displayed the lab rules on the screen. "Non-operators are not allowed to handle equipment, turn devices on or off, or tamper with them. Since Mr. Bailey and I set these rules, I won't break them. However..."

She paused, scanning the room. "Since you brought this up, let's clarify things."

Harper played a video on her phone, showing numerous instances of researchers violating lab protocols. Some were mishandling equipment, and one female researcher had knocked over a petri dish.

The researcher who had spoken up turned red with embarrassment. 

Harper shook her head, her tone icy. "I'm not trying to be difficult, but rules are meant to be followed."

Manuel uncrossed his legs and sat up straight, his casual demeanor gone. "Ms. Orsini," he began urgently.

"Mr. Bailey," Harper interrupted, "rules are rules. Violations result in termination. We agreed on this, didn't we?"

Manuel had no response. The researchers, shocked by the mention of termination, turned pale.

However, they remained hopeful, as they were under Manuel's protection. Although Harper held the title of Executive President, she had no real authority.

At this thought, a relaxed expression again graced their faces. Harper displayed a sardonic smile and began to speak slowly.