Chapter 312

"Victor, you've been with the Martin Group for many years, haven't you?" Evelyn's tone was icy, deliberately avoiding the respectful "Mr. Mills" that Sophia used.

Victor's expression tightened. "Your father and I have been partners for decades. Since you don't live with the Martins, you might not understand. Sophia knows exactly how close I am to this family."

"Victor, I'm simply asking how long you've worked here. Your personal relationship with my father is irrelevant." Evelyn's sharp retort darkened Victor's face.

Sophia tugged at Evelyn's sleeve, silently urging her to stop. But one cold glance from Evelyn made her freeze mid-motion.

Evelyn continued, "Victor, in all your years here, this is the first time a layoff has led to a suicide attempt, correct?"

"Obviously," Victor snapped.

"Since it's unprecedented, we handle it differently." Evelyn strode to the sofa and sat. She turned to Alexander's secretary. "Do we have files on the two employees who jumped?"

"Right here, Ms. Martin."

Evelyn skimmed the documents, then locked eyes with Victor. "Their contracts were expiring this month. If laid off, they'd receive severance. Doesn't their timing seem...convenient?"

"Ms. Martin, you've never worked here. You don't understand operations. Those men were desperate to keep their jobs. Their actions, while extreme, were understandable. But the company comes first." Victor's glare burned with resentment.

Evelyn smirked. "Victor, I can't tell—are you defending the Martin Group or those reckless employees?"

"The Martin Group, of course," Victor growled.

"Good. For a moment, I thought you sympathized with the jumpers." Evelyn's stare didn’t waver.

Victor bristled. "What’s that supposed to mean? Sophia, listen to her! After everything I’ve done for this family, even William never spoke to me like this!"

"Mr. Mills, please—Evelyn’s just concerned about the company," Sophia interjected weakly, shooting Evelyn a pleading look.

Evelyn ignored her. "Victor, go to the hospital. Offer them new positions and full compensation if they agree to settle quietly. If not, we’ll sue. Their contracts are nearly void anyway. The law will side with us."

"And who are you to give such orders?" Victor sneered.

Evelyn’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. "I may not have grown up here, but I’m a Martin. That makes me an heir. Any problem with me delegating this? Though, if you refuse, I’ll find someone else. Secretaries are replaceable."

"You—!" Victor choked on his fury. Finally, he spat, "I demand to see William. He’s the only one who can—"

"Then consider yourself on leave, Victor. You’ve served my father long enough. Take a break." Evelyn’s voice was lethally calm.