Chapter 7: I Couldn’t Let the Child be Born
Troy’s stern gaze swept over Imogen’s expressionless face and then shifted to Charlene, sending a cold shiver down their spines. “You two are truly interesting,” he stated with a firm tone. “As directors, you argue and fight in front of the employees. Is this the example you wish to set for our company?”
The employees, cowed by Troy’s presence, hastily retracted their necks and avoided eye contact, captivated by the tense exchange before them.
Seizing the opportunity, Charlene swiftly spoke up, attempting to turn the tables in her favor. “Mr. Marshall, I was simply working when Ms. Forbes suddenly rushed over and created a scene, indiscriminately hitting me. Can someone who behaves like that truly be a brand director?”
Troy’s steely gaze turned to Imogen, and he spoke coldly, “Apologize.”
Though Imogen knew she wasn’t at fault, she could not voice her objections. With a deep breath and a clenched fist, she replied resolutely, “After Ms. Johnson.’
Her actions spoke of her determination not to apologize until Charlene did so first. Charlene, however, met Troy’s gaze defiantly and insisted, “But Mr. Marshall, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Before Imogen could respond, Troy interrupted firmly, “I said apologize.”
His unwavering voice left no room for negotiation, and Imogen looked up incredulously at his cold expression, her heart tingling with unease.
He didn’t even ask for the facts or listen to her side of the story.
Troy’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he reiterated, “I’ll repeat it. Apologize to her.” Imogen’s fist clenched even tighter, her nails digging into her palm, but the pressure was too great to resist. She reluctantly turned to Charlene and managed to force a few words from her throat. “Sorry.”
The word seemed to etch a triumphant smile onto Charlene’s lips, and she responded proudly, “Apology accepted. But don’t think I’ll forgive you next time.”
Ignoring the taunt, Imogen pressed on, determined to know the reason behind Charlene’s actions. “However, Ms. Johnson, would you care to explain why you need to replace the spokesperson for the McKesson brand?”
Still wearing her confident smile, Charlene looked at Troy and confidently replied, “Mr. Marshall told me to do so.”
Imogen’s eyes widened in disbelief as she waited for Troy to deny it, but to her surprise, he remained silent. Instead, he turned and walked toward the CEO’s office.
“Ms. Forbes, come to my office,” he instructed, jolting Imogen from her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she shot a fleeting glare at Charlene before following Troy, her heart heavy with unanswered questions.
After arriving at Troy’s office, Imogen couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer and asked directly, “Mr. Marshall, why did you replace Xena?”
Troy settled into his chair behind the desk, giving Imogen a fleeting glance but avoiding a direct answer. Instead, he shifted the topic unexpectedly. “What is your reply to the divorce agreement?”
The sudden shift caught Imogen off guard, and she replied, “I’ve been busy lately, so I haven’t had a chance to read it yet. But since you’re in a hurry, I’ll make sure to read it tonight.”
Troy paused, gazing at Imogen intently. “Okay,” he replied simply.
His simple response left Imogen feeling bitter, coupled with the question that had been haunting her for so long. She wanted to know what his answer would be, but she didn’t have a chance to do so. But it seemed fate had given her an opportunity. Thus, she inhaled deeply, mustering her courage, and asked, stuttering, “If… if we have a child, will you still pursue divorce?”
Cruelly, Troy’s swift and decisive reply crushed the last shred of hope within her. “It won’t happen. And even if it were to happen, I couldn’t let the child be born.”
Imogen’s world felt like it was crumbling around her, and she struggled to find words
to say. All she managed to say was, “I see.”
Taking a deep breath, she decided to address the matter quickly and leave so as not to prolong her suffering. “By the way, you already approved the plan, Mr. Marshall. So why do you want to replace Xena?”
It seemed odd for Troy to intervene in such a minor matter.
“I have a plan in mind,” Troy replied briefly, not divulging further details to Imogen. However, this only fueled Imogen’s curiosity. “I’ve been in charge of McKesson since the beginning, and you’ve rarely interfered with its development. If you wanted to change the spokesperson, why didn’t you discuss it with me first?”
Changing the spokesperson was more than just à single decision. It would have ripple effects on various aspects of the brand, from appeasing Xena’s team to redesigning advertising plans and coordinating schedules with the new spokesperson,
photographers, and others. The entire brand direction and promotion plan would need adjustments as well.
Troy leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs as he replied curtly, “I replaced her with Sarah.”
The name hit Imogen like a lightning bolt, leaving her momentarily stunned. It took her a while to regain her composure and ask in a daze, “Do you mean Sarah Page?” Troy confirmed with a nod, tapping his fingers firmly on the table. “She needs this endorsement as her first stepping stone when she returns to Canada for further development.”
Imogen felt as though the air had turned into a sharp blade, stabbing her heart and
lungs with agonizing pain. The news of Sarah being chosen as the replacement shook her deeply, leaving her grappling with the complex emotions within her.