The Rise of David
Copyright© 2025 by RichXpower
Chapter 40: Claptrap
Unlike the others, David snorted in response. Zayne was furious at his reaction.
“What’s with you, David?” Zayne asked with an irritated tone.
“Oh, nothing. I’m just amazed at how a person with your puny departmental managerial post would dare to form cliques in the company.”
Contempt was written all over David’s face.
“Okay, you’re right. I’m only a departmental manager. But too bad for you, I’m still your superior. Now, I’d like to announce that you’re fired!” Zayne let out a cold smile. Xavier was the one who wanted to keep you here only to humiliate you. But now that he’s gone, I have no reason to keep you around anymore.
“You have no rights to fire me,” David answered flatly.
“I have the absolute right! I’m your superior! Whatever I say in the sales department is final. No one can stop me from firing you. Don’t you have a mansion already? What are you still doing here? Experiencing life? Leave now!” Zayne thundered. I must get rid of you. You’re like a ticking time bomb! All you do is disrupt my department.
Upon hearing that, Maria jumped to David’s defense.
“Zayne, David has just secured a contract with Cosmic Chemical. Must you...”
“Shut up!” Zayne immediately cut Maria off.
“Are you into him? Why are you defending him? Because of him, you bailed on the dinner I’d organized with all my heart. We didn’t even get to discuss our marriage! You’re into him, aren’t you?”
Zayne’s words had put Maria on the spot, and awkwardness overwhelmed her.
“W-What nonsense are you on about? That day, David was in trouble. All I did was inform his parents about it. Why would you think otherwise?” Maria explained hastily.
“Cut the crap! No one can stop me from firing him today!” Zayne’s eyes widened as he glared fiercely at David.
David then came to a realization. Oh? So the reason you’re in such a terrible mood today is that Maria bailed on the dinner for me?
Everyone in the sales department stood quietly. No one was willing to defend David, not even Troy.
Lydia was gloating within. Not because David was getting fired, but she was glad to see Zayne and Maria getting into a fight. If they break up, I can finally get together with Zayne!
Indeed, Zayne had cheated on Maria with Lydia multiple times. Throughout the affair, Lydia was always the initiator. She had even become Maria’s best friend just so that she could spend more time with Zayne.
Ultimately, Lydia was over the moon about the damaged relationship between Zayne and Maria.
“Mr. Carlson, why would you...” Hilda tried to defend David.
“Shut your mouth! If you wish to quit, then get lost as well!” Zayne cut Hilda off in anger.
With an emotionless gaze, David said, “You have no right to fire me. If someone were to get fired today, I have a feeling that person is you!”
“What are you talking about?” Zayne burst into laughter.
“David, stop being so full of yourself! I’m the head of the department. Unfortunately for you, that means I’m your superior. I can fire whoever I wish! Who’s going to fire me? You? Come on, know your place!”
“I do know my place. It’s you who can’t seem to figure out where you stand. Soon you’ll find out which one of us is getting the boot.” David then went back and sat down at his desk.
Upon seeing David sitting down at his desk, Zayne went berserk. “Hey, David! How shameless can you be? What are you still doing here?”
“I’ve never seen such a shameless person! You’ve been fired, David! Leave!” Lydia mocked while laughing sinisterly.
“Exactly! Just leave! Don’t be such a bad vibe in the sales department!”
“Are you worried that you can’t find another job? Why are you refusing to leave?”
“I’ve never seen such a shameless person who refuses to leave even after getting fired!”
Everyone in the sales department mocked David while fawning over Zayne.
“Don’t worry. I’m not staying in the sales department.” David gathered his belongings and headed out.
“David, wait up!” Hilda chased after him.
Although she had been angry at David, she couldn’t bear to see him leave. “David, if you’re leaving, I’m leaving too! It’s such a lousy company, anyway.”
“Don’t be rash. I’m not leaving the company entirely. I’m just leaving the sales department. You should stay! It’s not a lousy company. It’s just Zayne being a pain in the *ss.” David smiled.
“Oh? So you’re just going to work in another department?” Hilda was stumped.
“Well, you can say that!” David nodded.
Knowing that David was still going to be around, Hilda didn’t say another word.
“David, do you need my help to find a new job?” Maria approached him and asked.
“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary!” David left after that.
Zayne let out a long sigh of relief upon seeing David gone. I’ve wanted you gone for a long time now! You’ve always been against me in every single thing. Now, no one is going to stand against me.
“Get back to work, everyone. Stop discussing the issue surrounding the general manager post. Whoever the headquarters sends here, we’ll be all right as long as we stand united!” Zayne told the rest after David left.
But not long after everyone had gotten back to their desks, the secretary of the general manager arrived at the sales department.
“Mr. Carlson, Ms. Sullivan is here. She wants everyone in the conference room. She has an announcement to make,” the secretary said.
“Ms. Lane, is the announcement regarding the appointment of our new general manager?” Zayne asked with a smile.
“Should be!” She nodded.
“Do you know who has Ms. Sullivan brought along for the announcement? Is the person a man or a woman, Ms. Lane?”
Zayne was eager to find out more information about his future superior.
“Ms. Sullivan came alone!” Amelia responded.
“Ms. Sullivan didn’t bring anyone?”
Zayne paused for a moment and asked, “Is Ms. Sullivan not going to appoint someone from the headquarters?”
“No. Ms. Sullivan is promoting from within. Go and gather your staff, Mr. Carlson. Head over to the conference room as soon as possible.” Amelia then left right after she spoke.
Zayne was stunned. He furrowed his brows as he walked into the office. Then, he announced to the others, “Drop whatever you’re doing. We need to go to the conference room.”
“Mr. Carlson, is this regarding the appointment of our new general manager?” one of the staff asked.
“Yes. Ms. Sullivan is here for that.” Zayne nodded.
“Mr. Carlson, who is it? Is the person a man or a woman?” Lydia asked anxiously.
“I don’t know, but the person is not from the headquarters. I heard it’s a promotion from within,” Zayne answered with a puzzled tone.
Upon hearing that, everyone was shocked. Discussions among themselves followed. “Who else in the company is qualified to hold the general manager position?”
“I think Mr. Carlson is qualified! Our department has just secured a contract with Cosmic Chemical. The headquarters must’ve known as well!”
“I also think that Mr. Carlson is the right person for the job. A general manager needs to know our products inside out. Who else knows the best, if not the Manager of the sales department?”
“Mr. Carlson, you mustn’t forget about us once you’re made a general manager!”
Everyone started fawning over Zayne as if he had already been appointed the position.
After having his boots licked, Zayne smiled happily and said, “Once I’m appointed, I’ll make sure the sales department gets treated even better!” He then waved to gesture appreciation.
“Mr. Carlson, you’re the best!”
“You’re awesome, Mr. Carlson. I’m sure the position is all yours!”
“Once Mr. Carlson becomes our general manager, our departmental manager has got to be Maria! Congratulations, Maria!”
Some of them had even gone to the extent to congratulate Maria.
After all, they were well aware of the relationship between Zayne and Maria. If Zayne were to be appointed, he surely would promote Maria.
Everyone started cheering for Maria. Although filled with jealousy, Lydia put on her fake smile and congratulated her as well.
“All right, let’s get to the conference room. Appointments aren’t even made yet!” Zayne urged.
Zayne and the rest then moved toward the conference room.
When they walked into the room, they saw David wiping one of the chairs with a napkin. After he was done cleaning the seat, he sat on it.
“David?” Zayne was startled when he saw David in there. “What are you doing here? Who let you in? I thought I’d already asked you to leave?”
“This is neither the sales department nor your house. Why do you care so much?” David grinned.
“Do you have any idea where you are right now, David? Besides, do you know who that seat is reserved for? You’re asking for trouble!”
Lydia thundered when she saw David sitting on the seat reserved for the Chairman.
“David, what are you doing here? Have you been transferred to the cleaning department?” Hilda was puzzled.
She thought David had become a cleaner because she saw him wiping the seat.
“David, that’s where the Chairman sits. Not even a general manager is qualified to sit there. Get up,” Maria said. With her eyes, she then hinted at David to leave.
She was worried that if David was seen by the higher-ups, he could be chased away for good.