Chapter 706
Victor already had his assistant inform the employees about having a meeting at three-thirty. When they heard about Sophie’s return, they were all thrilled and overjoyed.
“I know you have other matters to attend to, Ms. Sophie, so I’ll head back first.” Wilma didn’t want to hold up Sophie’s time.
“Did you drive here? If you need a ride, I can ask someone to give you a ride back.” It’s difficult to hail a taxi in this weather.
Wilma beamed gleefully.
She never knew pregnancy would bring her such bliss.
In the past, the sight of pregnant mothers would always arouse pity within her heart, for she thought they must be exhausted. However, she never knew why they wore blissful smiles on their faces.
“I drove here. I’m only one month along, so it doesn’t affect much,” Wilma assured with a smile.
Sophie felt happy for Wilma, seeing the joyful look on her face.
“Be careful then. It’s dangerous to drive in this weather. I’ll drop by Transfix Cosmetics in a couple of days when I’m free.”
Sophie hadn’t been visiting the company much since it got on track. She wondered how everyone was doing there.
“Sure, Ms. Sophie. I’m sure Wendy and the rest will be thrilled if they know you’ll drop by.”
The girls in Transfix Cosmetics like Ms. Sophie a lot.
Sophie hummed in response and saw Wilma off.
After Wilma left, Victor was done making the necessary preparations and notified Sophie, “Ms. Sophie, let’s head to the conference room. Everyone has been waiting for you.”
“Okay.”
Relief washed over the executives when they saw Sophie step into the conference room. They were all happy to see her return safely and soundly.
“I know the company’s been through a lot recently, and some shareholders have divested, but that’s fine. Those matters aren’t going to affect Tanner Group’s development. I hope everyone in this room can work together to take Tanner Group to a new height!”
Sophie’s voice wasn’t booming, but every word she uttered was impactful.
Her encouragement convinced her subordinates in the room of the bright future ahead of them and provided them with confidence.
“Rest assured, Ms. Sophie. We’ll work even harder. I’m sure Tanner Group will achieve greater heights!”
“That’s right, Ms. Sophie. Those shareholders who divested lack insight. They’ll regret it one day.”
“Thank you all very much for your trust in me. You still being here means you’re confident with Tanner Group’s prospects. Christmas is just around the corner, so let’s work hard for a few more days before we get to enjoy the holiday.”
It had been an eventful year.
For most people, surviving the year safely was challenging enough, much less earning a profit.
However, despite the economic recession, Tanner Group managed to maintain steady earnings.
Naturally, the credit for that achievement went to Sophie’s excellent management and the employees’ hard work.
“I guarantee that you all will be satisfied with the year-end bonus.” Sophie was aware that the economy was the driving force behind the employees’ motivation.
The terrible economy that year resulted in the bankruptcy of numerous smaller companies. Surprisingly, Tanner Group could still afford its employees’ annual bonuses.
“Ms. Sophie, we’re grateful enough to have a secure job.”
“Don’t worry. With me here, Tanner Group will not fall, so everyone can rest assured. I can afford your annual bonuses too.”
Knowing they would still have an annual bonus despite the year’s hardships, happiness radiated through the employees of Tanner Group.
That’s how a leader should be. Ms. Sophie is too remarkable.
Victor immediately had his secretary pour Sophie a glass of warm water when they returned to his office.
“Thank you for your hard work, Ms. Sophie. Year-end bonuses are quite high in recent years, so it’s not going to be a small amount if you’re planning to reward every employee.”
Victor knew every employee was excited about receiving their bonuses, but it would cost the company a fortune.
“Don’t worry, Victor. We’ll regain the funds by February next year. Trust me.”
Sophie reached for her glass and took a sip. The office was warm with the heater on, so she only wore a thin black garment, which made her appear even younger than she already was.
It was surprising to think that such a young lady who wasn’t even twenty had the capability to manage the company well. In fact, not even one of her employees had a single bad thing to say about her management.
“All right. Got it.”
“Have the finance department do the accounting and grant everyone their bonuses.”
“Will do, Ms. Sophie.” Naturally, Victor had no objections to that. He would, of course, respect Sophie’s decision.
“Will you come to the annual party and give it to them personally?” Victor knew how busy she was recently.
Also, her leg hadn’t completely recovered.
“We’ll see by then. Has the date been set for the party? Let me know once it’s set. I’ll come if I have the time.”
I should attend such a crucial event and celebrate with everyone.
“Sure. I’ll have the finance department do the accounting and ensure everyone gets their bonuses before Christmas.”
Everyone would get to celebrate their holidays with joy if they received their bonuses after a busy year.
It was common knowledge that the employees’ salaries of a big company like Tanner Group wouldn’t be meager.
However, the fact that they worked in the big city meant their cost of living was high. Some employees had to rent their accommodations and pay for their daily expenses. By the end of the year, they wouldn’t have much savings.
Moreover, a majority of the population was living from paycheck to paycheck.
That was why the staff was so excited after hearing that they would get their bonuses.
They had to buy Christmas presents for their family, after all.
Otherwise, they would’ve been embarrassed to return home empty-handed with everyone knowing they worked in the city for a large corporate.
It was only half past four by the time Sophie settled the affairs of Tanner Group. She decided to meet up with Tristan. On the way out of the building, every employee beamed at her as they greeted her.
Their bright mood and happy faces lifted Sophie’s spirits as well. The cold mask she usually wore was absent as she reciprocated each of their greetings.
“I seriously think we’re so lucky to work for Tanner Group. A few of my friends got fired because their companies didn’t want to give them their employees bonuses.”
“Yeah! I heard about that too! Many companies are coming up with all kinds of excuses to fire their employees due to their unwillingness to pay their employees’ paychecks and bonuses.”
“Ms. Sophie is my goddess! I was worried about how I should explain to my parents when I return home for Christmas. I felt bad for going home without any savings when I’ve been working in Jipsdale for a whole year.”
Others wouldn’t understand how they felt.
It might seem like they had high salaries, but so were their expenses. As such, it wasn’t a surprise for them to not have any savings.
Sophie left Tanner Group under the grateful gazes of her employees and headed to Lombard Group. Since the employees of Lombard Group were well acquainted with Sophie, they greeted her as she walked into the building.
