Chapter 36: This Boss Is Not Sick, Is He?

Raising salaries was certainly reasonable, but such a significant increase was terrifying.

As the Executive Vice President, Ashley essentially managed the entire Great Saint Group, while Edward focused on overarching decisions.

When the boss wanted to spend money, she had to step up and play the villain. If Edward proposed a salary increase, she had to oppose it!

This had been Ashley's approach for years, a strategy she carefully honed:

It showed her alignment with Edward—she was on his side, helping him save money.

If Edward insisted on raising salaries, her resistance would highlight his generosity and benevolence, making him appear even more admirable.

As a result, Ashley didn't have a good reputation among the employees, who often accused her of being Edward's accomplice.

But that didn't bother her. "I earn over ten million a year because of him. If I weren't aligned with him, advocating for employee benefits and constant pay raises, why would he keep me around?"

Ashley saw herself as Edward's "dirty glove." He played the good guy while she handled the unpleasant tasks.

But this time, Edward hadn't discussed the pay raise with her beforehand; he brought it up directly in the meeting, catching her completely off guard.

Ashley stood up and adjusted her glasses. "Boss Edward, as the group's Vice President, it's difficult for me to proceed when such a major decision is announced without prior discussion. How about giving me some time to meet with the financial department and cost analysts to work out a detailed plan before—"

"You'll need a meeting, all right," Edward interrupted, "but the discussion should focus on how to implement my decision as quickly as possible. Inform the publicity department to announce this to all employees. The increase must be executed before the end of the month."

All eyes turned to Ashley.

In the room, she held the highest authority after Edward. Let's see how long you'll keep playing the loyal lackey.

"But determining such a significant raise requires careful calculations—"

Edward smiled. "Ashley, you've worked so hard these past few years."

"For Boss Edward and the Great Saint Group, it's no trouble at all."

"Good." Edward nodded. "Your annual salary will double. Keep up the great work."

Ashley's eyes widened in shock, unable to believe her boss's sudden generosity.

Edward continued, "As for the salary increases for other senior management, I'll leave it to your discretion."

He stepped closer and lightly patted her shoulder. "Don't save money for me."

Ashley was stunned, reeling from this unexpected turn. "Boss Edward, shouldn't we reconsider such a major decision…"

Before she could finish, a senior manager stood up and began clapping enthusiastically. "A round of applause for Boss Edward!"

The meeting room erupted with thunderous applause, accompanied by a chorus of praise.

"Boss Edward is truly bold and visionary!"

"We pledge to share the Great Saint Group's honor and destiny!"

"We will remain loyal and steadfast, with no divided loyalties!"

"Boss Edward is the most conscientious and benevolent leader!"

Ashley frowned. She understood that these people were using applause and flattery to shut her down, solidifying Edward's decision.

Narrowing her eyes, she watched Edward bask in the admiration. Her mind raced. What is he planning? This is too unusual.

Did I miss something? Is he preparing for a major shake-up?

First, he wins people over, stabilizes me with a high salary, and then replaces me as VP?

She had been quietly preparing to leave with a team of loyal subordinates to start her own venture. But now, Edward's actions had left her isolated.

Those who had promised to follow her avoided her gaze. Clearly, with high salaries and stability at Great Saint Group, who would want to risk starting a new with her?

Still, Edward had handed her the authority to determine the salary increases for senior management.

What does this mean?

Ashley, feeling guilty, found her mind churning with possibilities. Her palms were damp with sweat. She sensed a storm brewing within the Great Saint Group—no, it had already begun.

Edward moved around the room, shaking hands and hugging executives as they expressed their gratitude.

Outwardly, he smiled. Internally, he was annoyed:

[ [ "Is this small amount of money really worth all this excitement?" ] ]

[ [ "Ugh, enough already. And why are these men lining up? That guy barely has any hair left—just shave it off!" ] ]

[ [ "Damn it, I'm tired of shaking hands and hugging men. I prefer women, okay?" ] ]

Sophia, standing nearby, burst into laughter.

Edward glanced at her. "What are you laughing at? You're not getting a raise."

Sophia pouted playfully. "Boss Edward is so mean."

Ashley was even more surprised. Sophia was actually flirting with Edward? Hadn't she always tried to keep her distance from him? What's going on with everyone today?

Could it be that Sophia has been Edward's confidante all along? If so, she's terrifying—enduring all the workplace rumors while secretly aligning with Edward. Have we all been fooled?

Edward approached Ashley, who immediately forced a smile.

"No hug?" he asked.

Ashley quickly opened her arms, smiling brightly as she embraced her boss. Internally, she screamed: Don't touch my butt in front of all these people, please!

But Edward kept it professional—a polite, respectful hug, nothing more.

Now Ashley was even more unsettled.

He's lost interest in me?! He didn't even try to grope me!

This is a bad sign. It means he's tired of me, knows I'm a traitor, and is only being superficially polite!

Still smiling awkwardly, she joined the others in clapping.

Edward returned to his seat, sinking into his executive chair with the satisfaction of an emperor. "Alright, everyone, back to your seats. I have another major announcement to make."

The room buzzed with excitement as everyone quickly took their places.

Edward motioned to Sophia, who began playing a slideshow.

"Here," Edward gestured to the screen, "is the urban redevelopment project in the South District. The current progress is less than 30%. Several previous investors have already pulled out and left it unfinished. I've decided we're taking it over."

Ashley turned to look at Edward as if she were staring at a ghost.

What's wrong with him today?!

The South District redevelopment project? The government had approached them several times about it, but she had always brushed them off with polite refusals and complaints, firmly avoiding any involvement.

But now her boss was volunteering to take it on?

It was a money pit—a long-term, resource-draining quagmire with numerous stakeholders and a high risk of financial ruin.

Ashley immediately interjected, "Boss Edward, this project is a minefield. The risks are enormous—time-consuming, costly, and mired in complexities. It's been abandoned to the point of being unsalvageable. Even without a detailed assessment, it's obvious no one would touch it. The four major families in Snow City have all repeatedly refused the government's offers to take it over, and we…"

"I know, I know," Edward drawled, still basking in his self-appointed imperial glory. He waved his hand dismissively and said, "Fortune favors the bold! If you don't sacrifice something, you won't gain anything, right?"

The executives exchanged bewildered glances.

From a professional standpoint, this was a no-brainer. No rational person would take on such a project—it was like throwing money into a fire.

Yet Edward seemed resolute.

Seeing their silence, Edward slammed the table. "It's decided! Don't worry; this is my sole decision. Your only responsibility is execution. If anything goes wrong, I'll take full responsibility. Sophia!"

"Yes, Boss Edward?"

"Record today's meeting and archive it. If I ever blame anyone for this decision, you can all use this recording against me."

"Understood."

Edward smiled. "Feel better now?"

"Boss Edward's decisiveness and leadership are truly emperor-like!"

"Boss Edward has vision beyond what we can comprehend. We'll execute the plan with full commitment!"

"Boss Edward is farsighted and action-oriented. We are mere mortals who can only admire his brilliance!"

"Boss Edward is incredible!"

"Boss Edward is incredible!"

Edward spun his chair, visibly enjoying the flattery, but he noticed Ashley remained silent.

"Ashley, why aren't you saying anything?"

Ashley felt like she was being roasted over an open flame.

"Boss Edward, have I done something wrong? If there's something you want to say, please don't hold back."

Ashley was now certain Edward had discovered her plans. This project wasn't just a bad decision—it was a trap to torment her.

But what exactly Edward planned to do, given his unpredictable nature, was beyond her understanding.

Edward, oblivious to her inner turmoil, glanced around the room. It was obvious to him that everyone's enthusiastic support stemmed from the salary raises and the assurance they bore no risk.

He smiled and said, "I know I haven't always left a good impression on you."

"No, no, Boss Edward, you've always been wonderful. We're all grateful."

"Yes, absolutely."

"Don't lie to me," Edward said as he stood. "I have a few hobbies, and I'll be honest about them today."

Edward began pacing.

"First, I love money. I can never have enough of it. I want to stuff my pockets with every coin in the world!"

The room erupted in laughter.

"Second, I love beautiful women. Doesn't matter if they're young or mature, sexy or cute—I love them all!"

Everyone chuckled knowingly. Edward seemed especially candid today.

"And third," Edward continued, "I love my family."

He slapped the table and declared, "So, from my heart to yours, I want you all to earn money. I want you to be able to date whoever you want. I want you to take care of your families! That's why we're raising salaries and tackling big projects! Any objections?"

The room roared in unison: "We follow Boss Edward's lead! We will carry out Boss Edward's great vision with full dedication!"

Edward grinned and pointed at Ashley. "Ashley, you'll take the lead on this project. I have just one requirement: the contract must be signed within a week."

Under the table, Ashley clenched her fists tightly, staring at Edward, utterly unable to figure him out.