The stunned silence that followed Lopez’s announcement was almost deafening. Clementina’s eyes widened in shock and indignation as she tried to process what she had just heard. The staff exchanged glances among themselves.

“What?” Clementina sputtered, her composure slipping. “You are firing me?”

Lopez’s gaze remained steady, her expression unreadable. “One of the skills you should work on is how to hear correctly,” she responded.

The room echoed with different reactions. She could hear them whispering about the weight of her words.

Not minding them, Lopez continued. “I’m not firing you, Clementina. You will still be employed by the company, just not in the same capacity. You will report to...