But Gerard's face, while stern, was not wrathful. "The traditional and digital media strategies aren't aligned. We need to..."

He outlined a revised approach, offering guidance rather than censure.

The department head hastily jotted down every word.

"You have one more week. I expect a revised proposal," Gerard instructed.

The department head nodded hurriedly, feeling a rush of relief.

The other employees in the meeting were left to wonder about Gerard's composure; his demeanor was unexpectedly composed for the situation.

It seemed their boss was in a good mood today.

Meanwhile, at the Phillips Group headquarters, evening shadows were creeping into Lilah's office.

Stretching from hours of stillness, Lilah opened WhatsApp to a message from HR.

"Miss Phillips, following your direction, no severance was given, but Alice is stirring up issues."

Attached was a screenshot of Alice's recent tweet, which was rapidly gaining traction. Alice had expressed her plight emotively, detailing her eight-year journey at the company and the undermining of her authority since Lilah's rise to leadership. She lamented her exclusion and abrupt termination without severance.

Her resolve to seek justice through labor arbitration resonated with the public, sparking a broader conversation about workers' rights.

"Has Lilah lost her mind? Is she really this spiteful? Why hasn't the company paid Alice what she's owed? It just doesn't add up!"

"Don't fret. Justice will have its day."

“The company deserves a hefty penalty. Lilah, we're all ears for your explanation!" The comment even tagged her account.

And Lilah responded. She quoted Alice's tweet with a defiant reply.

“Throw your accusations around. If you come out on top, I'll tip my hat to you."

Alice seethed when she read it.

What made Lilah so bold? Her actions seemed downright unlawful.

Yet, once Alice cooled off, she couldn't help but chuckle. Lilah was a greenhorn, quick to take the bait. Her words would only rally more people to Alice's cause.

The support from fellow netizens, all hardworking folks, made Alice's spirits soar. Lounging on her couch, venting now and then, she found it a breeze to stir up everyone's sympathy.

Meanwhile, the labor arbitrators reached out to Alice and were about to scrutinize the situation with the Phillips Group.

She was sprawled on her couch, daydreaming about the paycheck to come.

With Alice's plight drawing widespread concern, the authorities were on it like white on rice. The very next day, they knocked on the Phillips Group's door.