Veronica leans back in her chair, fingers steepled, eyes locked on the employee. “I need to be honest with you. Your work hasn’t been up to the level I expect, and I can’t keep you on the team. I know this isn’t easy to hear, but sometimes a fresh start elsewhere is what’s needed. I want you to take this seriously and Pack up your things by the end of the day. You’re fired. Any thoughts before we wrap this up?”