Kroner has already implied that this assignment to infiltrate the Ghost Shirt Society is an opportunity for Paul to advance his career. However, the way Gelhorne brings up Paul’s “record” suggests that the company will force him into doing this regardless of what he wants. Although his career might benefit from this, he’s basically getting blackmailed. To that end, Gelhorne has already put the plan in motion by spreading the news that Paul is about to get fired, essentially making it impossible for him to refuse the assignment without losing his job.