I stomp down the hall and jab the button for the elevator, but I can’t stand the thought of putting that much distance between myself and my baby doll, so I abandon the elevator and stroll in the opposite direction of the conference room.
The layout of the executive floor is simple and effective.This building lacks the high-end furnishings and modern professionalism of my other businesses, but I’ll upgrade it as soon as I make the necessary personnel and policy changes.
After strolling around the entire floor unnoticed—everyone scrambles to and fro as though a natural disaster is about to hit—I sit in a chair in the tiny seating area beside the elevators and check my messages.When Audrey emerges from the conference room, her composure as other workers flock to her paints a clear picture.
She’s the calm at the center of the storm.She may only be the CEO’s secretary on paper, but it’s clear the scope of her capabilities far exceeds what she’s currently being paid for.
Even the executive officers approach her for information, and the other employees refer to her instead of their supervisors.
The worst tragedy in a business is brilliant employees with mediocre leadership.Audrey deserves better.
I’ll ensure she has it.She’ll never suffer because of these lukewarm pansies again.
When the elevator pings exactly five minutes before the meeting begins, I rise and meet my team of advisors, attorneys, and specialists.The flustered young woman—she can’t be a day older than eighteen—who led them up from the front desk stutters out a greeting, recognizing me from earlier, but then looks around uncertainly.
Edgar Williams rounds the corner, spots the girl, and turns red in the face.Audrey steps around him, gives a polite excuse, and leads the girl back onto the elevator.Her voice is too quiet for me to make out her words, but the tension drains from the girl’s face, and she nods in relief.Audrey exits the elevator and rejoins Edgar as he regains his composure and launches into a flamboyant and unnecessary greeting.Everyone on my team knows who he is.
I shift aside when he leans forward for a handshake.My chief advisor intercepts his hand for me.The insulted fury in his expression fills me with glee.
He leads us into the conference room where the executive officers and top managers already wait.I take the chair at the head of the table and gesture for my team to take the chairs on my right.They fall in line with quiet efficiency, each one with their own purpose.
Edgar’s fury grows.I lift a brow in challenge and watch in silent judgment as he forces his men to shuffle seats.
Audrey moves to the corner and stands.I sweep my gaze around the room and realize all the chairs are occupied.A few other people stand between the chairs lining the walls.
Even though it irks me she has nowhere to sit, I realize demanding she find a chair will only cause her more work and delay the task at hand, so I turn my attention to the people at the table.With only a glance, I confirm my suspicions.
Every person on the left side of the table—the current leadership of my newly acquired company—is a White male and either comes from a wealthy family or has a prominent figure backing them, while the people on the right—my trusted team of advisors—got here on merit.Neither their race, gender, nor background dictated whether they could have the opportunity to work for me.
I lean forward and weave my fingers together on top of the table before meeting each person’s eyes.No one dares look away.
“My name is Brennan Diamond.I am the new owner and soon-to-be CEO of this company.”
By the reactions on the left side of the room, the declaration is news to everyone except the three executive officers and Audrey.
“My team and I will do everything in our ability to ensure this acquisition goes as smoothly as possible,” I say.
I twist open the chilled water bottle in front of me and take a sip as the left half of the room recovers from the shock.After closing the bottle and setting it back down, I prop my elbows on the table and scan the crowd as I speak.
“Your performance during this time will greatly influence both this company’s success and your future employment.”
As they realize I intend to hold them accountable for their actions—and inactions—their body language shifts, and I pick out the few willing to work using the skills I’ve honed throughout the last decade and make a mental note to keep an eye on their progress.The ones who grow scared or angry won’t last much longer in the company.
“Ms.Baker, my trusted legal advisor and personnel specialist, has already prepared renewal paperwork for those who have contracts ending in the next three months.”At my nod, Stacey Baker rises and begins handing labeled folders out to those who need them.
Excitement fizzles along my spine as she passes one to Audrey.I say the next words in challenge, knowing anyone who opens their packet, reads their benefits, and refuses to continue working for me is either an idiot or certifiable.
“Of course, you are free to opt out after conducting a proper turnover.”
Recalling Edgar declaring he’ll get under Audrey’s skirts by the end of the week, I prop my elbow on the table and meet his eyes, ensuring I have his full attention.
“Except for you, Mr.Williams.You will relinquish the position of CEO by noon this Thursday.”
His eyes widen.He blinks.When the meaning of my words finally sinks past his thick skull, he scowls.
I smirk and lean back in my seat.
If the board members weren’t sticklers for the rules, I’d kick Mr.Williams out of his position right now, but they demanded at least a show of a takeover.
