Immediately I got into the room where my shareholders were seated they all looked like they had a lot to say, well listening to your subordinates is how you know a good leader.
I sat at the head of the conference table with my colleagues on both sides, “What do I owe to this sudden gathering ?”
“We apologize for calling an impromptu meeting, we’re very much aware of how busy you’re, however this issue has to be addressed.” One of the shareholders spoke up, he was seated at my right hand side.
“And what is the issue that needs addressing you just spoke of ?” I said crossing my legs while fondling with the pen I was holding.
They exchanged nervous glances, as if silently debating who should speak up first. Finally, one of them spoke up, “Mr. Raymond, we’ve always had faith in your leadership, and since you acquired the company from its previous owner, it has soared to greater heights. However, since the release of those videos and pictures, we’ve been receiving lots of calls, and investors are reconsidering their decisions. In less than twenty-four hours, the company’s stock has plummeted drastically.”
I was quite for a while, definitely not surprised, cause I knew this was gonna happen, I’m the CEO of the company after all, everyone is waiting for me to make a mistake, so they can have an excuse to walk me over. I breathed in and out before proceeding,”I totally understand the point you’re driving,” I said putting down the pen, “And I’m deeply sorry for the inconvenience my personal life has caused, however I’m working on ways to rectify this issues.” I said as calmly as possible.
“If I may ask Mr Raymond, what are the ways you spoke of ?”
“Well for one, I had the person who released the video which is my son to apologize to the general public and have them know it’s a misunderstanding, and secondly, every videos and pictures on the net has been removed.”
“You can’t have your son do that Mr Raymond.” One of the men said hastily.
“Yes!!!” Everyone chorus at his statement.
“Asking your son to do that will only mean you have no control over your family, and people will draw the conclusion that if you can’t handle your family affairs how to do you intend on running the biggest company in Boston.” He said, at this point I wasn’t comfortable at how the conversation is playing out.
“You can’t even tell the general public your son was the one who released the videos, he is the future of this company, the only impression you’ll give is that father and son are not in good terms.” Another lady from the board members added.
“What will you all have me do then ?” I asked.
“You’ll go up there yourself, and tell them this is just another scheme of your enemies, and you’ll assure them that you’ve got everything under control.” The same lady said.
“And if they ask about the girl ?”
“Tell them it’s rumors and that you don’t concern yourself with such things.” One of the men said.
“The reputation of this company is at stake, we need to take immediate action to address this crisis as fast as possible and restore investor confidence, this is the only way possible.” He continued his voice laced with concern.
This is a tough one, with what they’re suggesting, I’ll only end up breaking Nora the more, they’re basically requesting me to cover up the truth, doing that will only prove that what the general public said about Nora is the truth, but this is my company in question, same company I worked so hard for.
I can’t let a little scandal like this soil my hard work, “there’s no time for hesitation Mr Raymond, we have to act now.” The lady said, “the longer we wait the more money we loose.” She added.
“You’re right, this meeting is over, tell them to halt the interview in the conference room, I’ll be doing it instead.” I instructed, striding out of the meeting room.
The car stopped at the front of my Dad’s house, as I stepped out the familiar scent of fresh grass and flowers hit me, I haven’t been home for months now, I hadn’t realized how much I missed this place until now.
The driver got down as well and brought out the few things Ray had purchased for me, “thank you very much,” I said taking the bags from him, he bowed and got into the car and drove off.
I took in a deep breath before stepping into the house, the front door was unlocked, so I just let myself in, my dad must have seen the car drop me off, cause immediately I got in I saw him walking down the stairs.
“Good afternoon Dad,” I greeted not knowing where to begin.
“Nora, you’re home.. How are you doing dear, I was told you were found unconscious, have been so worried,” He said walking closer to me, scanning my body for any injuries.
“I’m fine Dad..”
“Are you sure ?”
“I’m certain Dad, I just need to get some rest..”
“Okay pumpkin.”
I walked up the stairs to my room, as he stood there watching me, my dad has always been protective of me, I know he has so much to say right now, but has chosen to let it wait, qwhich I was very much grateful for.
I laid in my bed trying to get some sleep when immediately someone barged in, “OMG Nora, you’re alive, have been so worried, immediately I heard you were home I quickly rushed down” Jessica said climbing on my bed.
“I’m fine Jess, you don’t have to worry yourself, see..” I said sitting up and stretching both my hands,”nothing to worry about.”
“But where have you been ?” I recounted everything that happened to her, leaving her from worried to surprised to screaming and to teasing me.
“Well is a good thing he’s gonna clear your name, everyone has been saying shity things about you, no one even gives a fuck about him, and Emma I can’t believe she’d go that far, she’s so unbelievable.”
Jess and I went on discussing and soon it was time for dinner, I went downstairs along side with Jessica, my Dad, Emma and my step mum were already seated when we got down.
After greeting my Dad and step mum we both sat down, “I heard you almost died Nora, you certainly don’t look it..”
“No talking on the dinning table, Emma,” my dad said interrupting her.
“I was only checking up on my only sisterrr,” she said dragging the sister like ‘doorh isn’t like I care’ kinda attitude, while rolling her eyes.
“Enough and eat your food.” My Dad shut her up immediately, I could already feel Jessica sending dagger stares at her.
We all went on eating our food quietly, not that I had anything to say, even if I did, Emma always had words to say back, that was one thing she never runs out of.
My Dad dropped his cutlery on his plate noisily drawing everyone’s attention, “everyone be in the sitting room in ten minutes,” he instructed before standing up from his seat.
Well I needed no further clarification or explanation, I already knew I was gonna be the topic of discussion, cause I’m obviously the reason for the meeting.
My Dad has always treated I and Emma equally, with no discrimination, I can’t say the same for my step mum thou, so definitely I’m gonna get an ear full.
Jessica took my hand and rubbed it softly to soothe me, I really don’t know what my father’s reaction will be, and that alone makes me more nervous.