12. Their Monkey Business
The room buzzed with voices, yet no one was truly speaking.
The board of directors wore expressions of fury, demanding that Zach fire Heidi on the spot. Caught in the crossfire, Zach shot Heidi a helpless look before addressing the seething group.
“Everyone, cool down. At least, let’s hear what Heidi has to say.”
“Mr. Olsen, there’s nothing to explain here. It is obvious that this young lady is not fit for this job. Doesn’t the rumor have it that her qualifications are outdated?” One of the directors retorted.
“It was brought to our attention that she doesn’t have any job experience. For many years, she has been unemployed,” another added before concluding, “So giving her this position was a mistake.”
“Guys, I told you to be quiet!” Zach groaned. “Respect me as the President, at least.”
But no one respected him. Not even the board of directors. Hadn’t he been the root of all the problems in the first place? If it hadn’t been for his poor management, the company wouldn’t be in such a mess.
“Much better.”
Silence fell, and Zach breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Heidi, he inquired, ” They all want you to come down, Heidi. Did you make those decisions willfully?” Zach trusted her a hundred percent, but the others didn’t. He gave her the floor to explain herself.
“Of course not.” Heidi wore a small smile. “The decisions I made are for the betterment of this company. Mr. Olsen, I don’t regret making them, and those orders will still be in effect.”
“No! That’s impossible!” One man slammed the desk.
“This young lady doesn’t know what she’s saying,” another grumbled.
“Gentlemen, don’t jump to conclusions so fast. The decision hasn’t been put into effect yet, and you conclude it is a bad one,” Heidi interfered.
“As for Aiden.” She glanced at the furious guy. “The influencers you talk about have angry fans, yes. Know that we are canceling the contracts with them on a peaceful note. By inciting their fans to act against this company, won’t it incur legal offenses and charges?”
“But the influencers have nothing to do with this company’s downfall. Heidi, you are making a bad decision. Aren’t you selfish?” Aiden questioned, sounding concerned for the company.
“Selfish?” Heidi chuckled. “I am only an employee who strives to bring this company back on its feet. What did you do, Aiden…”
She paused. “Haven’t you been using the company’s money to host swimsuit parties, charter flights to foreign countries, and give out luxury cars all in the name of wooing those celebrities?”
“Eh? When did I do that?” Aiden tried to deny it, but his guilty expression alone gave him away.
He threw Heidi a glare and murmured, “So what? I did all those things with my own money.”
Heidi ignored him and faced Lilian. “As for you.” She folded her hands. “Does CrystalHearts Fashion Home really produce the best designer dresses, as you claimed?”
“Don’t even try to twist my words, Heidi. You have no right to stop the company from working with them.”
Seeing that Heidi had exposed her brother without any effort, Lilian was afraid she had also dug out some things about her. So, she put on a defensive stance. “Crystal Hearts Fashion Home is the best in the country.”
“You mean the worst in the country.” Heidi raised a brow. “Well, I’m not surprised by your left-handed compliment. The owner of CrystalHearts Fashion Home is your BFF, after all.”
“You-”
“CrystalHearts Fashion Home’s products are either copied from other designers or duplicates of the previous designs. Their innovation skills are zero, and all their products are overpriced. Why should StriveStyle Co. continue working with them?”
“That’s not true.”
“Come on, Lilian.” Heidi gave her a tired look. “If you’re worried that the bribe money you receive from them will stop flowing in, accept my condolences in advance.”
“Heidi, you’re so despicable!”
Both Aiden and Lilian looked like drenched rats. They both looked as if they would pounce on her and shred her to pieces.
The board of directors went silent for a while before one of them spoke up.
“Still, we can’t accept the decisions she made. Mr. Olsen, you have to fire her.”
Not only would Aiden and Lilian be stripped of their powers if Heidi’s decisions came to fruition, but even most of the board of directors would have to bear grave consequences. They couldn’t afford to have someone like her manage the company. It would be the end of their monkey business.
“I have heard you all,” Zach spoke finally. “However, I am not going to fire Heidi.”
“Brother-”
“What do you mean, Mr. Olsen.”
“Well, Heidi only has a month to prove herself. Why don’t you gentlemen just wait and see?”
“If she manages to revive this company, then good.” He shrugged. “If she does otherwise, she’s going to drop the position willingly without any hassle from your side.”
