17. Trouble on Ground
At StriveStyle Co.
Heidi sat in her office with Isla sitting across from her, explaining a report which just came from the finance department.
“The amount of money Mr. Olsen and Ms. Olsen have embezzled from the company is believed to be more than ten billion. But some invoices have been shredded while many have disappeared,” she said, referring to Aiden and Lilian.
Heidi let out an exasperated sigh. “Let me have a look.”
She was about to take the report when her phone beeped.
The screen lit up with Zach’s name and a text message popped up.
[Heidi, you have to attend my birthday party on the 13th. Promise me you’ll come.]
‘Huh?’ Heidi’s brows furrowed. ‘When did his birthday become on 13th March?
Her phone rang instantly and her fingers pressed the answer button.
Seeing that, Isla immediately excused herself.
“Hey, Heidi. I thought you were busy!” Zach’s voice boomed. “So what’s up. Are you having fun at StriveStyle Co.?”
“I’m not coming.”
“Ouch! That hurts, Princess. Won’t you attend the birthday party of your dearest cousin brother?”
“Zach,” Heidi said in an almost helpless tone. “You know I’m busy. Didn’t you just celebrate your birthday last month on that strange island?”
“I can celebrate my birthday whenever I want. Heidi, you must be there. As the President of AG Group, you won’t turn down my invitation.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I might shut down all the companies that day and declare a national holiday, you know.”
“Ha! Won’t that make Grandpa so happy?”
“You, Heidi-”
“I’m hanging up.”
Heidi dropped the phone and picked up the report.
As she went through it, her brows furrowed now and then.
Isla returned moments later and asked, “It is almost time for the lunch break, what can I get you, Ms. Olsen.”
Remembering that Heidi left the office abruptly yesterday, she might have eaten lunch outside.
It was Isla’s responsibility to make sure the CEO didn’t overwork herself. But Heidi turned her down even before she finished asking.
“I hope everyone is present at their respective departments today.”
“I can’t tell, Ms. Olsen. Since StriveStyle Co. became a failing brand, the employees rarely come.”
“The few that come are mostly here to kill boredom. As most of the employees ‘ salaries have been delayed for the past few months, many have decided to quit.”
“That’s unfortunate.” Heidi shook her head, knowing that the major culprits were none other than Aiden and Lilian.
“I will have a meeting with the Manager of the Finance Department later.”
“I will inform him immediately, Ms. Olsen.” Isla scribbled down some notes on the tablet in her hand.
“I’ll have a tour of the company for now. Please accompany me.”
“With pleasure, Ms. Olsen.”
Finally, Isla felt like a real assistant. With the former CEO, she would just lazy around the whole day as there was always little to nothing to do at the office.
Heidi not only worked hard but also made sure the other employees didn’t slack.
Isla was beginning to have hope that things might actually turn around, although that hope only seemed like a speck of light from a distance.
Most of the managers were around, and some had left already.
Heidi only met the employees who weren’t doing much work.
“Ms. Olsen,” Isla explained. “Such is the situation here. Hopefully, the managers will realize that what they’re doing is wrong.”
Heidi wasn’t pleased with the situation, but she remained silent. StriveStyle Co. was only a small subsidiary, but there was this much corruption going on.
Some employees didn’t even notice her arrival as they were busy painting their faces.
Heidi went from one department to another. Finally, they arrived at the HR Department. The Manager was around which was a bit of a relief. The employees were scarce though.
“Ms. Olsen, thank God you’re here.” The manager approached her with a troubled expression.
Heidi hadn’t even looked around the department yet, and he urged her into his office.
“Ms. Olsen, forgive my anxiousness. But there’s trouble on ground which requires your immediate attention.”
“Please go on.” Heidi sat on the chair across from him.
“It is like this-” The manager opened his mouth but the rest of his words were suppressed by a startled gasp.
Out of nowhere, the doors to the office flung open and a young lady barged inside.
“Damnit! Where is the so-called new CEO? I swear I’m going to rip out her hair!”
The lady didn’t not only barge in, she also pushed Isla aside and jumped at Heidi.
