Weave Of Fate: Rock My World

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Shen POV 

It's the first designer meeting that Xia will be coming too.  I hope with my last warning to Kitty that she will behave.  I will address the fact that we as a company will not tolerate anyone being bullied, disrespected or worse, because of their sexual orientation.

I've also had HR and legal work together to make a statement that anyone found to abuse this rule will be dealt with severely and could result in legal action against them and the end of their employment with the company.

"Everything is ready Sir" Jeff my secretary informs me.  I stand up and straighten my jacket before leaving for the main conference room.  "Is security also ready?" I ask him before we enter the room.  At his nod I enter and everyone stands up to greet me.

"Thank you please sit" I tell them as I take my seat at the head of the table.  "Before we start, I'd like everyone to read the new legal matter, we've had to set.  Then you can sign it" I explain as Jeff hands it out to all present.

I observe Kitty and her team from the corner of my eye as they read it.  I see Kitty's fist clench before she moves it to her lap.  "I think you are going a bit far, Shen" she says 

I look at her directly "really? How?" I ask waiting for her reply.  She glances around "don't you think this is a step to far?" she asks the others sitting around the table.

"I'm asking you? As you are the one that just spoke out?" I tell her "Just because of a remark said in jest.  You've now gone and done this?" she questions 

"A jest there was 4 other people in that elevator beside you and I can tell you, not one of us thought of your disrespectful words as a joke.  If you do not wish to abide by this, you are free not to sign it!" I inform her

She gives me a smile "I'll accept your resignation after the meeting has ended" I continue and see the smile fall from her lips.  "You'd put my 7 years of services to this company on the line for them?" she question

"This company has never once abided employees being disrespectful of others.  Certainly not because of their sexual orientation.  The couple you offended so greatly have been together for over 10 years and have been married for 6 of those 10 years.  You seem to have forgotten your place and how your last collection fell so short of the mark that its left the board members wondering if you still deserve the title of head designer?" I warn her sternly.

"I told you, that I hadn't been feeling well.  That it wouldn't happen again?" she defends "and yet here we are wasting valuable time, while you hackle over whether we are going to far having employees reminded that we are a company that will not tolerate others saying or doing anything disrespectful to others?" I remind her 

"If I hadn't actually heard what you said with my own ears! I wouldn't have believed someone capable of saying what you did.  Hence the letter reminding people! Their signatures will also remind them that we are taking this matter very seriously" I add

I look around the table "does anyone have a problem?" I ask, Ellie from Kitty's team puts up her hand "yes?" I ask "what did she say that was so disrespectful?" she asks

"I will not repeat it, but lets say the letter in front of you and what I've said should be an indicator of how bad it was" I answer

"Kitty, you do know I'm gay? I've been in a relationship with my same sex partner for the last 3 years?" she pauses looking back at me "is it possible for me to join another team?" she asks

"No, I need you?" Kitty cries "well you should have thought of that before you said and did what you did.  I've had enough of your homophobic ways" Ellie tells her strongly.