JENLISA IMAGINES

Deep Tissue (M)

“While last quarter’s returns didn’t yield quite as much as projected, our ultimate annual gross will more than make up for…um…” Jennie shot a sheepish grin across the table at her board of directors, but internally, she was grimacing in horror. Um? I never say um! I haven’t said um since I was in third grade and my dictation tutor made me stay after and practice.

The board members were looking at her expectantly, and Jennie widened her smile, hoping she looked confident rather than stricken. “Now, our quarterly earnings call…”

Her voice trailed off again as a wave of dizziness swept over her, and she had to lean over and brace herself against the table. Shaking her head vigorously to clear it only made it worse, and to her shame, Jennie was forced to take a seat. What’s wrong with me? It doesn’t matter. I need to finish this report, and then we can take a quick break for lunch.

“My apologies, gentlemen,” she said, flashing a smile around the room that never failed to dazzle her shareholders. “It just seems to be a little too warm in here for me. I’m sure if I have a glass of water, I’ll be all right, and we can return to business.”

She had reached for the pitcher and was pouring herself a cup when she heard Chairman Lee—a tall, trim, elderly gentleman whom Jennie had known practically since birth, and who had been a stable presence in her life since her parents’ deaths—stood up. “No,” he said, his voice kind but firm.

Jennie nearly choked on her water. “Why not?” she asked once she’d finished sputtering. “I assure you, I’m absolutely fine. I only got a few hours of sleep last night, and haven’t really eaten or had anything to drink in the last…” She counted on her fingers. “Twelve hours?”

“Eighteen,” Chairman Lee said, somehow managing to be both censorious and grandfatherly at the same time. “And that’s precisely our point, Miss Kim. While we appreciate all that you do for Lee Corporations, you’ve been working yourself to the bone. Furthermore, you haven’t taken a vacation in three years. Out of concern for your welfare, the board has decided to remove you as CEO of the corporation.”

Jennie stared at him in horror, and he hastened to add, “Temporarily! The board has also allocated funds to send you to the Fragrant Thai Spa and Resort, an investment we have deemed necessary. Lee Corporations cannot have its CEO on the verge of a breakdown. After you’ve spent a week at the Resort, you will be permitted to resume your duties.”

Jennie opened her mouth to say that she was fine, that this was not only unnecessary but a waste of company time and resources, but what came out instead was, “Thank you.”

Chairman Lee smiled kindly. “Of course, my dear. You have accomplished so much in service of the company that it would be remiss of us not to reward your hard work. Your father would be immeasurably proud of what you have achieved, but even Hyun Bin knew when to take a break.”

Jennie gave him a watery smile. “You’re right, of course. If you give me just a few hours, I can pack some things and—”

The Chairman shook his head. “That won’t be necessary. A car is waiting for you at the door, with a full week’s worth of luggage.”

She stared at him in mingled amusement and outrage. “You were planning this from the beginning!”

Chairman Lee gave her a cheeky wink. “Consider it a non-hostile takeover.”