Discipline in the Private Office of the Founder

The final straw

Joanna's next encounter with Christina came two months later. The intense pain of her strapping had faded by the day after, although the marks it left on her bottom had taken a full week to disappear. But what was still vivid was the memory. Joanna would never forget her first punishment as an employee of Mr Tan.

Christina, on the other hand, had been true to her stated policy of forgive and forget. She had no apparent recollection of the last flight as she arrived for that day's trip to New York. Her purpose was to view properties for Mr Tan, who had decided to buy an apartment there. Christina would spend two days working with Mr Tan's realtor before Mr Tan arrived to make the final decision.

The flight passed smoothly and Christina took a moment to check in on Joanna as she was disembarking at Teterboro. "You're doing well, Joanna," she said with a nod. "Keep it up."

After a short drive over the George Washington Bridge and down the west side, Christina was soon checking into her hotel in Tribeca, perfectly located for the viewings she had scheduled for the coming days.

She had arranged to meet Mr Tan's realtor, Kate, for dinner. Keen to demonstrate her intimate knowledge of the neighborhood, Kate had made reservations for them at a members club that was a favorite among the local celebrities.

Over sushi the two women discussed Mr Tan's brief. Kate was enthusiastic and clearly very well connected, but there was something about her superficiality that Christina found off putting.

Kate described the two apartments they would be visiting in the morning. Each of them had missed a critical part of the brief. The first lacked the security that Mr Tan would require, and the second was not a a rooftop property. Christina nodded politely as Kate described them, but then interjected. "Kate, I'm happy to view these apartments of course, but I think we both know that neither quite meets Mr Tan's brief."

Kate looked momentarily uneasy. "It's a very particular brief" she said, "I can't imagine what it must be like to work for him full time. I've heard stories..."

Christina's eyes locked onto Kate's. "It's a very demanding job," she said quietly. "But also incredibly rewarding."

Kate leaned in, intrigued by Christina's deflection. "Is it true he hired you to be his... how I can say it? ...Disciplinarian?"

Christina's eyes narrowed, and she took a sip of her sake before responding. "Let's just say he has high standards and part of my role is to ensure they're met."

Kate smiled knowingly. "Well let's hope you're not unhappy with me after tomorrow's viewings. I haven't been spanked since I was a child." She winked at Christina, "At least, not at work."

Christina laughed politely, though her mind was racing. It wasn't uncommon for people to make light of the Tan's unique workplace culture. She wasn't sure if Kate's motivation was just salacious curiosity or something else.

The next day, the first apartment they visited was indeed lacking in security, but otherwise in line with the brief. As they walked through the stunning penthouse space, Christina couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at Kate's repeated attempts to find common ground over the gossip she had heard.

"Do you enjoy such a...hands-on role," Kate asked with a knowing smile, as they moved from the living room to the bedroom suite.

Christina's smile was tight. "I assure you, it's all professional," she replied. "Now, about this apartment's security..."

Kate's cheeks flushed slightly, but she focused on the task at hand. "It's a strong system," she said, "but you're right, it isn't quite at the level we need."

Christina nodded, her expression unreadable. "Indeed. Let's move on to the next one."

The second apartment was a a very spacious five bedroom, with a panoramic view of the city from a large wraparound terrace. But it was not the penthouse. Mr Tan would never allow himself to be overlooked, which he would be in this apartment.