The Fashion of Love | Adult F/M Romance [COMPLETE]

ch. 46 - August

Despite Sora's protests, Ravi and Dhiren had cut their road trip short to return home Monday night. Dhiren was keeping Tommy occupied upstairs whilst Sora and Tracy considered their options, with occasional input from Ravi.

Tracy clutched her cup of coffee avariciously.

"Right now, they're not overriding your appointment because they don't want to piss me off as majority shareholder. He'll do it, though. He'll get the job back. It won't be this year, I ensured that in this morning's scheduled vote. You've got that long to make them want you or you're out of a job."

"No pressure."

"That's the cost of doing business, I'm afraid. I wouldn't give up if I were you. You've shown we can conduct business with compassion and still make a killing. We don't have to be ruthless." Tracy rubbed matter from her eyes. She'd flown down from New York to meet with Anthony on Monday morning. It was obvious she hadn't slept a great deal since her brother's failed takeover attempt on Saturday.

"Compassionate business makes us look good. We've become an attractive place to work. We've been dubbed 'family-friendly'. There's a profit to be made in having that for a brand identity, but it's not fast. We have to show we're willing to take the hit in the short-run for doing the unpopular thing in order for our employees to benefit over the long run. I don't know that they're going to give you that time."

"Then, I'll have to make them regret getting rid of me."

"So you will."

Ravi came back from the kitchen carrying a tray of fresh coffee for all three of them.

"In the tradition of CEOs throughout history, you've got a loyalty problem."

Tracy traded her old security blanket for another cup and began to look marginally more human. Sora took hers with thanks, but was more grateful for his arm around her shoulders.

"People that are loyal to Anthony," Sora offered.

"People that loyal to Anthony, Sr. or Anthony, Jr. and then the company," Ravi countered. "You have to convert them to your way of thinking, demote them so they can't be a roadblock to your agenda, or you gotta send 'em packing."

"The employees will riot if I start issuing pink slips out of the blue."

Although Sora wasn't ungrateful for Ravi's input, she worried about alienating Tracy whose support would be vital to her continued employment.

"Meaning you've got your work cut out for you. You'll have to go through employee records, annual evaluations, quarterly performance reviews and so on to find out who you really need where and who you can do without in a pinch. Chances are some people have kept their jobs this long by cozying up to the boss. Find people who may be better suited to these positions and your agenda and promote from within."

Tracy emerged clear-eyed from her caffeine-fueled meditation.

"As much as I dislike telling tales out of school, Ravi has a point. If you want to succeed, heads need to roll."

"People are doing their jobs."

"People are trying to stay employed and they'll professionally disembowel you to do it. If you cannot say the same, print off your resignation. I can't fight for you if you don't want this."

"I want it."

"Prove it."

"Michael Sherman needs to go."

Tracy sat, arms crossed. "Are you asking my permission? You're the boss, dump him. Who's next?"

"Bertie Aldon."