Chapter 44
The CEO’s office on the sixty-eighth floor hummed with efficiency. Assistants meticulously arranged documents, preparing for the impending meeting. Meanwhile, news of the former chairman's appointment rippled through the company like a thunderbolt, igniting widespread speculation.
Vivienne’s striking appearance made her a subject of discussion, with many quick to dismiss her as merely beautiful, lacking substance. Whispers circulated. “Isn’t the chairman’s last name Sinclair? Why would he let an outsider manage the company?” “She looks barely twenty-two or twenty-three. Isn’t she too young for such a position?” “Do you think she has some special connection with the chairman?”
A woman with a steaming mug interrupted their speculations. “Don’t be deceived by appearances. She’s a Hayes by name, but a favorite of the chairman. Admitted to a prestigious business school at sixteen, she led the Bright Pharmaceuticals acquisition at eighteen. Her achievements are far more impressive than you might imagine.” Her voice was decisive. “Instead of gossiping, focus on protecting your own positions.” With that, she pivoted, the sharp click of her heels echoing down the hall.
The remaining group stared after her, momentarily stunned. One finally broke the silence. “Who was that? What department is she from?” “Never seen her before. Must be one of the new interns.”
At the CEO’s office, a knock echoed, followed by a cool, composed voice. “Come in.” The woman with the coffee mug entered. “Miss Hayes, here’s your coffee.”
Vivienne, hearing the familiar voice, looked up. Her eyes widened in surprise as recognition dawned. “Scarlett?” Her face lit up with the unmistakable joy of seeing an old friend. Vivienne’s mind briefly wandered back. After their scholastic assessment test years ago, Scarlett Benson had left to study abroad with the Sinclair family’s support. Though they had occasionally stayed in touch, Vivienne had resigned herself to the idea that Scarlett wouldn’t return. And yet, here she was, back where they had started.
“Miss Hayes, long time no see,” Scarlett said, her eyes gleaming with a smile. She quickly composed herself. “Not all the board members are present. Should the meeting proceed as planned?”
Vivienne considered. “Prepare for the meeting. We’ll start in ten minutes.”
Ten minutes later, Vivienne strode into the conference room, Scarlett following closely behind. The spacious room was sparsely occupied; besides department executives, only a handful of board members were present. As she entered, everyone rose, greeting her with respectful formality. “Good morning, Miss Hayes.”
Vivienne offered a brief nod, her tone calm but authoritative. “Since everyone is here, let’s get started.”
The meeting began, and tensions quickly surfaced. Some board members seemed determined to test Vivienne, subtly challenging her authority. But Vivienne wasn’t easily rattled. With razor-sharp insight, she identified several long-standing company issues and proposed practical solutions. Her poise and decisiveness silenced even her harshest critics, gradually earning the room’s respect.
By the meeting’s end, it was clear Vivienne wasn’t just a figurehead; she possessed the skills and determination to lead. As discussions wound down, the head of the planning department approached, handing over a document for review. Meanwhile, Scarlett displayed information about the proposed spokesperson on the screen. Natalie’s smiling face lit up the screen.
The head of the department rose to analyze Natalie’s profile. “Natalie has maintained an impeccable reputation. From her time abroad to her recent endeavors back home, her popularity has continued to soar. Considering our new hotel’s target audience skews younger, she’s an ideal choice for the campaign. What’s more, rumor has it she’s about to get engaged to the CEO of Mitchell Group.”