"I'm so sorry" Eloise cried
"Stupid clumsy girl, look what you've done, you ruined my coat"
"So sorry ma'am, it wasn't intentional" Eloise tried to reason with her.
"Let me help you clean it off"
Eloise got a napkin to clean the stains off it but it kept getting worse, it didn't help that it was a snow-white fur coat.
"You lowlife waitress do you know how much my coat costs your entire family's net worth put together can't pay for it"
Eloise paused, she stopped cleaning and straightened to look up at Alice
"It's okay for you to scold me it was my mistake but don't you dare bring my family into this "
"She even dares talk back where is the dammed manager; Who owns this place?"
Derek interrupted almost immediately
"That's enough"
"Miss Sinclair please forward the damage cost to my secretary i'll cover all costs"
He then turned to Eloise
"You can go back to work now"
"Thank you sir" Eloise said not looking back at Alice as she left.
Alice scoffed, picked up her coat and purse and sauntered off
Derek sighed and sat back wondering how his day turned out so horrible.
On leaving he tipped Eloise double for the damages Alice caused 'emotionally'.
🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹🏹
The spacious boardroom was adorned with mahogany furniture, plush leather chairs and an imposing round table at the centre.
The air was filled with an aura of authority as the members of the company's board of directors settled into their seats.
At the end of the table, Mr Louis Stone, the chairman of the board cleared his throat calling the meeting to order. His voice carried a hint of concern and urgency as he began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today".
We have an issue to discuss that affects not only the personal life of our Ceo but also the stability of our company".
The room fell silent, the directors exchanged glances and leaned forward eager to hear the chairman's words.
Mr Louis continued "Our CEO has been leading this company with unmatched expertise, guiding us through numerous challenges and propelling us to new heights, However he is currently unmarried".
Murmurs erupted around the table.
A mature female director Victoria spoke up" I fail to see how our CEO's marital status has any bearing on his ability to lead the company".
"After all, his professional accomplishments speak for themselves".
The chairman nodded, acknowledging her point
"You're absolutely right Victoria, our CEO's competence is unquestionable".
"However, We must consider the larger picture. In an increasingly volatile business environment, stability is of paramount importance".
"The personal life of our Ceo has an impact on the overall well-being and consequently on the stability of our company"
Mr Louis paused, allowing his words to sink in.
Then he continued "Furthermore we cannot ignore the perception and expectations of our stakeholders, including shareholders, employees and clients. The media and market scrutinize the personal lives of our leaders and a stable family life is most times seen as a symbol of reliability and trustworthiness. This perception can greatly impact our reputation and consecutively our business".
The directors including director Victoria exchanged thoughtful glances realising the validity of the chairman's argument.
Mr Mike, a veteran director known for his shrewd business acumen chimed in "Chairman Stone, while I understand the importance of stability, we must tread carefully here, forcing our Ceo into marriage might come across as intrusive and might be harmful in the long run".
The room fell silent once more as the directors pondered Mr Louis's words.
Chairman Louis raised his hand signalling that he had more to add.
"You're correct Mr Mike. We must approach this matter with sensitivity and respect for our CEO's personal choices".
"Our aim is not to impose but to suggest a stable family life could really enhance the overall well-being of our CEO and promote the stability of our company".
Derek sat quiet, his face devoid of any emotion.
He didn't care to disagree with the old foggies in support of a stable marriage.
All he knew was his future wife would not come from these power-hungry aristocratic families.
The last meeting with Alice made him dismiss the portfolio of the other ladies he earlier considered.
'Someone ordinary would do" he thought and only one slender figure came to mind, the thought leaving just as fast as it came.
Chairman Louis leaned forward, his voice laced with sincerity;
"Derek, it is essential that you approach this with the utmost care, after all, it is a matter of your future happiness, and we believe you'll make a decision that satisfies yourself and the company".
The room fell into a contemplative silence, the directors absorbing the chairman's words.
Slowly heads nodded in agreement and one by one the directors voiced their support for the Chairman's proposal with each of course, their personal motive.