Liam
The air crackled with tension as I entered the mahogany-paneled boardroom. Every shareholder was already seated around the gleaming table, their faces grim and their postures rigid. My mother, impeccably dressed and poised, trailed in behind me, her arrival causing a flurry of activity. Male shareholders rose from their chairs, their gazes lingering on her a beat too long. A pang of possessiveness shot through me, quickly followed by a surge of pride. Mom possessed a captivating aura that could disarm even the most hardened businessman.
The only one unfazed by her presence was Elliott Mason, his face a mask of stoicism. Cletus Watson, my late father's trusted advisor and today's moderator, cleared his throat.
Elliott, his silver hair gleaming under the harsh fluorescent lights, stood and adjusted his tie. "Thank you, Cletus. This meeting," he announced, his voice dripping with condescension, "is solely for the shareholders of Carson Enterprises, to decide on the future leadership of the company." His gaze flicked towards Diane, a hint of disdain flickering across his face. "So I fail to see why Ms. Carson is present."
Before I could retort, Diane cut in, her voice as smooth as polished marble. "Surely, Elliott, you haven't forgotten, or perhaps conveniently chosen to be oblivious, that I too am a shareholder in this company. Just like you, and I have every right to be here."
Elliott feigned a smile. "Forgive my ignorance, Diane. I presumed your son would be man enough to face his impending defeat on his own. But let's get on with it, shall we?"
He cleared his throat again, launching into a prepared diatribe."
He paused, then continued, "We are here to vote on ousting Liam Carson from his position as CEO of Carson Enterprises and installing me in his place. My reason is simple: Liam," he said, turning his steely gaze on me, "has proven himself unfit for the role of CEO. His new initiatives are nothing more than wasteful indulgences, bleeding the company dry. You, the shareholders," he gestured dramatically, "deserve better."
He gestured to a stack of red folders placed before each shareholder. "Within these documents," he continued, his voice taking on a self-righteous tone, "you'll find ample evidence of Liam's mismanagement. I, on the other hand, propose a return to stability, a focus on tried-and-true methods." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Read them carefully, then make an informed decision."
He paused, allowing the shareholders a moment to absorb his words, and I couldn't help but wonder why on earth I was still married to his daughter. This whole charade felt more like a personal vendetta than a legitimate concern for the company.
As the shareholders delved into Elliott's proposal, I took a deep breath, stealing a glance at Diane. A silent message passed between us, a shared determination to fight for the future I envisioned for Carson Enterprises.
"Since you've all had some time to familiarize yourselves with Mr. Mason's… plan," I began, my voice ringing through the tense silence, "I encourage you to also take a look at the blue folders." A subtle jab at the red folders Elliott had provided.
"These," I continued, "contain my vision for the company's future. Something Elliott conveniently left out of his little monologue." I couldn't help but inject a bit of sarcasm. "It's important to remember that I've only been at the helm for two short weeks."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. Diane, I noticed, offered a small, knowing smile.
"But in those two weeks," I continued, my voice growing firmer, "we've implemented a number of changes. Changes that may seem like a lot now, but trust me, they will lead to significant profits in the coming months."
By next quarter, we'll see an increase in our profit margins. Our new high-speed internet, our user-friendly hotel app, keyless entry systems, voice-activated controls, and loyalty programs are all designed to enhance the guest experience and ultimately, our bottom line. Give me the time to complete what I've started," I pleaded, hoping my conviction resonated with them.
My mother took the floor. "My late husband, Logan Carson, founded the Carson Hotel in London. Having grown up there with his diplomat parents who often hosted guests, he knew firsthand how to make people feel special. That's what he did with the Carson Hotel, he returned to Los Angeles and established the Carson Hotel here. And that's what my son is improving upon. Liam has shown remarkable progress, particularly with the London Carson Hotel. And with your support he will continue his father's legacy. Liam is the future, while Elliott represents the past. Vote wisely."
Cletus Watson called for the vote. "Those in favor of Elliott Mason taking over the CEO position, raise your hands."
Out of the eight shareholders, three raised their hands. Cletus took note and then said, "And those in favor of Liam Carson retaining his position as CEO, raise your hands."
Five hands shot up, and Elliott's face twisted in anger. He had been so certain of his victory.
An excited Cletus announced, "Majority wins. Liam will stay on as CEO of the company."
My mother and I exchanged smiles, our relief palpable. We had won. As the meeting adjourned, I shook hands with the supportive shareholders, thanking them for their faith in me. My mother received warm farewells, her dignity and poise leaving a lasting impression on everyone.
As we walked out of the boardroom, I turned to my mother. "Thank you, Mom. Your presence made all the difference."
She squeezed my hand. "Liam, you were always meant for this. Your father would be so proud."
As I walked to my office, I knew the battle with Elliott wasn't over, but today was a significant victory. With my mother's unwavering support and the shareholders' trust, I felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
************
Vanessa
At the dining area in Carson Hotel that afternoon, I had just finished attending to a guest when I noticed a well-dressed Diane Carson waving me over. Her excitement was palpable, and I guessed the board meeting must have gone in Liam's favor for her to be this excited.
"Good afternoon, Mrs. Carson," I greeted her politely.
Diane chuckled, a youthful twinkle in her eyes. "Honestly, Vanessa, how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Diane. 'Mrs. Carson' makes me feel older than Methuselah."
"Sorry, Diane," I stammered, a blush creeping up my cheeks.
"No need to apologize, darling," she said, waving a dismissive hand.
She continued, "Well, it seems you're busy, so I'll get straight to the point. I'm inviting you to the fundraising gala I'm hosting at my home tomorrow evening, and please don't say no. I asked Richard yesterday, but he told me you hated such things."
I was taken aback. Richard hadn't mentioned anything about this to me.
"You see, I have a way of persuading people to step outside their comfort zones that is why I am asking you personally," Diane said confidently.
A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips. This woman, Liam's mother, was a force to be reckoned with.
"Alright, Diane," I conceded. "You win. I'll be there. But can I bring a friend?"
Diane beamed. "Of course, the more the merrier."
I smiled back at her, feeling a mixture of surprise and excitement. "Is there anything I can get you?"
"Don't worry about me, Vanessa. I need to get back home and arrange everything for tomorrow's event," she said, turning to leave.
I watched her walk out of the hotel, her confident stride and elegant demeanor leaving a lasting impression. As I resumed my duties, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nerves and anticipation about the gala and why Richard would lie like that. I will confront him about this when I visit him this evening.