The air in Harris's office was thick with tension as Sammy, with desperation etched on his face, followed him inside, to plead for his job.
"Sir?, sir are you going to dismiss me as the new CEO ordered?" He asked, his heart thumping loudly in his chest
Harris stared at him speechless, he didn't know what to tell the older man. Sammy has worked with him for years now, and had been so diligent in his job. It would be a great loss to let him go.
"Sir please don't. I beg of you. I can extend my working hours, run extra errands. My wife is pregnant, and I can't afford to lose this job," Sammy implored, his voice quivering with fear.
Harris, torn between empathy and corporate loyalty, sighed, "Sammy, you know I can't disobey the CEO. Uncle Gregory is in charge now."
"Please, sir, I beg you. I'll do anything. Just give me a second chance," Sammy begged, his desperation escalating. Unable to hold back his emotions, he fell to his knees, tears glistening in his eyes. As desperate lines formed on his forehead
"Sammy don't do this, get up." He pulled him up
Harris heart sank in his chest. Every thing has just turned upside down for him.
"Fine, Sammy. I'll talk to Uncle Gregory and see if there's another solution. Okay?," he commanded, a mixture of sympathy and helplessness in his eyes.
"Thank you sir, this means a lot to me" he thanked him, and tried to compose himself
----------
The marketing department gathered in the meeting room, to present their latest project to Harris. The atmosphere mingled with whispering as they gathered in.
Silence fell upon them as they heard footsteps, alongside the resonating sound from a walking staff. Gregory entered the meeting room, dressed in a well ironed suit dark suit. His feet encased in a fine leather shoe.
He walked in and assumed a seat at the head of the conference table. Just as he settled in he addressed them. "I'm quite displeased I wasn't invited for this presentation. He threw his gaze around everyone seated. And they bowed their heads. It shouldn't repeat itself again. I must be notified about every and any activity that takes place in this company! Understood?"
"Yes sir" their reply came in
"You may begin now! He commanded them. Minutes passed and they were still seated. Are you guys keeping me waiting?" He asked the team.
"Ermm. No sir, were waiting for Mr. Harris" the staff noded respectfully
That felt like a slap to Gregory's face as he shifted uncomfortably on his seat.
Ten minutes later, Harris walked into the conference room. Frown lines formed on his face as he saw Gregory occupied his position. Ignoring him totally, he occupied one of the seats for staffs.
"Apologies for keeping you guys waiting. A little issue came up"
"I'll accept that flimsy excuse, on the fact that you didn't know I'll be present" Gregory chipped in, raising a threatening brow at him
"Without wasting any more time. Harris continued ignoring him totally. We will commence" he concluded motioned to them.
The meeting room buzzed with anticipation as Paul, Sharon, and Maria, key members of the marketing team, prepared to unveil their latest creation, "EvaGlow," a cutting-edge sustainable lighting solution. The room's ambiance echoed with whispers as the trio took their positions, sharing nervous glances.
Paul, the main presenter, stepped forward with a confident smile. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us today. We're excited to introduce EvaGlow, a revolutionary lighting solution designed to transform the way we illuminate our spaces."
As Paul delved into the product's features, Sharon and Maria, flanking him, exchanged encouraging nods.
As they presented in orderly synchronized movement, and effective delivery. They painted a picture of a well-coordinated team. Earning cheers and thumbs up from their teammates.
Sharon, a beautiful brunette, also known as the number guru, took over. And seamlessly wove statistics into the narrative. "I'll highlight the environmental impact of EvaGlow. I believe EvaGlow is what every household needs as it is environment friendly" a light smile played on her lips
Seated at the far end with a frown on his face, Uncle Gregory wore a displeased look. His calculating gaze scrutinized every word and gesture they made. His eyes searching for flaws, an unspoken disapproval hanging in the air.
In conclusion, Maria, took the stage, "The advantage of EvaGlow can not be over emphasized as I'll display here" ;she moved forward to a PC and projected it for them to see. You can see the product's sleek design and versatility. I believe EvaGlow would make sales in the market, and bring more profit to our company.
Noting the look on Gregory's face, concern washed over Paul's face. "Do you think Gregory likes it?" Paul discreetly asked Sharon.
A light sigh escaped her lips, as she shrugged in response.
As the trio wrapped up their presentation, Uncle Gregory's steely gaze remained fixed on them. He leaned forward, folding his hands with a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well. Interesting, but not impressive," he remarked.
Paul, Sharon, and Maria exchanged uneasy glances. "Sir Gregory, we believe EvaGlow has immense potential. We can address any concerns you might have," Paul asserted hopefully, trying to salvage the situation.
Uncle Gregory, reveling in the discomfort he had stirred, dismissed their efforts with a wave of his hand. "No need for explanations. I expected more from this team. You all lack composure and there are loopholes everywhere. Redo the presentation and make it compelling this time," he declared, leaving no room for argument
Knowing the amount of effort put in and workload it would be for them, the trio, now faced with the daunting task of a second attempt, left the room, disappointment etched on their faces.
As the door closed behind them, Uncle Gregory's smirk widened, this was just the beginning of Lancaster's downfall.
"You call this marketing team or what..he scoffed, my grandchild could do better" he sat back resting his chin on his arm.
Harris, watched silently from the sidelines, clenched his fists in frustration. "Uncle Gregory, they worked hard on this. You can't just dismiss their efforts without giving constructive feedback," he pointed out, trying to maintain a professional conversation. Whereas the urge to lift his Uncle from the seat and punch his jaw ached inside him.
Gregory, enjoying his newfound authority, glared at Harris with disdain. "Look Harris, I'll not tolerate mediocrity in this company. They'll redo it, and this time, it better be flawless," he declared, his words echoing with oppression. And never call me uncle while in the company. I think is time we had some humans replaced " he rose and left Harris.
********
Dressed in a fine leather pants and Coat. His hair long hair packed in a neat bun.
Ezekiel, strode into Harris office.
"You bro! I bring----" he paused as he found his brother slouched behind his desk. His head placed down, like someone distressed.
Rushing to his side, he shook him up" bro are you feeling okay?" His face etched with worry
Raising his head weakly, Harris masked his emotions. "Yeah, just a little tired"
"You've never been like this before bro. If you can't handle it anymore you let father know" Zeke suggested
"I said am fine. He sat up and brightened his face with a smile. What brings you here?"
Heaving a relaxed sigh "I came to let you know that Father's health has ---" before he could complete his sentence, the door barged open and Uncle Gregory barged in wearing an irritated look as always.
"Was looking for Sammy to pass some information to you, then i remembered he doesn't work here anymore so I came myself. Oh Zeke, you're here? Glancing at the both of them, he activated his full Gregory mood. Look Harris, the culture of receiving non client in your office, or this company must end. I'll advise you to walk your brother out" he concluded giving Zeke s stern look
Carrying news of their father's improving health, entered Harris's office. Before they could exchange words, Uncle Gregory, as annoying and arrogant as ever, barged in, questioning the propriety of receiving visitors.
Harris placed his hand on the desk and stared at the man in disbelief. First he fires Sammy, ruins the business meeting with his staffs, and now detecting rules for him. What the hell! "Gregory!, this is my office. I decide who enters. And you have no right to stop me from seeing anyone I chose."
Gregory countered with a bleak chuckle, "You're just a mere manager now, Harris. Your objections hold no weight. What I say is what that stands"
"Everyone understands that uncle, Zeke interrupted them. But you can't make things uncomfortable for everybody okay?"
As they argued, Sammy walked in, unwittingly and froze when he saw Gregory. His heart thumping loudly in his chest.
"He's still here? You dare disobey me Harris? You think am a joke? He questioned, glaring at Sammy with stern eyes. Their previous encounter playing through his brain.
"I'm sorry about this. Was planning on telling you that I can't dismiss him till I find a replacement. Harris explained, hoping Gregory would buy it.
"That's not how it works Harris, now you're forcing me to make a tight decision" The tension in the room escalated
"I..is okay. Sammy spoke up as he felt things were going out of hand and he was the cause. I'll leave, don't worry sir" his shoulder sagged sadly, as he walked to his boss desk to drop his office items
"No is fine, Gregory, with a smirk, decided to exercise his authority. "Since Harris can't make tough decisions, I'll do it for him. Facing Harris, a sick smile played on his lips.
"Harris, you're fired ---"