Kapitel 171: The Missing Link
After taking over Cherry's shares, I gathered Marissa and Mr. Wallace in my office. The revelation that Tony had a hidden luxury interior design company had thrown me for a loop, but I was determined to turn it into an opportunity for myself.
Of course cleaning up house was the most important and to ensure things went my way: out with the old, in with the new. Tony was already dead and I didn't want his influence lingering anywhere near my company.
"Once we fire all the old board members who are threatening to resign, promote the section leaders," I said, laying out my plan. "Marissa, you can decide who will be head representative yourself. I really don't give a shit who you choose, as long as they're loyal."
Marissa looked at me, a hint of concern in her eyes. "Are you really planning on firing all the executive members?"
"We need to get rid of all the loose ends at this crucial time. With those public interviews, Cherrys most likely invited a tax investigation. I can't risk any scandals, and it's also sending a message about what I expect from every employee when I eventually take them over," I said firmly.
Mr. Wallace adjusted his glasses. "Since the stock market has been fluctuating, shouldn't we try and be more stable? Play it just a bit more close to the belt?"
"No, they're too loyal to Tony's ideas to stay. Regardless of how long they've been working in tandem, it was done in secret and nobody speak up," I replied, the frustration clear in my voice. "It pisses me off that there was another Todd company in plain sight and I had no idea about it. I'm so pissed off that I don't think that I'll allow it to exist!"
Mr. Wallace raised his hands in defense. "I had no idea it was a secret from you. I said nothing about it because I just assumed you knew about it as well. I was actually quite shocked that you allowed it to run. Everyone knows about it. This is why I keep telling you to monitor the gossip closely and go to the dinners. You hear about a lot, even things you don't want to know."
"Whatever. They're the ones who support the opposition. They helped put Tony's mistress in the chairman's position! They cannot stay!" I declared. "Think about long-term stability for us! Not them!"
"Sure," Mr. Wallace conceded, though I could see the wheels turning in his head. "Whatever you say."
"There are two luxury apartment complexes being sold by them in collaboration with Chen Construction, right?" I asked, shifting the conversation so I didn't snap at him.
"The sales rate is pretty good," Mr. Wallace confirmed.
"Don't trust it! I can smell the sabotage from here! I guarantee you it's a financial sinkhole. There have been reports about poor construction quality and unfit conditions for extreme weather. Did you know about any of this?" I pressed.
"It wasn't in any report," Mr. Wallace admitted. "You know I would've had it fixed if it was."
"Between civil lawsuits and criminal charges due to poor construction and the mass replacement of executives, which do you think is more of a pain in the ass for us both?" I asked, frustration seeping into my voice.
"I'll go check to see if there's any problems there myself," Mr. Wallace conceded again.
"If there's something, I'll try and subsidize it. Night construction is inevitable if we want to get it done before any tenants move in," I said.
"Do you know how many permits we need for just one apartment?" Marissa groaned. "No matter how well we make things, those government bastards won't give us a stamp unless there's something in it for them!"
"You're spreading yourself too thin, Alex," Mr. Wallace said, his tone serious. "Why are you working so hard?"
"Seriously, have you ever thought of entering politics?" Marissa asked. "I never knew you cared about the common people so much."
"What do you mean?" I asked, genuinely curious.
"Why's a CEO trying to change the world?" Mr. Wallace asked.
"I'm not. I'm just positioning us to be a leader of change," I said.
"If you really wanted to cement that place, you should've already had an heir to back it up," Marissa said.
I frowned, shaking my head. Not this again! "I'm only 23. I don't need to think about an heir yet. I'm not ready for a baby and I don't think it's expected of me yet."
Marissa stepped forward, her eyes earnest. "Alex, I understand your hesitation, but this isn't just about age. It's about ensuring continuity and stability for the company."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I get that, but I'm still figuring things out myself. How can I think about an heir when I'm still learning the ropes?"
Mr. Wallace adjusted his glasses, his gaze unwavering. "That's precisely why it's important to start thinking about it now. You need to ensure that, in any unforeseen circumstances, the company can continue to operate smoothly."
"I've already taken over more than half the city as CEO. Isn't that enough for now?" I retorted, feeling a wave of frustration.
Marissa's expression softened. "Alex, this isn't about doubting your abilities. You've done an incredible job. But planning for the future is a part of being a responsible leader."
"I just don't see the urgency," I muttered, glancing out the window, trying not to look at them. I was good with children, but that didn't mean I wanted one myself yet.
Mr. Wallace exchanged a look with Marissa before speaking again. "Think about the investors, Alex. They need reassurance that the company will remain stable, regardless of what happens. A clear succession plan boosts their confidence."
"And it's not just about the investors," Marissa added. "The employees, the partners, everyone who relies on the company's success—they all need to know there's a plan in place."
I rubbed my temples, feeling the weight of their arguments pressing down on me. "I hear what you're saying, and I understand, but I still don't think I'm ready for this."
Marissa stepped closer, her tone gentle but firm. "I get it, Alex. It's a big decision, and it's not one you have to make alone. Talk to Jasper about it. You both should really think about it together."
I looked at her, the sincerity in her eyes almost making me reconsider. Almost. "I'll talk to Jasper," I finally said, my voice resigned. "But I'm not making any promises."
Mr. Wallace nodded, a hint of relief in his expression. "That's all we're asking, Alex. Just consider it."
Marissa gave me a reassuring smile. "Thank you, Alex. We're just looking out for you and the company."
As they left my office, I leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ceiling. The thought of an heir seemed so far off, yet their arguments had planted a seed of doubt in my mind. I knew I needed to talk to Jasper, to really think about what they had said. But for now, I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the present and the challenges at hand.
After a long day of back-to-back meetings and endless paperwork, I finally made it home. The weight of the day's conversations and decisions still lingered in my mind. As I stepped into the living room, I found Jasper already sitting on the couch, engrossed in a show. Seeing him there, looking so calm and content, made me feel a bit more grounded.
"Sugar, I know I left early but I just wanted to catch the ending of this show. I had people looking out for you though so don't fire me," jasper said not taking his eyes off the TV for a second.
"I'm not going to fire you at all, Jasper," I said. Unless this news makes him a nuisance to my everyday life which, let's face it, most likely it will. Jasper could only see the bright of this proposition and would agree to anything I want despite his wants.
I couldn't have that happen.
Later that evening, I found myself pacing in the living room. Jasper was in the kitchen, humming to himself as he prepared dinner. The conversation from earlier still reigning hellfire down on my mind, but I couldn't bring myself to address it directly.
"Hey, dinner's almost ready," Jasper called out, his voice cheerful. "How was your day?"
I forced a smile, trying to keep my tone light. "Busy. You know how it is."
He walked over, wiping his hands on a towel. "Yeah, I do. But you seem more tense than usual. Everything okay?"
I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "Just a lot on my mind. Nothing major."
Jasper frowned, stepping closer. "You sure? You know you can talk to me about anything."
"Yeah, I know," I said, my heart racing. "Actually, there's something I've been thinking about..."
His eyes lit up with curiosity. "What is it?"
"Nothing, just work."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein