Chapter 117
All the employees of the F&K fashion company were notified to assemble at the conference hall for an urgent meeting. They were anxious to learn about the fate of the company, as production had seized since the end of the outrageous court opening process.
Kyle was hospitalized and in very bad condition. While Chloe and Frost were nowhere to be found.
It was rumored that Chloe had been relieved of the CEO duty and sent outside the country by her father. Also, it was rumored that Frost and his family had fled Amzone city for fear of being kidnapped by Albert Robinson’s tugs. However, no one could state for sure the whereabouts of Frost and Chloe.
After a few minutes, Luke Robinson walked into the conference room like a demigod, with half a dozen of armed security men following closely behind him. He was dressed in a navy blue well-tailored suit that exuded elegance and luxury. His neatly trimmed jet-black hair and his clean-shaven jawline gave him the aura of a supermodel.
Luke stepped unto the podium of the room and took a seat. His attractive pair of brown eyes stared back at the terrified sixty pairs of eyes, that were currently gawking at him. He looked from one person’s face to another as though he was searching for a defaulter. Then he cleared his throat and smiled slyly when he caught sight of Silvia Kane.
“Good morning, everyone,” Luke said in a deep but gentle tone. “I know you all are wondering who this person seated before you is. Well, I wouldn’t like to keep you in suspense anymore. My name is Luke Robinson. I am the new CEO of this company, whose brand name will henceforth be known as AR brand. Can you all repeat the name of this brand?”
“AR brand,” Everyone sang in unison, after which the hall fell silent again. It was as though everyone had been given a memo to shut up.
Luke smiled with satisfaction at the spellbound workers.
.....
“Good! I am very impressed...” Luke’s expression suddenly changed. He tilted his head sideways when he heard a muffled sound coming from the left-hand side of the hall.
“I think someone over there has something to say to us.” His gorgeous brown eyes darkened as he glared frostily at some employees; whom he believed interrupted him.
The hall became extremely quiet like a graveyard, as everyone suddenly held their breath for fear of pissing off the new CEO.
However, this action did not satisfy Luke. He felt that a scapegoat was needed for everyone to know who they were currently dealing with.
“Everyone on that axis...” Luke pointed at a few staff members, “walk towards the center of the hall.”
Heads turned, feet shuffled and different voices murmured as some people tried to shy away from the accused group.
“You and you,” Luke commanded in an ice tone. He pointed at two ladies; who were trying to sneak away from the accused group. “Join them!”
After a few seconds, ten trembling employees stood at the center of the hall.
“Excellent!” Luke smirked evilly. “Initially, I wanted to start this day to get to know you all and put down some of my new rules. However, I feel someone amongst you has something to say to my face. So, I will give you all,” he pointed at the ten accused, scowling at their panicked state, “three seconds to bring out that person who interrupted me a while ago. Otherwise...” He paused momentarily to allow his threat to sink into them.
“3, 2...”
Everyone quickly pointed at a chubby-looking lady (known as Emily); who was one of the heads of the advertising and marketing department. They all moved aside, like iron fillings being pulled by a strong magnetic force, to reveal the unfortunate Emily.
“Shit! Backstabbers!” Emily cursed in a muffled voice. “Oh no, I’m dead!” Emily’s legs trembled vigorously under her weight.
“Hmm...” Luke chuckled grimly.
“S...sir, I...I...am very s... sorry,” Emily stuttered.
“What’s your name?” Luke asked in an icy cold tone.
Emily’s eyes shimmered with tears and some fell freely down her cheeks. “Look at the mess you’ve placed yourself in, you stupid and garrulous idiot,” she mentally stroked herself. “Must you cough out everything you see? What if this new CEO is worse than the former lunatic CEO?”
“My patience has its limits!” Luke broke Emily from her rampaging thoughts.
“Emily Von, Sir!”
“Emily, quickly go into your office and clean your desk. Also, the company will be clearing your account of every debt owed. Effective immediately, you are fired!” Luke’s deadly stares sent chills down Emily’s spine. She wanted to protest, but two of Luke’s security men bundled her like a bag of trash and threw her out of the hall.
Luke gave a dismissive wave of his hands and all remaining nine formally accused employees, returned to their previous position; looking at each other with horrified expressions.
“Very well,” Luke half smiled, “as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by that bloated fool, we are under a new regime.”
“As you all know, this company is in debt of five hundred million dollars. Also, we are currently faced with a tainted public image; which I’m currently working hard on, to rectify.”
“Aside from many other challenges that the company is currently managing, I was reliably informed that your salaries were doubled by the past CEO. Hence, you are all responsible for the current bankruptcy of this company.”
“Having clearly stated all the obvious facts, I can confidently say that you all are indebted to this company and I will make sure you repay your debts in hundredfold.”
“My new policies and procedures, concerning this company will be sent to every department in a week from now. Also, all executive, managerial, head, and unit head positions are hereby dissolved. I’ll be choosing the new team I intend to work with in due time.”
There was internal panic in the hall as personnel holding different administrative positions stared at each other with bulging eyes. However, everyone was scared to voice out their opinions for fear of being stripped and sacked. They were traumatized by Luke’s horrid announcement.
Luke stood up and glowered at the frightened workers. “Anyone who makes the stupid mistake of resigning would have me to contend with. Remember, you are all indebted to me. Hence, before you all leave this hall, you have to sign a new confidentiality agreement.”
Luke came down from the podium and walked towards the exit door. Then, he slowly turned around and said; “Silvia Kane, take a walk with me.”