Chapter 138

Chapter 138
Rhett's POV

After breakfast, Sheryl and I headed to the company together. She went to the project department for her meeting, while I convened the executive team. I deliberately waited until everyone had assembled before making my entrance into the boardroom.

The boardroom door sealed shut with a soft click, and the temperature seemed to drop several degrees as I took my position at the head of the table.

"I hope none of you mistook this meeting for a mere morning meeting," I said, my voice deliberately calm yet carrying unmistakable authority.

The room fell silent. I let my gaze sweep across the faces of Hayes Enterprise's top executives, allowing my fingers to tap twice on the polished mahogany surface. Alex immediately handed me a folder which I took without looking at him, then tossed it directly in front of my uncle Darren.

The slap of the folder against the table echoed in the silence. I could practically feel the collective intake of breath around the table. Everyone knew exactly what this was—a public challenge to Darren Hayes, my father's brother and the company's Vice President.

I kept my expression neutral as I addressed him. "Charles Reed, the operations director you personally appointed to our Boston trade division, has been embezzling company funds for the past three years. The total amounts to $37 million. His actions were deliberate, extensive, and have caused significant damage to Hayes Enterprise."

The executives exchanged nervous glances. Everyone knew Charles had been Darren's protégé, personally groomed and recommended for the position. The implication hung heavy in the air: was Darren involved?

My uncle calmly opened the folder and glanced through its contents. His face betrayed nothing as he closed it and looked up.

"I selected Charles based on his capabilities and track record," Darren said evenly. "I had no knowledge of his criminal activities. If the company questions my involvement, I'm open to a full investigation."

I allowed myself a small smile. "Uncle, you're a company veteran whose contributions to Hayes Enterprise are undeniable. Charles has been handed over to the authorities for a complete investigation, and we will pursue this matter to its conclusion. However," I paused deliberately, "since Charles was personally mentored by you, simply claiming ignorance might not be sufficient to quiet speculation."

Darren should understand perfectly what this meeting was about. I was making an example of him.

I knew that he wasn't directly involved in Charles's embezzlement. But that wasn't the point. I was publicly forcing him to take responsibility in a way that left no room for doubt or future leverage against me.

He adjusted his glasses and straightened his perfectly tailored suit before standing.

"I appreciate the trust that both the company and you, Rhett, placed in me regarding the Boston trade division," he said with practiced dignity. "I take full responsibility for this failure of oversight. As a demonstration of my accountability, I will relinquish control of the Boston trade division effective immediately."

Murmurs rippled through the room. The Boston trade division was one of Hayes Enterprise's most profitable sectors, handling domestic and international trade with annual revenues in the billions. By surrendering it, Darren was essentially cutting off his right arm. His position as Vice President would be significantly weakened.

I merely smiled slightly at his offer, revealing nothing of my satisfaction.

"There's one more matter that requires your attention, Uncle," I continued.

I nodded to Alex, who brought up the quarterly performance charts for Darren's divisions on the main screen. The downward trend was unmistakable.

"Everyone here knows about your reputation as Boston's philanthropist and your considerable contributions to medical charities," I said, my tone conversational yet pointed. "But it seems your tendency to misjudge character extends beyond company affairs."

Darren's expression darkened slightly as I continued.

"While your charity work is ostensibly private, you're also Hayes Enterprise's Vice President. When Charles Smith, the director of your charity foundation, was arrested last month, it created significant public relations issues that impacted our company's reputation."

I tapped the screen with my Mont Blanc pen, highlighting the performance charts. "Combined with the Boston trade division situation, it's not surprising that your divisions show a ten percent decline in growth this quarter."

Darren considered his response carefully before offering a thin smile. "I commit to increasing revenue growth by twenty percent within the next three months. If I fail, I'll resign from my position as Vice President of Hayes Enterprise."

The stakes couldn't have been clearer. He'd just signed his own potential execution order.

"How much time do you need?" I asked, knowing full well what his answer would be.

"Two months," he replied without hesitation.

I nodded once. "Meeting adjourned."

---

"Don't take it personally, Uncle," I said later in his office as we sat across from each other at his tea table. "What happened in the boardroom was about maintaining order and accountability, not targeting you specifically."

I poured him a cup of tea from his teapot and handed it to him with a smile. "Your talk of resignation was rather dramatic, don't you think?"

Darren took a sip of the tea I'd offered and smiled back. "I understand completely. That was precisely the kind of decisive action a CEO should take."

"However, Rhett," he continued, his eyes fixed on mine, "I'm your uncle, so naturally I won't hold this against you. But if you had treated any other company veteran the way you treated me today, it would have been inappropriate. Remember that even power has its limits."

I raised my teacup slightly in acknowledgment, my expression giving nothing away. "Thank you for the advice, Uncle."

Sheryl's POV

The bright afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of my spacious new office when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID and couldn't help smiling as I answered.

"How's the new office?" Rhett's smooth voice came through immediately.

"Not bad at all," I replied, looking around at the modern furnishings and panoramic view of Boston's financial district. He even set up a private office for me to streamline my work with the team.

"Even though we're in the same building, it feels too far away," he suggested. "Why don't you move into my office? There's plenty of room."

I knew he was joking. We'd agreed not to interfere with each other's work, and here he was trying to rearrange my workspace.

"Mr. Hayes," I said with mock formality, "it's working hours. Please focus on your job."

His low chuckle traveled through the phone, sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. "I have some business to attend to this afternoon. I'll see you at home tonight."

"What a coincidence, I have plans this afternoon too," I said, smiling despite myself. "See you tonight."