Chapter 13 CEOs' DISPUTE
“He can't be serious...This is an extremely important meeting; I can't lead!” I said it nervously.
“Ms. Lis, Mr. Patrik anticipated this reaction of yours and asked me to tell you that there is a reason why you are considered his right hand and that he fully trusts your management skills!” Julia said, smiling shyly and holding my hands. “You know this company like the back of your hand; you will do a good presentation.”
I smiled at the compliment, feeling strange about Mr. Morgan's behavior, but he had been acting strange with me since he found out about the book.
I shivered at the memory of that incident, noticing Julia's narrowed eyes. Furthermore, I sighed, adjusting my posture.
“Ms. Julia, please bring tea, coffee, and snacks. Research and find out the preferences of the people in this room,” I said firmly, watching her nod before quickly leaving to fulfill my request. I turned to the impatient looks in the room, positioning myself in front of the screen to start the presentation.
“On behalf of SoundStory Press, I apologize for Mr. Morgan's absence. We value everyone's presence here, and the time allotted to us will not be wasted. I will start the presentation, which will be continued when Mr. Patrik arrives,” I said, smiling as I pressed the control to start the slide.
“Wait, your CEO is not coming? This is absurd,” Bennett said, standing up along with the lawyer. “We came for a meeting with Mr. Morgan; we will not waste Mr. Celdric's precious time with any random secretary.”
“It would be foolish of you to leave this room without hearing what I have to say.” I resonated firmly, without hesitation, maintaining an upright posture and an incisive voice. “Mr. Celdric, you are here because you believe in the potential and value of our publishing house. Allow me to show how a simple secretary stands out and is distinguished thanks to Mr. Morgan's leadership!”
I lifted my chin, facing the CEO, who leaned back in his chair arrogantly. Leaning forward, he tilted his head to the side, scratching the corner of his mouth. With a wide and charming smile, he spoke:
“So, don't make me waste any more time, Ms. Elisabeth, and prove your words.” Celdric leaned back in his chair again, glancing at his subordinates, who followed his lead.
“Thank you, Sir!” I smiled victoriously.
I began the presentation with impactful plots, highlighting renowned writers we had incorporated into our team. Additionally, I emphasized our training programs and unique development techniques for each author, underscoring the true partnership we maintained with our selected talents.
I used compelling visuals in the presentation, capable of narrating intense plots, aiming to show Mr. Celdric that our stories deserved to be transformed into scripts.
“Interesting, and how do you manage to retain such a caliber of talent?” Celdric asked, curious. “We know that success can get to the authors' heads and lead them to leave us.”
“Excellent point, Mr. Celdric.” I bit the end of the pen, realizing he was following my every move. Slightly flushed, I continued. “Our contracts ensure the loyalty of the authors. In case of breach, we have the long-term right to receive up to 45% of any income from the writers' works.”
“On what basis are these contracts based?” The lawyer inquired.
“If you refer to page 43, section 15, clause 27, you will find the specific laws we use.” I kept a steady gaze on each of them. “Mr. Celdric, we are the most comprehensive, reliable, and established publisher that Forbs News Times will find. I assure you, our partnership is of great value to your business.”
The CEO glanced at the lawyer, who was reviewing the terms, and nodded to him.
“Impressive, Ms. Elisabeth. Indeed, you have prepared for this presentation.” Celdric sighed, rising from his chair. “However, we take compliance and direct negotiations between CEOs very seriously, and I don't see yours here.”
“You're looking at the wrong side, Mr. Celdric,” Patrik said from the door with his piercing gaze and determined expression.
“Mr. Morgan, I thought you wouldn't grace us with your presence,” CEO Celdric taunted.
“I apologize for my lateness. I was intrigued when I heard that Mr. Forbs wouldn't attend our meeting. I went to pay him a visit, and unfortunately, our poker game took longer than expected.” Patrik smiled smugly, entering the room and leaving everyone wide-eyed. “I hope my secretary treated you well. Any doubts about the presentation?”
“Were you with Mr. Forbs?” Celdric sat down, rubbing his neck, before looking back at Mr. Morgan. “No doubts. Ms. Elisabeth gave an excellent presentation. I would like to congratulate you for having such an exceptional professional by your side.”
I noticed Bennett glaring at me for the compliment I received.
“Thank you, Mr. Celdric; it's not necessary. I just did what my CEO instructed me to do.” I lowered my head, returning to the screen. “Mr. Morgan, would you like to proceed?”
“It's not necessary, Ms. Elisabeth. We won't be closing with the Forbs today!”Patrik kept his hands in his pockets, looking steadily at Celdric.
“What? Why?” I spoke up suddenly, seeing everyone in the room grimace.
“How dare you treat us like this?”Celdric slammed the table, standing up impatiently. “You begged us for a meeting!”
“No, I begged the majority partner for a meeting. I don't do business with amateurs,” Mr. Morgan replied.
“This is absurd!” Grabbing his things, Celdric stood in front of the CEO, pointing his finger. “You will regret this; you will never close with my company!”
“Your brother is still alive. This decision is not up to you, Mr. Celdric. Please understand; don't take it personally...” Patrik whispered, cold and sharp. “But you're already throwing a fit over so little; it would annoy me to have to close such an important partnership with a petulant child!”
Growling, Celdric stared at him.
“You're losing a great partnership because of your arrogance, Mr. Morgan!” He shouted, storming out of the room, followed by his subordinates.
“Mr. Morgan, what was that?” I said, perplexed, with my mouth slightly open. “Why did you do that? You know this partnership is extremely important to us; how could you... Why?”
“Don't worry, Ms. Elisabeth. I know what I'm doing.” Patrik shrugged. I noticed he was sweating more than usual; his skin was slightly pale.
“Mr. Morgan, are you feeling well?” I automatically approached him, trying to touch his forehead. Grabbing my wrist, he gently squeezed it, smiling.
“Feeling bold today, Ms. Elisabeth?” Patrik teased. I pulled my hands away, embarrassed.
“Sorry, sir, that wasn't my intention!” I hurried to speak.
“What a shame.” He shrugged.
“Mr. Morgan, we should go after them. I can talk to Mr. Celdric to reconsider the partnership.” I pointed to the door, ready to run after them.
Patrik pulled me, lifting my chin and breathing heavily.
“Do you like Mr. Celdric, Ms. Lis?” He asked, his eyes burning.
“Do I like him? What are you insinuating, Mr. Morgan?” I arched my eyebrows, intrigued.
“He's a CEO, good-looking, very wealthy, and a man of good status. I wouldn't be surprised if you were interested in that spoiled Celdric!” Patrik spoke arrogantly, making me shudder.
“How dare you insinuate something like that?” I snapped at him, irritated. “Don't mistake me for a woman who have the habit of getting involved; none of that appeals to me!”
I turned around, gathering and organizing all the presentation materials. I felt a warmth behind my back; his breath was too close to my neck.
“And what kind of men do you find attractive?” The CEO whispered seductively in my ear.
I shivered, sighing and looking alertly at the glass doors, afraid that someone would witness my boss's inappropriate advances.
“The ones who are not my bosses, CEOs, or businessmen!” I clenched my fists, tightening the folders in my hands, and turned to Mr. Morgan, who was smiling and amused.
“Damn, I have all three forbidden requirements.” Patrik joked casually. “We'll have to raise your standards, apprentice.”
He took a step forward, and I retreated two steps.
“Please.” I said, frightened and abrupt. “I don't want to be the subject of gossip in the company, especially not in the wrong way.”
Tilting his head to the side, the CEO put his hands in his pockets.
“Fair enough, I like how you maintain your image.” He smiled, turning his back and stopping at the door. “Oh, don't forget, we're going to my house today!”
He said he was leaving. I looked around nervously, afraid someone had overheard; luckily, we were alone on the floor of the meeting room.