Chapter 17 Lines of Authority
The conference room door swung open, breaking the serious silence within. The two men already inside, Kent and Robert, turned toward the sound.
Elliot walked in with his usual confident stride, making Kent unable to suppress a proud smile for his eldest son and it widened slowly when another figure emerged from behind Elliot.
Audrey.
Kent's gaze immediately fixed on the woman, while Robert frowned slightly at the presence of Elliot's secretary.
"You brought Audrey?" Robert asked, his voice a little sharp, though outwardly calm.
"Hey, why do you sound like that?" Kent shook his head slightly, chiding Robert.
Audrey felt instantly intimidated, especially by the gaze of Elliot's uncle, who was also known for his cold demeanor. Robert scrutinized Audrey briefly before turning back to Elliot.
"Don't you usually bring your male assistant?" Robert asked again, ignoring his stepbrother's reprimand, which made Kent roll his eyes dismissively.
Elliot glanced at Robert, appearing unfazed by the challenging tone. "Audrey is more competent for this situation. She has handled many documents related to this acquisition, so she understands the details better."
Audrey, who had been standing quietly behind Elliot, lowered her head slightly in deference. "Good afternoon, Mr. Robert, Mr. Kent."
Kent smiled warmly, his eyes fixed on Audrey with undisguised interest. "Good afternoon, Audrey. We meet again, huh? Is this rude son of mine still giving you trouble?"
Elliot immediately glared at his chuckling father, while Audrey only offered an awkward smile in response.
Robert merely let out a short sigh, gesturing toward a chair with his chin. "Sit down. We don't have much time. The labor union is starting to mobilize, and this could become a big problem if we don't resolve it soon."
Elliot and Audrey took seats.
While Robert spoke, Kent appeared more relaxed, observing the interaction between Elliot and Audrey with a meaningful gaze that slightly unsettled Elliot.
"The union is demanding job security after the acquisition," Robert explained, cutting straight to the chase. "They fear massive layoffs. This news has already spread in the media, and our reputation is being questioned."
"They are also requesting a renegotiation of benefits and the new policies to be implemented," Robert added, leaning back in his chair. "It's more complicated than you think, Elliot."
"Complicated or not, we still have to find a solution," Elliot stated firmly. His gaze shifted to Audrey. "You brought the data regarding the policy changes, right?"
Audrey nodded and opened the document on her tablet. "I have prepared an analysis of the new policy's impact on the workforce. With certain adjustments, we can reduce the potential for conflict without sacrificing company efficiency."
She handed the tablet to Elliot, who immediately presented it to Kent and Robert.
Robert read the data, his brow slightly furrowed. "Are you sure this can convince them?" he asked, looking sharply at Elliot.
"The data is based on realistic simulations," Elliot countered without hesitation. "But, if they still refuse, we can offer another option, like a retraining program for the affected workers."
Kent chuckled softly, drawing everyone's attention in the room. "I have to admit, this idea is quite compelling. But I'm curious... is this truly your idea, or... Audrey's?"
Elliot glanced at his father with an exasperated glare. The elder man seemed intent on teasing him throughout the meeting. "It doesn't matter who proposed it. What matters is that it's the best solution for our problem."
"Don't get me wrong, Son." Kent chuckled softly. "I just want to make sure you genuinely appreciate the help of this secretary of yours."
Audrey felt her cheeks flush slightly, but she maintained a neutral expression.
Robert, who seemed to grasp Kent's intention, only managed a faint smile, but someone needed to be serious at the moment. He tapped his finger lightly on the table. "In that case, we need to ensure this goes smoothly. Elliot, you will lead the meeting with the union representatives. Audrey can help you prepare all the necessary materials."
"Understood," Elliot replied concisely.
Kent looked even prouder of his son's decisiveness. Tilting his head slightly, his smile still lingered. "Audrey, if I may ask, how can you be so patient working with Elliot? This boy is too stubborn even for me."
'Honestly, this man often makes me see red, Sir!'
Of course, that remained only inside Audrey's head. Smoothly, she offered her polite smile. "Mr. Harrington is a firm boss, but I learn a lot from him. That is enough to keep me going."
Elliot immediately turned to his secretary with a frown. "Oh? I thought you hated me."
"No way!" Audrey retorted spontaneously, glancing quickly toward Kent and Robert. "I never hated you, Sir—"
Kent burst into laughter, watching their interaction, while Robert merely shook his head.
"Make sure this doesn't turn into a bigger mess. I don't want to hear any more about the company's reputation being threatened," Robert took charge of the situation again.
"It won't," Elliot stated confidently. "I'll handle it."
The session ended with an agreement on the strategic steps to be taken. However, as Elliot and Audrey were about to leave the conference room, Robert held Elliot back.
"Elliot," he called softly, his eyes briefly flicking toward Audrey, who was tidying the table. "That secretary of yours... she's more than competent. Take good care of her."
Elliot merely gave a short nod, glancing in the same direction. 'Indeed, she needs to be taken good care of right now...'
Robert patted Elliot's shoulder and excused himself, leaving the room, while Elliot remained contemplating his uncle's words, looking back at Audrey.
"So... is your uncle right?" Kent, suddenly standing beside him, slightly startled Elliot.
Elliot clicked his tongue softly, trying to appear calm. "She is a competent secretary. Few women have Audrey's capabilities."
Kent looked at his eldest son intently. One eyebrow was raised. "Are you praising her, Elliot Harrington?"
Elliot let out a long sigh, trying to control his expression, which was close to slipping into nervousness.
He stared directly at Kent, his eyes cold as usual. "Just stating a fact, Dad. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"
Kent moved closer, folding his arms across his chest while scrutinizing his son, though a slightly mocking, teasing smile played on his lips. "It's rare for you to compliment anyone, especially a woman. Let alone with that tone."
Elliot did not answer immediately. He shifted his gaze for a moment, looking at Audrey standing in the distance, talking to one of the company staff.
Audrey's calm and professional demeanor seemed to emit a different aura compared to anyone else in the room.
"Audrey's skills speak for themselves," Elliot finally said, his voice softer than before.
He'd seen her navigate crises, charm stubborn clients, and dissect complex reports with a sharpness that sometimes even surpassed his own.
"She knows what she's doing, and that's more than enough to earn a compliment."
Kent smiled faintly, meaningfully. "It's not just about her skills, isn't it?"
Elliot refocused his gaze on Kent, this time with a slightly more defensive expression. His brow furrowed deeply. "What do you mean, Dad?"
"You know exactly what I mean." Kent scoffed, his voice full of challenge and growing sarcasm. "I know you. You wouldn't bring just anyone into something this important, especially not praise them like that."