Epilogue Part 1
EPILOGUE PART 1
T hree months after The Garden.
“Are you ready for this, Princess?”
I look up at Riley and it still takes me by surprise that he’s mine. It’s been three months since the night he told me he loves me and I still want to pinch myself. Every day since then has been a dream. Riley and I are in the process of moving in with each other which only makes sense since we haven’t spent a night apart. My father’s health has gotten exponentially better now that he traded working a hundred hours a week for leisurely days at the golf course. And Thatcher Inc. is thriving better than before.
I run the company the way I see fit. Emily has been able to take a step back now that I’ve found my place there. I have the trust of the board and the confidence to do what needs to be done. Which is exactly why I’m here.
“I’ve been waiting for this day.” I answer with a smirk.
I step off the elevator and onto the familiar carpet. Everything about this place reminds me of the old me, the timid me, the me who no longer exists.
“Amelia…I mean Ms. Thatcher, so nice to ha ve you here.” I’m greeted immediately by Charles. The desperation spews from his pores knowing his job is on the line.
I knew this day would come, the day I would have to review the performance of the staff and the company as a whole. My father didn’t do it when he acquired it for my sake. He didn’t want to uproot my life by making my connections to Thatcher Inc. known but I knew this had to be done. A company that causes Thatcher Inc. a loss in any way is my responsibility and I know from personal experience, Atlas Tech. is nowhere near as efficient and profitable as it should be.
Scarlett questioned why I wanted to be the one to come down here to make the cuts and the only reply I gave her was, “because I’m a petty betty.”
I smile at the memory of her confused chuckle.
The beauty of being the C.E.O. is that I can do whatever the hell I want and no one really questions it. And this is exactly what I want to do.
“We have you set up in the main conference room and the list of people you sent us is waiting to be called in.” Charles ushers us towards the large room opposite the elevators.
I take a seat in the middle of the large oak table with my back facing the window.
“Who would you like to see first, Ms. Thatcher?”
Taking a look at the sheet of paper with the list of names on it, I pretend to scan it but I already know who I came here to see.
“Greg Slater, please.” I offer Charles a smile knowing how hard it must have been to have seen this list with his friend’s name on it but not being able to do anything about it.
“Right away.” He nods his head before leav ing the room.
I feel Riley’s presence to my left as I wait for Greg to enter. I already knew his performance level was one of the lowest in the company and after seeing how badly he handled the redesign project, I didn’t need any more encouragement to add his name to this list.
“Ms. Thatcher?” Greg calls my name as he steps over the threshold.
He hesitates for a moment when he sees Riley sitting next to me. I can see him replaying Riley’s words, “I hope I am here to see the look on your face the day you realize what a fucking mistake it was to say what you just did about this woman.” Which is the reason why Riley insisted on coming with me today.
“Greg, please take a seat.” I don’t stand as I wave my hand encouraging him to take the seat across from me.
He hesitates.
“Please sit down, Greg. We have a lot of people to see and would like to make this as efficient as possible.” I say with authority causing him to do as he’s told. “Thank you.” I pick up the other sheet of paper that Riley had drawn up for this.
“Greg, today will be your last day here at Atlas Tech. As you are aware, we have a certain standard at Thatcher Inc. as far as performance is concerned and looking at your profile compared to others over the years, unfortunately we are unable to continue with your employment. Here is a document provided for you that outlines your ability to continue any healthcare benefits you have if applicable. Please take a moment to read through it. Next, we will need you to surrender any company property or equipment as well as your badge. You will have thirty minutes to gather your belongings and exit the building. If you have any questions, I’m sure Charles will be happy to answer them for you.”
“Are you fu–”
“I’d watch how you speak to her if I were you.” Riley’s cold voice resonates with authority beside me and Greg flinches at the threat.
“Thank you for your time here at Atlas, Greg. Please clear your desk.” I nod towards the door signaling to him that there is nothing else that needs to be said.
I watch as he holds back whatever it is that he wanted to scream at me. Greg pushes back his chair so hard it almost hits the wall behind him as he storms out and almost knocks into Tiffany as she enters.
“You ready for me, Boss?” She asks, leaning over the table.
Riley chuckles next to me and I pout when I turn to look at him. “I guess the fun’s over?”
“Yes, Princess. The fun’s over, now we leave Tiffany here to do her job.” Riley stands from his seat holding out his hand for me to grab.
After Riley left Anderson & Anderson, Tiffany had no want or need to stay there so she joined Thatcher Inc. as the point person to come in and clean house when a new company is acquired and we need to remove the lowest performers.
She gladly stepped aside this time to let me have my fun but I don’t have the heart to tell everyone else on this list that they were no longer employed after today. Tiffany on the other hand has no issue dishing out bad news.
I leave the stack of papers where they are and let her take my seat.
“Time to go back to work, Princess.”
I let out a sigh. “Fine. It was fun while it lasted.”
Riley and I leave Atlas Tech. behind and head back to Thatcher Inc.