6. The New CEO

At StriveStyle Co.

“I heard we are getting a new CEO soon.”

“Ha! You must be joking. Who is that unlucky person?”

“StriveStyle Co. is practically a sinking ship. I can’t imagine anyone willingly stepping into the CEO role.”

“Unless it is someone as greedy as the former CEO who laundered money mercilessly.”

The employees were in a frenzy. Some of them even bumped into Heidi as they rushed to get to the conference room early. Heidi didn’t walk in the same direction, though. Her new assistant hurried up to her, panting heavily.

“I- I am so sorry, Ms. Olsen. I was still setting up your office; I couldn’t receive you at the parking lot. Please overlook my mistake; this is the last time, I promise.”

“Relax.” Heidi smiled. “Where are the reports I requested?”

“Here, I’ve printed them out.” The assistant handed her a documents folder. “They have all the information you need, Ms. Olsen.”

“Good.” Heidi flipped through the papers. Her brows knitted while skimming through the content, then her expression relaxed.

“By the way, my name is Isla. Isla Kendall.”

“Nice to meet you, Isla.” Heidi shook hands with her before handing back the documents folder.

“Attention, everyone,” Isla called the employees’ attention once they entered the conference room. “Allow me to introduce you to our new CEO. Everyone, please meet Ms. Olsen.”

Gasps of astonishment filled the room, especially from those who had gossiped in the elevator.

“Oh, no. We’re dead meat.”

“So she’s the new CEO.”

“Danmit! She heard what we said, right?”

Their expressions paled, and they began whispering anxiously.

“I’ve heard some rather unpleasant words…” Heidi chuckled, her eyes scanning the employees. “StriveStyle Co. is a struggling company, and that’s common knowledge. If you, as employees, don’t have faith in it, can the company stand on its own?”

“Moreover…” her gaze shifted to the three girls. “Those who claim I attained this position by seducing the President should be forewarned that there will be consequences.”

The three female employees shrank back in their seats, lowering their heads in shame.

“I’ll let it slide this time because we have an important matter ahead. But next time you say anything unpleasant…” she shook her head, laughing softly, “consider this your only warning. I’m no saint.”

The employees quickly composed themselves. When the assistant introduced her as the CEO, they prematurely judged that she wasn’t normal. She exuded an air of calm and confidence, not arrogance but firmness in her words. It turned out she wasn’t someone to be trifled with.

“With regard to the structure of this brand, I’ve conducted a thorough examination,” she declared, taking her seat. “The root cause of StriveStyle Co.’s decline can be traced to mismanagement by key employees. Those involved in any form of illicit collaboration or transactions should expect termination letters soon.”

Over a dozen pairs of eyes widened, and nervous glances were exchanged among the employees.

“Also, don’t lose hope in StriveStyle Co. yet. For those rooting for the company’s success, rest assured it will stand back on its feet soon.”

“Ms. Olsen,” one employee raised his hand tentatively. “If I may ask, do you have a plan to revive this company, especially considering its current reputation...?

The employee trailed off, looking uncertain, and the others mirrored his expression. None of them believed StriveStyle Co. would ever recover. Even if the bad elements were removed, the company seemed irreparably damaged.

“To answer your question… Yes.” Heidi nodded, understanding their skepticism. “Not only me, but every one of us will work hard to revive StriveStyle Co. We’ll work as a team and regain its lost glory,” Heidi said confidently.

The employees clapped. Some were hopeful, but many remained doubtful.

*******

Later that day,

Heidi remained seated in her new office, engrossed in reading various documents. She noticed the company has a huge need recruiting KOLs to promote for the company, but the best models are all at GK Group. , her ex-husband's company!

Heidi leaned back, rubbing her forehead. She shut her eyes to push down thoughts about Lucas. When it proved futile, she picked up the remote and switched on the TV.

“Breaking News: The GK Group has been making headlines recently, but not one as interesting as the sudden announcement of Mr. Harrison’s upcoming wedding. Unfortunately, the family’s joyful moment is interrupted as rumors have it that the Chairman of GK Group has had a stroke. Who else thinks this is a bad premonition?”

The remote slipped from Heidi’s hand, and her li-ps parted in shock.

Grandpa Winston was ill? How could that have happened?

Heidi stood up and paced back and forth. Surprisingly, the news of Lucas getting married didn’t faze her much, almost as if she had anticipated it.

Poor Grandpa Winston. He had always been healthy and full of life. What could have gone wrong?

That's when Heidi's phone rang. 

She frowned as she checked it and saw the caller ID, "Lucas."