Page 57 of The CEO's Sweetheart Deal
"All those roles can be filled by our existing staff," Halston says dismissively.
"That's not the point!" I slam the folder down. "The point is that this was my decision to make, not yours."
"We would have consulted you," Jack says, "but you were… preoccupied with your romantic getaway."
"My personal life is none of your concern," I say, my voice dangerously low. "But since you brought it up, let me make something crystal clear: my feelings for Alice have nothing to do with my objections to your actions. You exceeded your authority, undermined my leadership, and potentially damaged a valuable acquisition."
"Oscar," Halston says, his tone patronizing. “It’s not merely your decision. If you want to reverse it, you’ll have to consult the whole board.”
"And they will support our decision," Jack says confidently. "The numbers are too compelling to ignore."
"We'll see about that." I straighten up and press the intercom. "Naomi, call an emergency board meeting for four PM today."
"Yes, sir," her voice replies.
"You're overreacting," Halston says, though I notice a flicker of concern cross his face.
"No," I say, "I'm finally reacting. I should have shut this down the moment you proposed it. That's on me. But what you did — going behind my back — that's on you, and there will be consequences."
"Are you threatening us?" Jack asks incredulously.
"I'm informing you of the reality. You can go."
They exchange glances but stand to leave. At the door, Halston turns back.
"Oscar, I've always respected your business acumen. Don't throw it all away over a woman."
"Get out," I say quietly.
As the door closes behind them, Cole lets out a low whistle. "Well, that was intense."
"Did you see the termination notices?" I ask, pushing the folder toward him.
He scans the documents quickly. "Effective immediately, with two paychecks of severance pay. Standard language." He looks up at me. "It's going to be complicated to reverse this."
"I don't care." I begin pacing the room. "Find a way. Offer them their jobs back with bonuses if necessary."
"And if they've already accepted positions elsewhere?"
"Better offers." I run a hand through my hair in frustration. "Whatever it takes."
Cole heads out, and I try Alice, needing to explain everything to her before the distance between us widens even further. The call goes straight to a standard voicemail, though, so I try again.
Same result.
“Shit,” I mutter. What’s going on? Has she… blocked me?
I pivot, dialing Rooted Pantry's main number. The receptionist answers, and I ask to speak to Alice.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Glynn, but Ms. Mackie isn't available."
"It's urgent," I insist. "Please tell her it's about reversing the layoffs."
There's a pause, some muffled voices, and then: "I'm very sorry, sir, but Ms. Mackie has asked not to be disturbed. She's in a meeting."
“Thank you.” I hang up, frustration mounting. Fine. I’ll just need to do this in person.
Which is what I would rather do, anyway.
