Chapter One: Tied Down

Celine "The percent of sales recorded for this year increased to 75%," the sales manager reported in the meeting, gesturing to the projector behind him. "As you can see, it's a 15% rise from last year's figure." "That's impressive," CEO Johnson said, clapping on the other end of the table where he sat. I gave him a low glare from where I sat at the top seat, where the table made a bend, and the rest of his words trailed off. "My apologies, Director," he apologized, clearing his throat. The atmosphere in the room was silent, with every gaze in the room looking towards him. Johnson was a headache. I would have relieved him of his job if not for my grandfather's veto. I tilted my head towards Cain, the sales manager, and he continued the report. "What drove the increase?" I asked. "There was a significant return on investment from our marketing campaigns targeting the 24-45 age group. Also, our new product line, launched in Q2, accounted for 20% of the sales." I clucked my tongue. "Make plans to sustain this growth and further increase sales. There's nothing holding us back from hitting a 100% sales target next year, I believe." "Of course, Director Holden," Cain said, tilting his head briefly. "Good," I said, my mouth twisting. Sweeping a glance across the room, I announced, "That will be all for today." My secretary, Rachel, stepped forward to pack my files as I rose from my seat, and we both exited the conference room. Our heels clicked against the polished floors as we walked. Sunlight refracted from the bluish glass walls, which made up the entirety of the company's building. The walls offered a panoramic view of the world outside, with skyscrapers ranging from industrial to residential houses, and the daily hustle and bustle as everyone navigated life on the busy streets of Boston. The view was more encompassing on the top floor, which was my office. The double doors of the golden wrought elevators parted upon our approach, and we walked in. Rachel moved forward to push the button to my floor before retreating a step behind me. I stood with my hands dipped in my pockets, assuming a confident and masculine pose. "What do I have next on my agenda?" I asked over my shoulder, my gaze fixed on the wall. There was this popular quote I loved: "If you want to beat them, join them, be better than them, then beat them at their own game. Emulate, innovate, and finally, dominate." I was well aware that many of the executives were opposed to my role as a leader over them based on my gender. That was why I was willing to prove to them that I wasn't incapable just because I was female, and the stereotypical belief that only men should be assigned superior positions was nonsense. I could do better. I could do more than my male counterpart, and I didn't care about their sentiments. "You have a web call in half an hour with one of our major suppliers. That will be all." I arched an eyebrow, half-turning to face her. "Is that all?" "Yes, Director. That will be all." My gaze narrowed. I folded my arms across my chest, knowing something was up. "Is he around, right?" "No. He only sent in a message. You have to be there. And on time. You have no excuses to give this time. I've already cleared your schedules. That's what the Chairman said." I scoffed. "He's got to be kidding me." The elevator made a low bleep, and the doors parted. I whirled around, my blood boiling, and stormed to my office. Rachel was right behind me, walking hurriedly to match my pace. I barged into my office and plopped down into my desk chair. Rachel approached the stairs to my workspace, stopping at the edge of the dark, mahogany table. "You're not getting out of it this time, Director. Your grandfather seems to be very serious this time," she said, placing the files from the conference room down on it. I tsked. "Tell me about it. When has he never been serious? Return my schedules as they were initially. I have no interest in entertaining the old man's interests at the moment. You can relay that to him." Rachel's eyes twitched at my response. She stood rooted to the spot. "You can leave now," I said, firing up my computer and preparing to get to work. "Not until you concede to your grandfather's request, Director." "I already gave you my response, Rachel. Unless you're thinking of trading your position with a more qualified person..." I trailed off, focusing my gaze on the screen. "Director Holden," she said with a plea in her voice. "I'm in a tough spot, please. Just this once." "You should do your job well, Rachel. How many times have I gone on blind dates per his requests?" "Fourteen," she answered. "And what were the outcomes of each?" I looked at her. "They didn't work out." I twisted my mouth. Her words did justice to what actually happened. "But..." "No buts. Tell the old man to give up." "I knew you'd say that," my grandfather's voice boomed from across the room. He stepped out from the corner he had been in, listening in on our conversation the entire time. I glared at Rachel, and she flashed an apologetic look at me. "I'm sorry. He told me not to tell." She gritted through her teeth, her look apologetic. "You have nothing to fear, Rachel," Grandfather said and dismissed her. "You may take your leave. I need to speak to her alone." "Yes, Chairman." Rachel dipped a bow to either of us respectively and promptly exited the office. Grandfather settled down on one of the plush sofas in the office with a low grunt. "I knew you'd be thickheaded. You never follow instructions. How can you be a leader like that?" I sat still for a minute, watching him. He turned to glare at me, hitting his palm on the arm of the sofa. "You brat. Will you keep me waiting here?" Huffing an irritated sigh, I left my seat to join him. "Your instructions don't align with my principles, Grandfather. That's why I go against them, often." "A good leader is a good follower. Leaders don't neglect the words of their predecessors. Leaders lead by example. How do you think to run this company if everyone is like you?" I tried not to roll my eyes at Grandpa's clichéd lecture on what true leadership entailed. "We all have principles, Grandpa." "And what is that principle of yours? To be a spinster till you're in your fifties?" "No. To lead this company to greater heights." Grandfather hissed. "There's time for everything. The company thrived just well before I handed it over to you, and that didn't stop me from building a family. What if I hadn't had your father? You think you'd exist with your burning passion?" I rolled my tongue in my mouth. "You need to make space for love too, Celine. Everything isn't just work. You need someone to care for you and love you. You aren't getting older. I have scheduled a date with you with the last son of LawOil. You are going." "I am not. You should give up. I don't need love. I don't want to get married to anyone." Grandfather sighed, rising to his feet with the help of his walking stick. "Then, you should give up too." I furrowed my brows. "What?" "Give up on Holden Group." I leaped to my feet. "What? That's not fair!" Grandfather ignored me, walking out of the office instead. I shoved my fingers through my hair, hissing in annoyance.