A few minutes later, Mike returned with another stack of files.
From then on, I immersed myself completely in work.
Thankfully, most of it wasn’t unfamiliar.
Years of preparation made the reports easier to understand than they might have been otherwise.
Before I knew it, noon had arrived.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.” Mike stepped inside.
“Everyone is waiting for you in the conference room, Ma’am.” I looked up from the file in my hands.
“Alright.” “I’ll be there in a moment.” After he left, I organized the documents on my desk before standing.
The walk through the familiar hallway felt strangely different today.
Every employee I passed greeted me with respect.
Soon, I arrived at the glass doors leading to the conference room.
My hand rested briefly on the handle.
This wasn’t another training session.
This was my first executive meeting as CEO.
Taking one last deep breath, I pushed the door open.
Three people were already seated around the conference table.
The moment they saw me, all three stood.
“Good morning, Ma’am.” “Good morning.” A small smile appeared on my face.
Despite the obvious age difference between us, every one of them treated me with complete respect.
It was a reassuring start.
“Please, have a seat,” I said, keeping my voice steady as I walked to the head of the conference table and took my seat.
The elderly woman with neatly styled brown hair smiled warmly.
“I’m Margaret Firestone, Chief Marketing Officer.” She gestured toward the gentleman seated beside her.
“This is Stephen Reynolds, our Chief Operating Officer.” I looked at the elderly man, and he acknowledged me with a courteous nod.
Finally, she turned to the last person at the table.
“And this is Harold Caldwell, our Chief Financial Officer.” “It’s nice to meet all of you,” I said politely.
“I look forward to working with you.” “We look forward to working with you as well,” they replied almost in unison.
The meeting began shortly afterward.
Each of them presented detailed reports from their respective departments, giving me a thorough overview of the company’s operations, ongoing projects, and future plans.
For years, Uncle shedrak had entrusted Johnson Culinary Group to their management while remaining the final authority on major company decisions.
From everything they presented today, it was clear they had done an outstanding job preserving and growing the company in the absence of the CEO.
Nearly three hours later, the meeting finally came to an end.
Just as everyone was about to leave, Mr.
Stephen slid a file across the table toward me.
“We received this from Livingston Corporation,” he said.
Curious, I opened the file and skimmed through the first page.
The familiar company logo immediately caught my attention.
“As you’re aware, Livingston Corporation has maintained a long-standing partnership with Johnson Culinary Group,” Mr.
Stephen continued.
“They’ll be hosting a charity gala in the next two weeks, and Johnson Culinary Group has been selected to oversee all catering and banquet services for the event.” I looked up from the document, slightly surprised.
Uncle Herbert hadn’t mentioned this to me.
After all, this would be my first official project as CEO.
“This will be your first major assignment leading the company,” Mr.
Stephen said, his expression softening.
“But there’s no need to feel pressured.
We’ll be here to support you every step of the way.” He must have mistaken my surprise for nervousness.
Mr.
Harold smiled reassuringly.
“We’ve worked with Livingston Corporation for many years, and we also had the privilege of working under your parents.” “They were remarkable leaders.” “We’ll do everything we can to support you, just as we supported them.” Their words eased the tension that had lingered in my heart since that morning.
These were the people who had worked alongside my parents, remained loyal to the company through the years, and continued protecting everything they had built.
Knowing they were willing to stand beside me as well…
Made the responsibility ahead feel a little less overwhelming.
We all left the conference room together and walked down the corridor.
Just then, I heard several employees greeting someone.
“Mrs.
Livingston.” I looked up to see my aunt walking toward us, dressed as elegantly as ever.
She carried herself with effortless grace, and everyone she passed greeted her respectfully.
“Good afternoon,” she said with a warm smile before looking at the three executives beside me.
“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “Not at all,” Mrs.
Margaret replied politely.
“In fact, we’ve just concluded our first meeting with the CEO.” My aunt’s gaze shifted to me, her smile widening slightly.
“Really?” “Then you probably haven’t had lunch yet.” “Perfect.” “I’m here to steal you away.” I walked over to her with a helpless smile.
“But, Aunt, I can just have lunch here at the office.” “It’s my first day.” “I can’t just leave like that.” She chuckled softly before shaking her head.
“You don’t have to worry about the office.” “Besides…” “We have somewhere important to be.” I looked at her curiously.
“We need to choose a design and take your measurements for your wedding dress.” The words were spoken so casually.
Yet they landed with surprising force.
For the past few hours, work had occupied my mind so completely that I’d almost forgotten about the wedding altogether.
Becoming CEO had demanded every bit of my attention.
But now…
With just a few words, my aunt had reminded me that another important chapter of my life was drawing closer.
The wedding.
And suddenly, the reality of everything waiting ahead came rushing back.