“Why would they suddenly want to change a menu that’s been used successfully for years?” Mike hesitated before answering.
“You should check the new menu first.” I immediately looked back at the document, and that was when I realized just how critical the situation was.
The meals hadn’t simply been adjusted.
The entire menu had been expanded.
Many foreign dishes had been added as well.
The original selection of American dishes had been retained, but alongside them was an entirely new international menu.
Italian truffle mushroom risotto and seafood pasta, French beef bourguignon, Japanese sushi and sashimi platters, Chinese Peking duck, Spanish seafood paella, Indian butter chicken with naan, Mexican grilled tacos, Middle Eastern lamb kebabs with hummus, Greek Mediterranean salad, and even a few carefully selected African dishes like Nigerian jollof rice with grilled chicken and Moroccan lamb tagine had all been added.
The dessert selection had also been broadened to include New York cheesecake, French macarons, Italian tiramisu, Belgian chocolate mousse, and an assortment of pastries from different regions.
The scale of the revisions made my heart sink.
“According to them,” mike explained “over the years they’ve mostly served local dishes at these events even though many of the guests were foreigners.
They decided to make a change this time, so international cuisine has been added in honor of the guests.” The reason was understandable.
I’d already seen how Alexander had been trying to modernize the company and introduce new ideas.
This change must have been his decision.
But the gala was less than two weeks away.
How were we supposed to manage all of this?
I slowly placed the tablet on my desk.
It wasn’t impossible.
But it certainly wasn’t a small request.
After a brief silence, I looked back at Mike.
“Arrange a meeting with Livingston Corporation this afternoon.” “If they’re making changes this late into the preparations…” “I want to hear the reason they informed us so late directly from them.” “Alright, ma’am.” Mike nodded and quickly left while I tried to calm myself.
This was my first project as CEO, and something like this had happened already.
I picked up the file again and went through the revised menu.
I didn’t know how the meeting with Livingston Corporation would go, but if they insisted on these changes, the whole company was going to have a difficult time.
After all, unlike Livingston Corporation, Johnson Culinary Group was still a growing company.
A moment later, Mike returned.
“Ma’am…” I looked up.
From the expression on his face, I could already tell he hadn’t received a positive response.
“Livingston Corporation can only meet with us tomorrow.” “What?” “Yes, ma’am.
They said CEO Livingston isn’t available today.” I immediately stood up.
“It doesn’t have to be the CEO.
Can’t anyone else clarify things for us?” Without waiting for his reply, I picked up my handbag and walked out.
“Where are you going, ma’am?” Mike hurried after me.
“Livingston Corporation.” I continued walking without stopping.
“Put everything on hold for now.
We’ll continue once I get back.” I stepped into the elevator, headed for the underground parking garage, got into my car, and drove out.
Soon, I arrived at Livingston Corporation and walked into the lobby.
“Good morning, Miss Johnson,” the receptionist greeted politely.
I nodded.
“I’m here to meet with the CEO.” The receptionist looked slightly surprised.
She must have assumed I was there to see my uncle, as usual.
“Do you have a formal appointment?” I shook my head.
“I wasn’t able to get one, but it’s a really important matter.” She hesitated before making a brief phone call.
Afterward, she looked at me apologetically.
“I’m really sorry, Miss Johnson, but the CEO won’t be able to meet with you.
He’s currently in a meeting.” “Then could I speak with the Director of events instead?
I only need clarification regarding the revised gala menu.” “I’m sorry, ma’am.
The Director of events is attending the executive meeting as well.” “When will the meeting end?” She shook her head.
“I’m not sure.” I stood there silently for a moment before giving her a small smile.
“Never mind.
Thank you.” Instead of leaving, I walked toward the elevator and pressed the button for the executive floor.
No matter how long the meeting took…
I’d wait for them.
If Johnson Culinary accepted changes like this today, there would be nothing stopping Livingston Corporation from doing the same thing again.