The entire night, I tossed and turned, unable to shake off the words Sophie Summers had said to me the day before. Each phrase she uttered felt like a needle, piercing my heart, preventing me from finding any peace. Finally, by three in the morning, I managed to close my eyes, and just as I drifted into a restless slumber, the shrill ring of my phone pierced the silence.
Groggily, I answered, glancing at the time—6:50 AM. Sophie Summers' clear, sharp voice came through,"Sophie, it's only 6:50." I complained.
"Don't forget, you're supposed to pick me up," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.
I suddenly remembered that I was to drive her today. But to be prodded this early was beyond unreasonable. I muttered under my breath in frustration, yet I had no choice but to reluctantly drag myself out of bed. After a rushed morning routine, I trudged downstairs and drove to pick her up. All the while, I fought off yawns, marveling at how this woman could be so full of energy.
Arriving outside the hotel lobby, I called her,"Sophie, I'm here."
"Wait for me," she responded curtly.
And wait I did—for ten minutes. She had urged me at 6:50, yet it wasn't until 7:50 that I finally saw her walking briskly towards the car. She wore a sharp, professional outfit, a look of quiet satisfaction on her face. She slid into the passenger seat, tossing a bag at me."Eat before we go."
I stared at her in disbelief. This was a rare occurrence indeed. Her face flushed slightly as she explained,"It's from the hotel. Since it's free, I might as well take it."
I glanced at the bag, noticing the brand name on it, and couldn't help but laugh."Nice try, Sophie. This bag is from one of the most renowned breakfast spots nearby. The hotel wouldn't be that generous."
Her face deepened in color, and she snapped in irritation,"I bought it myself! Are you eating it or not?" She reached to snatch the bag back.
"Fine, fine, I'll eat," I said quickly, pulling the bag to my side."You really do take care of your subordinates, huh?"
She shot me a glare, coldly replying,"Even my dog would show more concern."
Her words left me momentarily speechless, and I found myself coughing uncontrollably, nearly choking. She patted me on the back, murmuring,"Feeling better? A grown man, choking on his food." Her actions reminded me of a time long past, a time when she had done the same for me... perhaps she realized the memory, as her hand swiftly withdrew. The car fell silent.
I finished the breakfast in a few quick bites. She glanced at me, her tone unchanging,"Let's go."
The moment we entered the office, Sophie Summers transformed entirely, slipping into her efficient and commanding "witch-like" work mode. As she walked into the office, she gave a succinct order,"Inform the management to meet."
I quickly sent a notice in the WeChat group:"All management, please assemble in the meeting room at 9:10." The moment the message was sent, the group erupted with speculation about the purpose of the meeting.
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By the time we arrived at the meeting room, everyone was already present, their faces grave with anticipation, fully aware of the significance of the meeting. Sophie Summers swept her gaze across the room and got straight to the point."The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the AstraTech Solutions order. The importance of this order is obvious, so I won't waste time elaborating. How is your connection with Virelia Vanguard Industries going?"
Charlotte Hayes was the first to stand, her voice firm."I've already discussed everything with Elias Montgomery. All contracts and order quantities have been confirmed, and the details have been broken down in Eldoria and passed on to Vincent."
Vincent quickly added,"We've drafted the procurement and production plans. We just need your confirmation."
Sophie Summers nodded, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction."Good. In the future, if I'm not here, you can get Ryan's signature. I trust his approval, and he'll confirm with me."
At these words, the entire room fell silent, all eyes turned towards me. My heart skipped a beat, but I forced myself to remain composed, nodding in acknowledgment.
Sophie Summers continued, "Vincent, bring me the plan, along with the funding requirements."
Vincent immediately responded, "Of course, I'll prepare it right away."
Sophie Summers turned to Angela. "Angela, next week, personnel from Vanguard Industries will come to revise our company's policies and regulations according to Vanguard Industries' standards. Of course, if there are any aspects here that are beneficial, feel free to propose them. I expect you to complete this task as quickly as possible."
Angela nodded in agreement. "Understood. We'll complete it as soon as possible."
Sophie Summers then addressed Miranda Hale, "Miranda, once Vincent's funding needs are finalized, I will submit the funds plan for this month to Ryan. I will review the funding gap, and Virelia will allocate according to the actual needs here. However, remember, the two companies are independently accounted for; whichever company performs better will see higher bonuses."
Miranda Hale responded with a smile, "Understood. We will all strive to do our best."
Sophie Summers concluded, "If you have anything that requires approval, submit it to Ryan before 10 AM. Any questions?"
Everyone responded in unison, "No questions."
As the meeting adjourned, everyone left the conference room and returned to their respective posts. I followed Sophie Summers back to the office. Her steps were light yet firm, each one affirming her confidence and determination. Not long after we sat down, Vincent, Charlotte Hayes, and Angela entered with a stack of documents, their faces betraying a mixture of tension and expectation.
"Hmm?" I couldn't help but voice my confusion.
Sophie Summers raised her head, her gaze unwavering. "I was in a meeting. Didn't you listen? From now on, everything in Eldoria Company is in your hands, but I must be kept informed."
I paused for a moment, my heart a swirl of mixed emotions. "I'm still not entirely sure I understand."
Sophie Summers sighed gently, her tone carrying a hint of patience and encouragement. "That's why, for now, you approve, and I'll confirm afterward."
I nodded, warmth filling my chest as I realized she was patiently guiding me on how to manage the company. After carefully reviewing a few documents, I signed off on them and handed them to Sophie Summers. She looked over them thoroughly, making only a few adjustments to Vincent's budget before passing them back.
"Alright, you can take them to them now," she said calmly.
I took the documents and left the office, handing them over to Vincent, Charlotte Hayes, and Angela. They received them with smiles of satisfaction, expressing their thanks and compliments. When I returned to the office, a sense of accomplishment and responsibility filled my heart.
Sophie Summers stood up and said to me, "Let's go, we're going to buy a car." Her tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.
I was momentarily puzzled. "Buy a car? Now?"
She nodded, "Yes, now."
I prepared to go downstairs to drive, but she stopped me. "What are you doing driving? You'll need to drive back later." Her words were laced with a hint of teasing yet an undeniable authority.