DARK SIDE OF BECOMING CEO

A New Dawn

Priscilla’s POV

I arrived Tennex, slightly annoyed about my conversation with Detective Monroe. I walked into the conference room, trying to build confidence, but the deathly stares of the reporters were enough to send me to an early grave. The conference room is filled low murmurs, the flash of cameras painting brief white storms across the polished stage. The Tennex logo gleams behind a long mahogany table. Dad sits at the center looking composed yet clearly tense, his silver hair catching the lights. I then sat down beside him, my fingers locked in front of me, trying to stay calm.

Rows of reporters lean forward, their recorders blinking red. Dad opens opens his mouth to speak. “Good morning, everyone” Dad began “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I’ll make this brief before we address your questions.” There’s a slight pause “Tennex has always stood for innovation, integrity, and family. Recent rumors circulating about my daughter and our former investor, Mr. Diego Penta, are at best misconstrued, and at worst maliciously fabricated.”

One Reporter stood up and asked “Mr. Wright, are you denying the authenticity of the photos showing your daughter, Miss Priscilla Wright, and Mr. Penta at the Palm Cove Resort in Santorini?”

“I am saying that those images were taken out of context. They were part of a company retreat attended by multiple investors and board members.” Dad replies.

“Yet, the photos show the two of them alone, by the pool, at midnight. Are you claiming that was a professional meeting?” The second Reporter asked.

“I’m claiming that my daughter has always conducted herself professionally.” Dad replies in a tightened tone. “What she does outside of work hours is not, and has never been, a reflection of misconduct.”

“But the receipts tell a different story.” The reporter raises the document. “We obtained records showing a company account withdrawal of $250,000 linked to Miss Wright’s travel expenses for that same trip. Care to explain that?” he asked.

(The crowd buzzes. Cameras flash again. I lower my head, taking heavy breaths.)

“Those receipts are under investigation.” Dad firmly replies. “Tennex’s finance department is verifying whether those transactions were properly categorized. We believe…”

Believe? Mr. Wright,” Another reporter cuts in sharply. “The board’s confidence is already shaken. Investors are calling this “the Tennex scandal.” Some insiders claim you’re trying to protect your daughter’s succession at all costs. Is that true?”

“My daughter has earned her place in this company.” Dad replied sternly. “She’s led two successful acquisitions, she’s built new product lines that grew our revenue by forty percent…”

“But this isn’t about performance, sir.” Another says, cutting Dad off. “It’s about ethics. And if those receipts are genuine, it’s embezzlement, isn’t it?”

Dad tightens his jaw “You’re twisting..”

“Sir, with all due respect,” another reporter gets up to speak. “Are you confirming or denying that company funds were used for your daughter’s personal vacation?”

There’s a slight pause.

“I am denying that Priscilla used company money for personal gain. Tennex has strict auditing protocols.” Dad answered.

“Then why hasn’t the company released the audit report?” Another reporter asks sharply.

“Because it’s ongoing. And..” Dad says, barely even finishing his sentence.

“Isn’t it true, Mr. Wright, that Mr. Diego Penta funded several of Tennex’s recent expansion projects? That he also personally vouched for Priscilla’s nomination as your successor? A reporter cuts in sharply.

“Yes, he is an investor. But that doesn’t mean..”

“So you can’t deny there’s a conflict of interest between your daughter and Mr. Penta?”

Dad exhales sharply, struggling be calm. Voices of questioning reporters fill the room. Their different voices ontop of the other. I sit on my chair, praying my Dad dosen’t lose it. My palms sweaty, trying to look composed.

To be continued......