Reclaimed By Love

Eleven

Ellie entered Richard's office, her expression carefully neutral. "Mr. Harding," she began, "please address me as Chairman from now on. I'll refer to you as General Manager. I'm here to discuss the handover process. This afternoon, please bring the necessary documents to my office."

Richard smiled, but his eyes held a glint of malice. "Chairman? I'm afraid those documents are rather complicated. I'm not sure you'll understand them."

"That's fine. I'll consult with you if I need clarification." Ellie turned to leave, her heart pounding.

She walked briskly down the hallway, putting some distance between herself and Richard's office before releasing a shaky breath.

She'd done it. She'd actually confronted him.

"How did I do?" she asked Charles, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Charles nodded approvingly. "You did very well, Ms. Vance."

His encouragement bolstered her confidence.

At lunch, Ellie and Charles discussed company matters. Charles, having worked closely with Alex, had valuable insights into his business strategies. Ellie listened attentively, eager to learn.

Returning to the office, she found the chairman's office unchanged. The secretaries had clearly ignored her instructions.

"Fire them," Charles advised.

"Fire them?" Ellie hesitated. They were long-time employees. Wouldn't that cause disruption?

"Ms. Vance, you need to be decisive. There's no room for sentimentality in business." Charles's voice was firm. "Besides, I can handle this. As your assistant, I'll take care of it. You don't need to be involved."

Ellie nodded, trusting Charles's judgment. He was Alex's assistant, after all.

Charles went to the secretarial office, where the staff were chatting and laughing, their work abandoned.

"See? She's all bark and no bite."

"She can't touch us. We have Mr. Harding's support."

"That's right. We're untouchable."

Charles entered the office, his expression grim. "You're all fired," he announced, his voice cutting through the chatter. "You can collect your belongings and settle your accounts with HR. Effective immediately."

"What?" One of the secretaries shrieked. "Who gave you the authority to fire us? That little girl? She's not qualified!"

"Exactly! She doesn't even control the company!"

"We're not going anywhere! Sterling Enterprises won't be able to find replacements for us!"

"Don't be ridiculous." Charles's voice was laced with steel. "You're dismissed. Pack your things and leave. Whether Sterling finds replacements is not your concern. You have an hour. After that, security will escort you out."

Charles didn't waste any more words. He turned and left, his message clear.

He then contacted HR, finance, and security, ensuring his instructions were followed. The department heads, though reluctant, knew better than to defy Alex Ramsey's assistant.

On her first day as acting chairman, Ellie sat in her newly renovated office, Charles by her side, ready to implement the changes they had discussed.

The uncooperative secretaries were dismissed, along with several long-time employees who refused to acknowledge her authority.

Charles also contacted numerous senior managers who had been conspicuously absent, making it clear that their lack of support wouldn't be tolerated. They could either step up or step out.

Ellie's decisive actions, though unpopular with some, sent a clear message: she was in charge, and she expected results.

When questioned about the company's ability to function with a reduced workforce, Ellie's response was simple and direct: "Business as usual. Advertise the open positions. Hire immediately."

The first day was surprisingly smooth.

Ellie instructed Charles to find qualified candidates for the vacant positions, including personal security for herself.

Over the next few days, with Charles's guidance, Ellie gained confidence and control. The staff, though still resentful, couldn't deny her authority, especially with Alex Ramsey's assistant backing her every move.

The employees who had been fired were shocked when Sterling Enterprises began recruiting replacements. They hadn't believed Ellie would actually follow through.

Several of them returned, shamefacedly asking for their jobs back.

Ellie agreed to reinstate some of the long-time employees, those who had proven their loyalty to the company in the past.

But those who had been openly defiant or incompetent were permanently dismissed.

Ellie proved to be a quick learner. Despite her lack of experience, she absorbed information rapidly, mastering the skills Charles taught her.

Her progress was remarkable.

Within a week, she had taken control of the company, her confidence growing with each passing day.

Alex returned from his business trip, his thoughts immediately turning to Ellie. He called Charles, summoning him to the mansion.

Charles arrived promptly and gave Alex a detailed report of Ellie's performance.

"Ms. Vance may have lacked experience, but she's intelligent and has a natural aptitude for business. She's a fast learner, and she's already managing the company effectively."

Alex's eyebrows rose in surprise.

He knew Charles wouldn't offer such praise lightly. His assistant had high standards, honed from years of working alongside Alex.

It seemed Ellie was more capable than he'd anticipated.

"Continue to assist her," Alex instructed. "And make sure she's keeping up with those courses I enrolled her in."

"She is, Mr. Ramsey."

"Keep an eye on those wolves at Sterling. Ellie needs to gain full control as soon as possible." Alex's voice was firm, his determination unwavering.