VERITAS: BETTER THAN NEVER

Reprieve

The entire room, already simmering with unspoken tensions, fell into a stunned silence. Elara, however, ignored the collective glares and the sudden shift in atmosphere. She turned to face the entire board, offered a quick, formal bow, and apologized, "My sincerest apologies for the interruption, esteemed board members. However, the situation I am about to present is, I assure you, pressing."

A few board members, still reeling from the unexpected breach of protocol, offered tentative nods. Arya, regaining her composure, prompted her secretary. "Continue, Mrs Karen."

Elara gave a decisive nod. She moved swiftly to the central console, her fingers flying across the controls. In a moment, the large, sleek screen dominating the wall flickered to life, projecting an image.

Immediately, a collective, sharp intake of breath echoed through the room.

Elara waited, allowing the image to fully register, giving everyone a few seconds for the breathtaking detail to sink in. Before them, rendered with exquisite precision, was the design for a necklace. It was a masterpiece: a cascade of interwoven precious metals and gemstones, sculpted with such intricate care that every curve, every facet, every delicate profile seemed to shimmer with life. The design spoke of innovation, luxury, and a visionary artistic touch that left everyone in the hall momentarily breathless.

After a stunned silence, Elara continued, her voice now steady and imbued with a quiet power. "This design, ladies and gentlemen, was created by one of our own young talents within the VERITAS design team. He reported that he has been submitting this very design to his team leader for months, only to have it repeatedly rejected." She paused, letting the implication hang in the air.

"Furthermore, every attempt he made to bypass the team leader and speak directly with the Director of Design was met with a polite but firm deflection from the Director's secretary. This design, Miss Brown," Elara concluded, turning to Arya, her eyes hard, "this potential award-winning, groundbreaking piece of art—a piece that could earn VERITAS not just immense profit but invaluable industry accolades during the upcoming award season—we could have easily lost such good work."

Arya's gaze lingered on the dazzling image of the necklace for a moment longer after Elara finished speaking. Most faces around the table were now fixed on Arya, though a few still couldn't tear their eyes from the screen.

Finally, Arya pulled her attention away from the large screen. Her voice, though calm, carried a quiet steel. "What precisely has the Director of Human Resources been doing," she asked, looking across the table, "if a Team Leader within our design department can exercise such a blatant lack of discipline without oversight?"

The company President, Mr. Harry, shifted in his seat, eager to interfere. "Indeed, Miss Brown. That Team Leader should be disciplined accordingly. I must personally apologize for this egregious oversight; it is my failure that I was not aware such internal blockades were festering."

Arya shook her head, intercepting his self-blame. "It is not possible for one person to monitor every minute detail, Mr. Thompson. You shouldn't shoulder that blame entirely." Her words subtly removed the immediate heat from a high-ranking executive.

She then looked directly at the Director of Human Resources. "Ensure that the Team Leader faces immediate and appropriate disciplinary action for suppressing company assets. This is non-negotiable." She received a sharp nod of confirmation.

Arya then turned to the Director of Production. "Ensure this necklace project is fast-tracked. I want it on my desk for review within the shortest possible timeframe." The Director nodded, already making notes. Arya then faced the Director of the Design Team. "Ensure the individual who created this exceptional piece of work is given proper recognition and reward for their talent. Their contribution will not go unnoticed."

A sense of managed efficiency returned to the room. With a decisive air, Arya pushed her chair back, rising to her feet. "This meeting is concluded."

As she began walking towards the door, she cast a brief, gentle smile towards Elara, silently mouthing, "Thank you." Elara returned the small, knowing smile, mouthing back, "You're welcome." After all Elara just buy the company sometimes from all the problems it's facing. With a new promising project about to happen, it will ease everyone's mind especially Arya.