After that one night

Chapter two

Diana lay awake in her darkened bedroom, staring into the shadows while trying to piece together the blurred events of the party from the night before. She remembered drinking far too much, and she vaguely recalled a conversation with a man whose face remained a fog. Beyond those broken fragments, everything was blank.

“We're leaving for San Francisco tomorrow, Diana,” her mother’s sharp voice called out from the hallway.

Diana sighed, staring at the ceiling. “Do I really have to?” she muttered under her breath.

She didn't push back, though. Dwelling on the previous night was pointless anyway; whoever that man was, she was obviously never going to see him again.

The executive meeting room in San Francisco was heavy with silence. Ashley sat at the head of the polished conference table, her expression controlled and cool, while Diana sat beside her, observing the uneasy looks exchanged by the assembled managers.

“Lay down your complaint,” Ashley instructed. Her tone was measured, but the underlying firmness left no room for hesitation.

When no one moved to speak, Diana spoke up, her voice calm and direct. “Isn't it the general manager’s responsibility to lead the briefing?”

All eyes shifted to the general manager. Clearing his throat, he addressed the room. “Two months ago, a new competitor entered the market. Since then, our market share has dropped, and the San Francisco branch is currently operating at a loss. In the past, we managed to retain customer loyalty despite new entries, but feedback indicates buyers currently prefer the rival product's formulation.”

Before he could sit down, Ashley interceded. “Then the solution is straightforward,” she said sharply. “Analyze what sets their formulation apart and raise our own standards accordingly. Bring the Sylvester Oil and Gas San Francisco branch back into profitability.”

She scanned the room before adding the final directive. “You have three weeks to resolve this. During that period, Diana Sylvester will serve as acting CEO to oversee operations directly.”

The announcement came without prior discussion, but Diana maintained a quiet, professional demeanor until the meeting concluded and the executives dispersed.

Once they were alone in the suite, Diana addressed her mother directly, her tone tight with frustration. “An appointment like that should have been discussed beforehand, Ashley. I came on this trip to support the family business, not to be blindsided with an executive role on zero notice.”

Ashley remained unbothered, offering a brief, detached smile. “Consider it practical experience. The branch needs decisive leadership, and you're fully capable of providing it. Arrange your accommodations at the hotel for the next three weeks and review the quarterly files. I'm heading back on the evening flight.”

Without waiting for a response, Ashley turned and exited the room.

By the following morning, Diana had fully transitioned into her new role. Dressed in a tailored purple suit, black heels, and with her hair secured in a clean bun, she looked every bit the corporate executive as she stepped into the hotel lobby where her temporary administrative team awaited her.

Shortly after entering the company vehicle, Diana reviewed the daily schedule on her tablet, then looked up at the driver.

"Change of plans," she said calmly. "Before we head to headquarters, take us to the primary competitor's local facility."

"The rival firm's regional office, ma'am?" the driver clarified.

"Correct," Diana replied. "If we are going to restructure our strategy, I want a clear look at who we're competing against first."

"Understood, ma'am." The driver adjusted the route, steering the car into the flow of morning traffic toward the competitor's commercial district.