Chapter 215 Stirring Up Conflict
Cecilia led Juliana into the high-level conference room.
The room buzzed with chatter about the Tower of Light's opening day.
"Cecilia's here," an executive announced.
Cecilia smiled, "Good morning, everyone."
"Please, have a seat," another executive said.
Cecilia nodded and sat down, with Juliana taking a seat behind her.
"We're here to commend you," said CEO, Aaron Thompson. "The Tower of Light's reopening campaign was a hit. Foot traffic hit 18,000, and revenue reached $8.2 million. Even online sales broke records. Congrats."
"Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I still have a lot to learn," Cecilia replied modestly.
"Don't be so modest. You turned around a district we almost gave up on. You deserve the praise," added board member Harold Lopez.
"It's just the first day. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. The future is still uncertain," Vincent said sarcastically.
His comment ruffled some feathers.
Cecilia chuckled, "Mr. Lockhart, you're right. I'll keep working hard."
"Talk is cheap; we need results. Everyone knows our first-day discounts were huge. The real test is maintaining this momentum without big promotions," Vincent continued, clearly unfriendly. "Cecilia, don't take it personally. I'm just looking out for the company's best interests."
"I understand. Actually, the success was due to our first-day promotions, planned and executed by Juliana. So, it's not just my achievement; Juliana deserves credit too," Cecilia said, turning to Juliana. "Juliana, don't get too proud."
"Yes," Juliana nodded, surprised by the praise.
She had thought Cecilia brought her here to show off, but this was unexpected.
"The Lockhart family has many talents," an executive chimed in. "Mr. Lockhart, your daughter is very capable. She'll achieve great things!"
Vincent wasn't pleased with Juliana being praised. He glared at her.
Juliana, unaware of Vincent's displeasure, smiled humbly.
"Mr. Lockhart, it seems your son's performance has been mediocre lately. Looks like the women in your family are stronger than the men," another executive joked.
Vincent's face soured.
Cecilia had been racking up achievements, while Andrew had nothing to show. The comparison was stark.
"Alright, let's get back on track," Theodore said firmly.
Everyone quieted down.
"Cecilia, your event was excellent. The company values rewards and punishments. We decided to allocate a $200,000 cash reward to the sales department. The department leader gets no more than twenty percent, and the supervisor no more than twenty percent," Theodore announced.
"Thank you, Mr. Lockhart. Thank you, everyone," Cecilia stood up, grateful.
Rewards were great motivation for the team.
"Don't take Vincent's words to heart," Theodore added, trying to smooth things over.
"Understood," Cecilia replied respectfully.
"If there's nothing else, the meeting is adjourned," Theodore said, standing up.
He left first, followed by the others.
Cecilia and Juliana followed the crowd.
"Juliana, come to my office," Vincent ordered.
"Yes," Juliana replied, following him.
Cecilia watched them leave, a cold smile on her lips.
Juliana thought Vincent was going to praise her.
But when she entered Vincent's office and got scolded, she was stunned.
"Are you crazy? Helping Cecilia like that!" Vincent snapped.
Juliana's eyes reddened, "Dad, I..."
"I told you not to help her! Now you've made her look good. What about me and Andrew?" Vincent roared.
Andrew walked in, having heard bits from the meeting.
"Juliana, I thought you were smarter than Isadora! Helping Cecilia won't make her care for you. She's using you. Once she's done, you'll be out," Andrew scolded.
Juliana bit her lip.
She had finally received some recognition today, only to be ridiculed by Vincent and Andrew.
"From now on, know your place!" Vincent said harshly. "Don't make me regret raising you."
"Yes," Juliana swallowed her anger.
"Leave. Andrew and I have things to discuss," Vincent said.
They clearly kept many things from her.
Juliana didn't dare argue. She nodded, "Yes," and walked out.
As she closed the door, her eyes tightened.
No matter what she did or how hard she tried to please Vincent, they would always keep things from her.
In the end, if there was a conflict of interest, she would be the one sacrificed.
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