Chapter 34 Cut Our Losses
Noah’s POV:
Returning to the company, I head straight into a meeting, leaving Eden to return to the department alone. Lewis Artie looks as smug as ever as I make my way into Mrs Clancy’s office. It’s pretty obvious who is responsible for this disaster. He’s looking far too pleased with himself for him not to be.
I feel like he’s goading me. While Mrs Clancy talks, he stares at me with that stupid smirk plastered on his face. I’d love to punch that look off his face and I’m not a violent person.
When Mrs Clancy asks me about the complaints, I tell her that I would like to replace all those sold in the last two weeks.
“Just two weeks?” she asks. “You’ve worked out when the mistake was made?”
Her tone is upbeat, and I think she might be willing to continue selling the product. She certainly isn’t angry if the small smile on her face is anything to go by.
“Yes. There was an email sent two weeks ago.”
“You mean this was your department’s fault?” James Artie, Lewis’s uncle asks, leaning forward.
He’s loving this. I don’t know what I ever did to offend him, but he seems to hate him. I can only assume that it’s because I’m always beating his nephew.
“That is yet to be confirmed,” I tell the head of finance, my teeth gritted.
“I don’t see why we can’t,” Mrs Clancy tells me calmly. “It’s the right thing to do.”
That’s Eliza Clancy for you. She always prioritises her customers and employees over everything else. It’s the main reason why Clancy’s Comforts has such a brilliant reputation.
“Mrs Clancy, they’ve sold five hundred of those tables over the weekend alone,” Lewis grumbles. “Surely, it would be more prudent to just cut our losses.”
“It’s one of our all-time bestselling products,” I retort.
“New bestselling products are designed every day. It’s hard it’s run.”
“I have to agree with Lewis,” James Artie says. “I don’t think we can finance replacing all of the products.”
“And why not?” Mrs Clancy asks. You wouldn’t know from her expression that she’s unimpressed but there’s annoyance in her tone.
“The factory and material costs far outweigh the cost of simply handing out refunds. We have a range of new products in the works which all need financing.”
“Yeah, like the rocking beds,” Lewis chimes in, rubbing salt into my wound.
Mrs Clancy looks thoughtfully between us both.
“Sales will make up for the loss in no time,” I say as I pass Mrs Clancy the information on the product, pointing out the cost of production compared to the sales price.
She’s nodding her head and I think she’s going to agree.
“We don’t have the money to invest in a dying product,” James tells us firmly.
“A dying product?” I bristle.
“Yes. It’s had its day.”
“Where’s your proof of that? Show me the sales data to say that we’re seeing a decline in sales.”
“It’s not my responsibility to collate the data,” he grumbles, “merely make decisions based on it.”
“So, you’ve seen data showing decline?” I ask.
“Well, yes.”
“Then show me the data,” I reiterate. “Because I haven’t. All the data I’ve received has indicated sales remain steady.”
Mrs Clancy drops a hand on mine, shaking her head.
“If the finance department are unable to find the funds, we have no choice,” she says and I panic that she’s going to cease production.
James and Lewis exchange looks. They’ve won and they know it. What jerks! How can they be so selfish, putting their own agenda ahead of what is best for the company?
“I’ll fund the replacements, myself,” Mrs Clancy says, taking us all by surprise, “and we’ll continue production as normal.”
“You shouldn’t do that, Mrs Clancy,” James says. “You’re wasting your money.”
Mrs Clancy laughs lightly. “Good job it’s my money to waste.”
“Thank you, Mrs Clancy,” I say.
She shakes her head. “It’s a good investment,” she tells me before dismissing us all.
Getting to my feet, I feel lighter knowing that they won’t be stopping production but I feel awful that Mrs Clancy is having to use her own money to cover the costs. I feel like I should explain to her what has happened but I don’t have the proof I need to accuse Lewis, so instead I file out with everyone else back into the lobby.
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