Chapter 023 Revealing True Colors
In recent years, Lewis Group’s sales had been average, with a notably small market share.
Grace dedicated her morning to analyzing the sales reports. There weren't many varieties in their perfume line, and the scents were outdated and lacked innovation, which translated to mediocre sales figures.
There were many perfumes that had the potential to do well, but they ended up with particularly unpleasant aromas.
Grace called out to her colleagues, "Meeting time!"
However, when the meeting commenced, only a handful of attendees were present.
"Where is everyone? Aren't there like thirty people in the fragrance department?" Grace frowned upon seeing the small group before her, which could be counted on her two hands.
Emily, who was the previous assistant to Madison, was still unfamiliar with Grace's expectations and temperament. She responded cautiously, "The others seem to be occupied."
"I've emphasized that everyone in the department must attend the meetings. I'll allow them ten more minutes, and if they don't show up, then they might as well consider themselves absent," Grace admonished.
However, ten minutes passed, and the turnout remained the same.
"Some might have taken a leave of absence," Emily suggested.
Grace recognized the reluctance of the staff to attend. They had gotten used to Madison's leniency and now, they were hesitated to adapt to Grace's leadership, doubting her abilities and still regarding Madison as the fragrance department's visionary.
"Pull up the leave requests and attendance records for the past month. Anyone who has unexcused absences more than three times is fired," Grace instructed.
Her actions were decisive and strict, and word quickly spread among the rest of the fragrance department. She was clearly not to be underestimated.
Under Madison's leadership, the department had operated in a relaxed manner, with little oversight. The staff had grown accustomed to minimal involvement and had developed a habit of taking time off without formal approval.
Was Grace truly knowledgeable about fragrance? The staff doubted.
During the meeting, some perfumers deliberately used technical jargon that was incomprehensible to laypeople. But to their surprise, Grace pointed out their mistakes with precision and displayed a seemingly professional demeanor, which shifted their opinions about her.
As the meeting was progressing, the conference room door abruptly swung open, and a woman in high heels entered.
"What right do you have to fire us?" the woman questioned furiously.
Grace glanced at her, "What's your name?"
Emily quickly whispered to Grace, "That's Linda, she studied abroad and returned recently."
Grace checked the attendance record with Linda's name on it, and declared, "You've missed an entire week of work this month without reason, are earning triple what others are, and yet you've shown no performance. What's the use in keeping someone like you?"
"I have a five-year contract with the company, and I'm only in the third year. What authority do you possess to terminate my employment? Furthermore, do you even understand perfumery? Are you qualified to lead us?" Linda retorted defiantly.
"Whether I understand perfumes or not has nothing to do with my ability to manage. If you're being paid, you should fulfill your duties. As long as you complete your tasks, you can leave anytime. But you haven't even managed the basic responsibilities," Grace replied firmly.
Grace was known for her decisive and swift management style, and many in the office were disgruntled with her. "It's just luck that got her here," some would mutter under their breath.
"Yeah, and Linda should've been the manager if the company was fair. Instead, Linda's always taken advantaged by these people, not even leading a team," others complained.
Upon hearing their comments, Linda clenched her fists in frustration.
"Why don't we show Grace a lesson?" someone suggested.
"Absolutely, let's do it!" the rest agreed.
Meanwhile, Grace returned to her office, where Emily, Madison’s former assistant, was now working with her. Grace had Emily brief her on Linda's work and reviewed her projects.
During Linda's first year, she had developed and designed quite a few things, but in the subsequent two years, her productivity had drastically declined, almost as if she had become a different person.
Grace closely examined the fragrances Linda had conceptualized. She recognized Linda's talent and believed that if Linda could regain her motivation, she'd be a real asset.
In the ensuing days, Grace found herself swamped with work. Previously, Having crafted multiple proposals during her time in the planning department, she was puzzled by their lack of implementation.. Despite seeking leadership for answers, they had told her to not meddle in these matters.
Now it all made sense to Grace; none of her planning had ever reached the scent department.
Undaunted, Grace worked tirelessly, often not leaving the office until past midnight, only to wake up again at five or six in the morning.
One afternoon, Angela called her. "Don't forget tonight's banquet," she reminded Grace.
It was the Turner family's gathering, celebrating her mother Flora's birthday. Despite Angela's strained relationship with the Turners, she had no choice but to attend. The evening also marked the announcement of her brother taking over the reins of the Turner family.
"I knew you might forget, so I've prepared your dress. I'll come pick you up," Angela said.
"Thanks!" Grace replied.
Grace took the afternoon off, and Angela took her to her place of work. Angela was a fashion designer, and she designed the gown herself.
"Grace, you look beautiful! Like you stepped right out of a fairy tale," Angela praised her own work, wishing Grace could be her model.
"It's your design that's wonderful, I really like this dress," Grace said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
The light blue dress accentuated Grace's waist, embracing her curvaceous figure flawlessly, bringing the designer's vision to life.
Her legs were elongated and sleek, radiated a pearl-like luminosity, However, because she often wore her makeup dark, Grace seldom wore short skirts to reveal her natural skin tone.
"Grace, how about you take off the makeup, and I can do it for you instead?" Angela looked at Grace's face, eager to show her skills.
"Would that really be, okay?" Grace asked hesitantly.
"What's the issue? I'll just say you're my friend. Nobody else has seen you anyway; how would they know you're Grace?" Saying this, Angela pulled Grace in front of a mirror and began to remove her makeup.
Angela was one of the few who knew Grace's secret; they had been close friends for many years.
Soon the dark foundation was wiped away, and the mirror gradually revealed Grace's true appearance.
With rosy lips and white teeth complemented her skin, so exquisite it appeared as if sculpted from cream. She possessed a beauty akin to than a fairy, captivating even without embellishment, a scandalous display of natural allure .
Angela couldn't help but exclaim, "Grace, you're simply gorgeous!"
"I don't understand why you make yourself look so unattractive every day when you're naturally this beautiful. Wouldn't your looks alone captivate everyone? And if Ryan saw your face, he would never choose Kelly over you," Angela wondered aloud.
"I dress this way precisely to avoid attracting the attention of people like Ryan," Grace answered, smiling at Angela. "By the way, Angela, who's going to be at the party tonight?" she added.
Angela listed several names, all friends of the Turner family.
Grace pondered for a moment, "What about Xavier? Will he be there?"
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