The Heart Left Behind (Cole and Yvonne) novel Chapter 100

I tapped my fingers lightly on the desk, watching the faces of the older board members shift from indignation to discomfort. A small smile tugged at my lips. "I know you're all worried, but panic doesn't solve anything. It'd be better to focus on observing the situation and planning your next moves."

"Are you telling us to fend for ourselves?" one of them asked, his voice thick with disbelief.

Since I had taken over Joplin Group, these so-called veterans had made it their mission to micromanage me, attempting to wield authority they no longer had. Their ultimate goal was obvious—force me out and take the reins themselves. Too bad for them, I wasn't going anywhere.

"If you're feeling impatient, you're welcome to leave," I said, my tone sharp. "With your extensive 'experience,' I'm sure plenty of companies would be eager to have you."

The sarcasm wasn't lost on them, and a few bristled. One of the older men slammed a fist on the table. "That's no way to speak to us! We built this company!"

I didn't even bother looking up and just waved them off like pesky flies. "Gentlemen, you're free to make your decisions. I'd suggest doing so wisely."

With that, I stood. "Meeting adjourned."

Ten minutes later, Hayden strode into my office, his expression a mix of irritation and concern.

"Let me guess, they ran to you to complain?" I asked, leaning back in my chair.

"Do you have to antagonize them at every turn?" he shot back.

"Hayden, explain to me why we're keeping these leeches around," I said, gesturing broadly. "They don't contribute. They don't innovate. All they do is leech off the company."

"They've been with Dad since the beginning," he replied, his voice steady but tinged with exasperation. "Loyalty matters."

"Loyalty has a price," I countered. "And they've overdrawn their accounts. If it were up to me, they'd already be gone, enjoying retirement far away from here."

Hayden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're cutting off our safety net."

"Keeping them is the real danger," I said firmly. "Loyalty doesn't pay dividends—strategy does."

He shook his head, clearly unwilling to argue further. "Fine. Just tell me, have you found out who's been controlling our shares?"

"Not yet," I admitted. "But we're close."