Stories
Story

HE MOCKED A BLACK WAITRESS IN FRONT OF MILLIONAIRES, BUT HER NEXT WORDS SILENCED THE ENTIRE ROOM

Chapter 3

Theme:
Font Size:
24px
Then Richard smiled again."Very good. You memorized something from a textbook."Maya nodded."Perhaps.""But theory is not experience.""You're right."Her agreement seemed to irritate him more than an argument would have.Richard leaned forward."Then let's talk about experience. What happens when the company has already cut every unnecessary expense? What happens when the market changes overnight? What happens when a competitor launches a cheaper product and customers begin leaving?"Maya answered without hesitation."First, I would determine why customers were leaving. If the competitor offered a genuinely better product, I would investigate whether we could improve ours. If customers were responding only to a lower price, I would evaluate our positioning and margins before matching it. I would also speak with employees who dealt directly with customers, because they often recognize problems long before executives see them in their reports."Daniel looked at Richard."That's actually a reasonable answer."Richard's jaw tightened."Nobody asked you."Maya remained still.Richard turned back to her."And if none of that worked?""Then I would reassess the business model.""Meaning?""Meaning I would rather confront an uncomfortable truth than spend more money protecting a strategy that no longer works."The words landed more heavily than Maya intended.Daniel glanced down at the documents spread across the table.For the past two weeks, he had been studying Richard's proposed acquisition. Something about the financial projections had bothered him, but he had struggled to explain exactly what was wrong.Now he found himself thinking about Maya's answer.An uncomfortable truth.A strategy that no longer worked.Richard noticed Daniel's expression."Don't tell me you're impressed."Daniel shook his head."I'm thinking about the numbers.""The numbers are fine.""Then it shouldn't hurt to review them one more time."Richard's smile disappeared."Daniel, I have been doing this for thirty years. I know how to read a balance sheet.""So do I.""And I know this acquisition is sound."Daniel looked at the folder."Then let's finish reviewing it tomorrow morning."Richard slammed the envelope onto the table."We are not postponing a billion-dollar deal because a waitress has decided to turn dinner into a lecture."Maya lowered her eyes briefly."I didn't ask you to postpone anything, sir."Richard turned toward her."Then stop pretending you know more than people who have spent their lives doing this.""I never said I knew more than you.""Your attitude suggests otherwise."Maya took a slow breath."My attitude is that I came here to do my job. I have answered your questions because you asked them. I haven't insulted you, and I haven't asked you for anything."Richard's face reddened."You think you're better than me?""No, sir.""Then why do you look at me like that?""Like what?""Like you know something I don't."Maya paused.For the first time, she looked beyond Richard and studied the papers scattered across the table.A particular company name caught her attention.She recognized it immediately.It was the same company whose acquisition had occupied her attention for the past six months.The company that Richard intended to purchase.The company whose employees had written to her organization after discovering irregularities in its financial reports.Maya's expression changed almost imperceptibly.Richard noticed the shift."What is it now?"She looked at the document again."May I ask you something, sir?"He gave an exaggerated sigh."Apparently, this evening is full of questions.""Are you purchasing Northbridge Financial?"The executives exchanged glances.Daniel sat straighter.Richard's eyes narrowed."Why do you want to know?""I recognized the name.""And?""And I was wondering whether the acquisition had already been approved."Richard smiled."The announcement will be made soon. Assuming certain people stop wasting my time."Maya looked at the figures on the page."Have you reviewed the company's outstanding obligations?""Of course.""All of them?"Richard placed both hands on the table."Listen carefully. You have crossed the line between serving dinner and involving yourself in business that does not concern you."Maya nodded."You're right. I apologize."She turned to leave.But Daniel spoke before she could take a step."Wait."Maya stopped.Daniel looked at her with genuine curiosity."You said you recognized the company. Do you work in finance?""Not at this restaurant."Richard laughed bitterly."Wonderful. Now she's a mysterious financial expert."Daniel ignored him."I'm asking because you mentioned outstanding obligations. Is there something specific you know?"Maya hesitated.She was not permitted to discuss confidential matters casually, and she would never compromise someone's privacy simply to win an argument.But the question raised a serious concern.
PREV NEXT

News in the same category

HE MOCKED A BLACK WAITRESS IN FRONT OF MILLIONAIRES, BUT HER NEXT WORDS SILENCED THE ENTIRE ROOM

11 Part