Falling for a Dark Soul Update

FFADS Chapter 4 on FFn

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FFADS Chapter 4 on Stars

FFADS Chapter 4 on Wattpad

Despite our heated interaction in the ladies room, Isabella nailed the presentation for New Moon Cosmetics. She was well-spoken and focused, laying out the promotional plan for their launch. Victoria and Laurent hung on every word, loving every idea that the team had created. Alice was the team leader, but it was clear that Bella carried this presentation.

Her ideas were fresh.

Her plan was multi-faceted, using traditional advertising mediums and venturing out with social media.

Her excitement was apparent as she shared the projected profits the company would receive, using our company.

Her professionalism was on point, pushing aside my behavior and giving the clients what they wanted.

After the meeting, paperwork was signed with promises of further meetings to discuss photo shoots and putting the plan that Isabella had created into place. Victoria, Laurent and their company, New Moon, had committed to a two-year advertising contract with my advertising agency. It was a multi-million dollar contract.

I was so proud of the work of the team, but in awe of Isabella Swan.

I carried the contract and walked back to my office. I scanned a copy of it into my computer before putting the hard copy into my files. I also sent a digital copy to the team. Checking my computer, I had another couple of hours before I had to leave for the fundraiser. It was being held at the Lincoln Conservatory.

There was a quiet knock on my door. “It’s open,” I said.

Alice Brandon walked inside. “Do you have a moment?” she asked. Her voice was still a bit hard, pissed off at how I’d treated her obvious star team member.

“I do,” I replied, looking at her.

“I just wanted to talk to you about Bella,” she said, sitting down in front of my desk. Her hands were in her lap, in tight fists. “She did amazingly well, despite your behavior …”

“I apologized, Alice,” I said. “I was in the wrong.”

“She also told me about the changes in her contract,” Alice said. “Regardless, I would be remiss as a team leader if I didn’t bring the concerns of my team to you. You are a brilliant man. You’ve saved this advertising agency and made us a leader, industry standard among our competition. You strive for excellence, but the way you want us to achieve it is through fear. You are brilliant, but you don’t have our respect. You have our fear. I understand that you’ve been dealing with some difficult personal issues recently, but it’s not appropriate to treat your employees so poorly.”

I frowned, upset that I was feared. I did respect my employees and their hard work. I paid them handsomely, giving huge bonuses at the end of the year. “Alice, there is no excuse for my recent behavior. Regardless of what I was dealing with personally, I should have never treated any of you without the highest modicum of respect. I am sorry.”

Alice blinked at me.

Twice within one work day, I’d apologized.

Clearing my throat, I continued since Alice was stunned by my admission, “I don’t want people to be afraid of me.”

“It’s like walking on egg shells, sir,” she blurted. “We never know when you’re going to explode. What you did to Bella today? That’s bullshit.”

“It was bullshit,” I agreed. “Alice, I will endeavor to improve my relationship with the staff. I … I’m at a loss as how to do it.”

“Something as simple as ‘I’m sorry’ will do wonders,” Alice urged. “This isn’t my company. You hand-selected us because you thought we were the best. I’m proud of what I do and for the most part, we’d never had any issues. However, we need to grow as a team. The agency I’d worked at prior to this, it had a family atmosphere.”

I don’t know how to be a part of a family. I don’t know how to trust.

Information Regarding the Fundraiser for Carey Anne Williams

I've volunteered my time to help out one of our own. On August 22nd at 3pm (Central Time), I will be participating in a Zoom call. I'd love to meet you all ... virtually ... Please read below on how you can participate in the Zoom fundraiser for Carey Anne Williams. Thank you to Clo Rodeffer for creating the preview video.

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