Part 2
309 Words
TWO
Gaia eyed the graduation photo on her mother's – now her – desk. Her in the black gown and cap all MBA graduates wore; Mother in the gown and floppy hat of her latest in a string of honorary doctorates. If she needed a family photo in here to make her look more like her staff, then it wasn't a bad choice. It was a reminder of whose daughter she was; as well as evidence that she was qualified by more than money to sit in the chairman's seat. Vasse Prospecting was her domain now.
"Miss Vasse? Have you had a chance to look over the latest report about Lorikeet Island? I left it on your desk last night." Stewart strode smoothly into the office, as if he owned the place. Not even a knock.
Gaia's gaze settled on him. "No. I'll call you when I'm ready to discuss it."
"Miss Vasse, if you'll allow me to brief you, we can – "
"No, I won't, and no, we can't." She took a deep breath, then blew it out her nose. She wished she could breathe flame to show the arrogant managing director her fury. "This is my company, Stewart. I'll act when I'm ready."
He backed up. "You should know that the seawall, which was weakened in the last cyclone, broke two days ago. While you were waiting to act. Now, Lorikeet Island mine is completely flooded. You have no choice but to close it down." Gaia caught a glimpse of his triumphant smile before he turned and marched out of her office.
Insufferable man. He'd been in charge when the mine flooded, which made it his fault, not hers. It couldn't be as bad as he said.
But that didn't make it any less her problem now. An incompetent managing director meant more work for her.
Sighing, she sent her assistant to get her some tea while she opened the file on Lorikeet Island.
- Writer
