“This is a warning, Sebastian. If anything like this comes up again, you won’t get off nearly as lightly. Mr. Woods also raised other concerns about your performance...”
“He did what? There is nothing wrong with my performance. We’re up eight percent from last year already.” My jaw clenches.
“Look, I don’t know what’s going on between the two of you, but you’re going to need to sort it out. There were mentions that you’ve been distracted of late, among other things, and I have to say I’m inclined to agree. I know the past eight months have been hard on you, and we understand to a certain degree, but we still need to put the company first. Is there anything else going on that we should be aware of?”
That motherfucker.
How can they not see what he’s up to? They know as well as I do that if my company position ever became vacant, Vincent wouldn’t stop until he had it. As long as I lived, I wasn’t going to let that happen.
“There’s nothing going on. Frankly, the fact that my performance is even in question is ridiculous. I may still be dealing with my parents’murder, but not once have I let it affect my overall work performance. Except on the rare occasion, I’m the first one here and the last to leave. If that doesn’t tell you how much I work my ass off for this company, I don’t know what will.” I plant my hands on the table in front of me and lean forward. “But I can guarantee if you think you’re going to find someone more dedicated to this company than me, you’re sorely mistaken.”
I’m pissed. Vincent’s always been a snake, but this was something else.
Am I distracted? Probably. But I wasn’t going to tell them about the girl who turned my life upside down. Or the fact that I just killed a man.The same man who murdered my parents.And that I was up half the night because my—Grace—tried to run from me. A growl builds in my throat at the thought.
Regardless, no matter how distracted I am, it hasn’t had a significant enough impact on my work, nor my performance, to warrant any kind of review—even an informal one such as this.
“We’re not questioning your work ethic, Sebastian, but we’re here to help you.”
“Thank you, but I’m perfectly capable.” I clench my jaw shut to stop myself from saying something I shouldn’t.
Rodger sighs. “Don’t forget that we’re on your side, Sebastian. Your father’s death was a great loss, but we wouldn’t have given you the position if we didn’t think you could handle it.”
The thing with boards is they’re on your side until they aren’t. And oftentimes, you don’t see the switch until it’s too late. I’d like to believe they are loyal to my family, but you can never be certain. Vincent was right when he said I didn’t have the authority to fire him, but the one thing I am sure about after today is Vincent needs to go. I would just need to be smart about it.
After a few more exchanges, I thank the board for their time and return to my office. There are just a few more things I have to do. Then I’m going back to Grace.