Announcement

Monday came before long and Claire dragged herself into the office, even more tired than she was before the weekend. She wore her usual black trousers and a light green silk blouse. Her dark blonde hair was tidily pulled into a tight bun. She tried to hide the dark circles under her eyes under the concealer but she was mostly unsuccessful.

She took a deep breath and she put a wide smile on as she walked out of the elevator. At this time there were still only a few people in the office, many yet to arrive. But Claire preferred to be in at an earlier hour, the office then was more peaceful and she managed to get the most creative work done before being continuously interrupted.

She put headphones on and she was off to work on the latest design, a very design for a new plaza within the city centre to accommodate one of the largest tycoons in the world.

"Good morning!" A young girl interrupted Claire a few hours later.

"Gina, everything alright?"

"Yes, just wondered if you need a hand on the Gardier project."

"Quite possibly, thanks. Any chance we can book a brainstorming session tomorrow afternoon?"

"Sure, boss. Gary has been all weird this morning."

"Has he?" Claire turned around on her chair, trying to peek through the window of Gary's office.

"He was talking with Matthew about a holiday for at least half an hour, and he brought a large box into the office this morning."

"So, he's in a good mood and he brought the box in?"

"Yeah."

"Indeed, Gina, it is very terrifying." Claire laughed.

"Good morning, my lovely people." Gary came out of the office and spoke to everyone. All of the eyes, of all forty-three of his employees, were locked on him.

"It is scary," Claire whispered to Gina.

"I have an announcement to make." Gary continued, his voice echoing through the silence of the room. "I've decided that it is time for me to retire. I expect a retirement party on Friday!"

"Friday?" Claire raised her brows as whispers started.

"I'll make it quick and sweet. I found a replacement for my position and I've decided to promote one of you to be the head of the department. May we congratulate Miss Claire Thompson for taking this new position!"

The clapping resonated through the room.

Claire was quickly congratulated by everyone near her, looking at Gary with surprise.

At last, she freed herself from her colleagues and rushed after Gary who just managed the same and found his way to his office.

"I thought that it was meant to be months of mentoring and training and preparation?!" Claire stormed after him, closing the door behind her.

"But you're ready! Besides, I've booked a holiday to the Maldives next week and I rather be there than here."

"Gary! Please!" Claire said in a begging tone.

"I don't know what else you may want from me. You know the trade. You're an amazing designer. You've got amazing business and negotiation skills. You can negotiate your way through hell."

"You know that's not what I'm worried about," Claire said in despair. But the phone ringing interrupted them.

Gary picked up the phone and as soon as he did, someone started to yell through it. Gary smiled and put it on the loudspeaker.

"Your calculations were wrong, again! You're an incompetent prick who can't do a simple spreadsheet!"

"Sir, may I ask which part of my spreadsheet was incorrect?" Gary asked calmly as he continued putting his things in the box.

"You didn't account for the sales during the holiday."

"Sheet 2, K2 to K37, I believe they're accounted for in there. Sheet 3 is a complete summation of the sales and our profits for the term."

"You still haven't forwarded me an email with RGB contracts."

"I just did, sir."

"Why isn't your name on it? Aren't you going to our investor meeting next week?"

"Sir, I put my resignation in three weeks ago. I will be retired by the end of the week. So, no, I will not be attending it."

"For f*ck's sake, Gary. You can't just leave it on the table like this!" The noise on the speaker sounded as if the person hit something, perhaps their desk.

"Sir, my replacement will be starting from Monday. I can reassure you that there will be no issues with the investors."

"Better that be true otherwise I'm going to find your retired ass and beat the shit out of you!" The phone hung up.

"See, he isn't so bad." Gary snickered.

"How do you expect me to deal with it?"

"Put your brave face on, remember why you're doing it, and get on."

"Gary!" Claire exclaimed. "Give me a proper way of dealing with it otherwise I'm walking out now."

Gary walked around the desk and put his hands on Claire's shoulders.

"Don't show your fear. Don't back down. Don't let him see your weakness. You have the most amazing thing under your belt. Our department's last year's worth was over 20% of the entire company, and honestly, it's because of you. You brought more clients here than anyone else." Gary let his hands down. "But I do think I can give you an idea of what to do when things go south. Mr Moore's temper is definitely out of control and it may happen even unprompted. If he decided to fire you, go along with it. Walk out and take your clients with you. He will come back to you and then you can really strike a deal."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. He is the kind of a man that will not recognise his wealth until he loses it."

"And what can he give me to want to return after that kind of humiliation?"

"It's not what he can offer, it's what you want. You will not negotiate, you will demand. It will be up to you to decide on the terms. And if you really don't want to come back, you can lay down the most ridiculous terms ever and have a reason to walk away."

"I will get fired, that's expected, right?"

"Oh yes." Gary laughed. "I've been fired and yet, I'm still here. But I've learnt my value."