Chapter 151
Veronica’s POV
Harmon Designs – President Office – the next day
After meeting Fredrick, I was charged as I wanted to prove how wrong he was.
I began reviewing the files that were piled on my table, as Jonathan walked in carrying several urgent documents.
He placed them, sitting across from me.
“She gave them saying they had to be dealt with today p>
“Oh, Jonathan,” I said, smiling. “I don’t know what I would do without you p>
“Now why would you be without me p>
“There’s no chance I would leave you p>
“I know,” I said in a low voice.
“I’m the one who left you p>
“What’s this?” he said, skipping what I said.
“”They’re one of our luxury retail partners p>
“They’re terminating the contract p>
“What?” I said, shocked.
“Does it matter?” I asked, concerned.
“Well,” I said. “The termination will affect the production as the revenue will break and since they are an elite name, it will affect the market value of Harmon Designs as well p>
Jonathan quietly placed the report before me.
Seeing the report, I realized this was my first real challenge, but it arrived sooner than expected.
“Nicky,” Jonathan said, smiling. “This won’t be the last test p>
“Even now I come across that stubborn client or supplier p>
“You prove your company’s worth everyday p>
“Okay, then I’ll be ready for them p>
I leaned forward.
“Now I think we need to call an emergency board meeting, right p>
“Exactly,” Jonathan said as we went to the board room.
Harmon Designs – Board Room
After I laid down the facts,
Some of the directors were clearly concerned.
Some politely questioned if the sudden leadership change from Fredrick to Veronica might have caused an uncertainty among the market.
While some suggested waiting for my new collection to hit the market, everything would settle down.
I knew no one would openly challenge me,
Maybe because Jonathan was with me,
But I knew doubt had settled in their hearts.
Throughout the whole time, Jonathan remained calm, and let me lead.
I realized becoming the president wasn’t just inheriting it, it was earning everyone’s confidence that won’t sway, like Jonathan has on his board members.
Silence fell in the room as they all waited for my response.
I requested a recess and told snacks and tea to be served.
I and Jonathan went to the side.
“Jonathan, should I defend myself, as I think they blame me for this.” I asked, concerned.
“Nicky,” he said.
“Defending your reputation cannot be done by saying some words p>
“Reputations are built through results p>
“And never through arguments p>
“Instead of thinking about convincing the board members p>
“You should convince the retailer p>
“The board members will follow along p>
I exhaled as I realized actions speak louder than words.
I nodded.
“Okay, let’s meet him p>
Jonathan arranged for a meeting with the retailer.
Grand Del Hotel – private cabin
As always, Jonathan made me do the talking.
“Mrs. Rollings,” the retailer said.
“Ever since Fredrick was arrested p>
“You know the reputation of Harmon Designs isn’t the same as it was p>
“And even if you are there p>
“You’re not even a Harmon p>
“At least Imelda was p>
“A Harmon,” I said, cutting his words.
“She also would have been a Staf sixteen years ago had she married her son Adrian’s father Daniel Staf p>
“I also would have been a Harmon till twenty-two, when I married Jonathan and became a Rollings p>
“Now I’m married so I’m a Rollings, but my blood is the same…Harmon p>
“Whatever,” he said.
“I can’t risk associating myself with a brand that god knows could close anytime p>
I didn’t argue and listened quietly.
“Thankyou,” I said cutting his words again.
“Thankfully it’s not the designs but trust p>
The retailer looked at me with a tilted face.
“Changing the design would mean the legacy of Harmon Designs p>
“Trust?” I said.
“Is lost because of Frecrick, I’ll just rebuild it p>
“Oh” the retailer said.
“The give me a reason to trust you p>
I looked towards Jonathan, whose confident eyes charged my confidence.
I knew at times like these, most probabilities are giving discounts or lowering the price, or offering large profits.
I followed what Jonathan told me.
I slowly opened my portfolio.
I placed the sketches I drew based on my painting inspirations.
I followed what Jonathan told me,
To choose creativity rather than money.
The retailer leaned forward, and began to study the sketches.
I began to explain the sketches.
Not the cost,
but it’s meaning.
I described the inspiration every sketch held behind it.
Inspiration of hope, healing, giving second chances, about family, and love.
I explained how every jewelry spoke of memories and wasn’t just a decorative piece.
He listened quietly.
I finally understood what Jonathan said about trying to prove I was a worthy president and proved my self-worth.
Silence fell in the room.
“I have to say, your designs are more than the normal works p>
“And do carry the Harmon legacy touch p>
“We thought you would be a normal businessman’s daughter p>
“I’m amazed to have met an artist p>
I realized my greatest strength wasn’t in replacing Fredrick,
It was giving Harmon Designs a new life.
“Can I see the full collection p>
“The full collection?” I said.
“That would be a full ten necklaces, fifteen bracelets, and five sets p>
“The cost would be roughly around a hundred fifty million p>
I barely had come back, the news of meeting the client had already reached their ears.
Some were skeptical, some were hopeful.
I knew no one was praising me yet,
But no one questioned me either.
I knew this was my first step to regaining my respect quietly.
As I sat in the office, I reflected on the events of the day.
I realized being the president meant having responsibilities.
But maintaining the position requires a lot more.
Every morning I have to prove myself.
And now I know respect isn’t inherited.
It has to be earned.
I quietly returned to my work.
As Jonathan walked in carrying some documents,
I realized how he has been there for me solving my problems.
Always smiling, always telling me how to do things.
The final drafts were ready, as the retailer came by afternoon.
The retailer requested to review the sketches so I allowed him and his team.
We all waited patiently.
I took a deep breath.
“Can I see a complete design in solid p>
I froze as I never made jewelry.
“Do you mind if I make it?” Jonathan asked as he also knew.
“That would be an honor Mr. Rollings p>
“Harmon design, Rollings creativity p>
He gestured and Jonathan quietly began to make the delicate necklace.
After an hour, he was ready.
I smiled when I saw his work.
“Mrs. Rollings,” The retailer said.
“We are happy with the necklace p>
“Now we want the full collection, then we’ll decide the contract p>
I looked towards Jonathan who nodded.
“Okay, you’ll have the full collection in five days p>
I knew everyone must be thinking I was wrong as I didn’t take any advance,
But as Jonathan said, always trust your work.
If not him, the next person will buy it.