Page 326 of The Donovan Dynasty

The words hung between them, a challenge more than a question.Any other employee would be fired for insubordination, and he suspected she knew that.But because he needed her, and because of the genuine note of emotion in her voice, he held on to the edges of his fraying temper.“You don’t protect one person at the potential risk of the entire company, Ms.Lane.Perhaps you didn’t learn that in business school?”

“Not everything is so clear in life.Have you ever given anyone a second chance?”

“When someone in accounting has an arithmetic error?Sure.But when the risk is this high?Not ever.”He paused momentarily to be certain she understood his position.“When his wife gave birth, Seward could have applied for a leave of absence.There are provisions for that.Paid leave, even.Instead, he took medication to stay awake.His history will come out during the investigation.And because Samuel protected him—and continues to do so—the company could be held liable.”

Her shoulders slumped.

“The potential fines may still cripple the company.Seward should have been fired after the first incident.The company has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.Showing leniency sets a bad precedent.As my first act as CEO, I am terminating him.You can let HR know, or I will.Which do you prefer?”

Her hand shook as she put the cup back on her desk.

He saw her eyes narrow, barely disguising the anger in them.

“I’ll do it.”She nudged her chin up.

“Donovan is taking a risk here.A big fucking one, Ms.Lane.”

“Don’t expect me or our employees to appreciate that,” she replied infuriatingly.“Painting Mr.Newman as a villain, or inept, will only make you look bad.”

She was right about that.“So what is your recommendation?”he asked.

“We’ll say that Mr.Newman realized he had some health issues and wanted to spend more time with his family.You have been working behind the scenes at an effortless transition.The timing had to be ramped up.”

He nodded.

“You’re stepping up to help him out.We’ll do our best to make you look good.Like a hero.”She gave a half shrug, as if that weren’t possible.Then without giving him the opportunity to respond, she continued, “At this morning’s meeting, we’ll announce the date of Mr.Newman’s official retirement party.”She nodded and began scribbling notes on a pad.“We’ll host a company-wide event, a barbecue or something, for Mr.Newman as soon as he’s able.”

“We’re watching the budget.”

“Employee turnover will cost you much more than a party,” she countered.“I’d suggest you don’t rob people of the opportunity to say goodbye and pay their respects.Many people have spent their careers here.Unheard of in today’s business environment.Like it or not, you will be the target of their anger.”

He didn’t want to be swayed.After Connor’s wedding and the centennial celebration, he’d had enough events to last him for the next decade.All he wanted was an evening at Deviation to recharge.On the other hand, he recognized she had a point.“Very well.”

She nodded.“You’ll need to present him with some sort of token of appreciation.A plaque, award…” She tapped her pen.“Something.And it will be a good time to distribute corporate goodies.T-shirts, duffel bags, lanyards, the like.”

“Budget, Ms.Lane,” he said.

“Don’t be a penny-pinching miser, Mr.Donovan.”

This woman… In all his years in business, he’d never worked with anyone who challenged his authority as much as she did.“Do you often have frivolous gatherings?”

“You mean morale boosters?”she corrected, undaunted.“Yes.Twice a year for the entire company.With pizza parties for each profitable quarter.”

“You’re serious.”

“Each team has discretionary spending for that that purpose too.Teambuilding.”

He sighed.At least he saw areas to cut spending going forward.“Is that something you arrange?”

“No.I generally hire it out.”

“Good.My sister-in-law’s company, Encore Events, will handle it.”At least he’d have some form of control that way.“Sofia Donovan.Call her once you’ve come up with a date.She’ll be in my contacts.And add it to my calendar.”

“You’ve given me access?”

He tapped his watch.The annoying hologram of Julien Bonds popped up.Nathan swiped it away.

“What the heck is that?”