Page 31 of Craving You
I click to the next slide, showing a chart that highlights the rise in customer satisfaction scores.“Speaking of feedback, our Net Promoter Score has jumped to seventy-eight, the highest it’s been in company history… On the innovation front, we’re gearing up to launch the beta for PinnacleOS, which we anticipate will revolutionize cloud integration for mid-size enterprises.Pre-launch interest is already double what we projected, so we’re entering the next quarter with strong momentum.”
I click the remote, and it brings up my portion of the updates.“On the administrative side, I want to share some updates to keep everything transparent.Our employee turnover has dropped to 8%, which is down from 12% last quarter, which started changing after we revamped our retention initiatives as far as benefits, insurance, incentives, vacation and sick time pay, and general office activities that allow everyone to bond and get to know management better.The new mentorship program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with over 70% of participants noting improved engagement and career satisfaction.Additionally, our hybrid work model continues to thrive as it allows us to cater to the employees with children.We noticed a trend that when employees went on maternity leave their feedback, when they would ultimately quit, indicated concerns surrounding childcare.Allowing them to work from home meant that we were able to retain them as employees, and they didn’t have to search for something new to accommodate their home life.
“On the topic of home life, over 85% of employees surveyed reported increased productivity and work-life balance under the new structure.We’re also proud to announce that our DEI efforts have led to a 20% increase in diverse hires across all levels of the company.Lastly, our investments in upskilling have yielded measurable results, as over 60% of employees have completed advanced training certifications so far this year.We do have incentives in place for those who complete the training before its ultimate due date, and it results in minimal lapses of certifications.”
“Thank you for that,” Cam says.“Does anyone have any questions?”
“Were the numbers driven up by the efforts of the employees… or the actions of upper management?”Matthew asks, his eye shifting from Cam to me and then back to Cam.
“Every person involved has helped shaped this company and influence the growth that we are seeing,” Cam says simply.“Without our employees, we simply would not be where we are today.”
“So, you’re not partnered with any other entities that would allow for easier growth?”he pushes.
Fuck… He is suggesting that I am fucking people to help the company grow.
“No,” Remy says coldly, understanding.“I think that covers our updates.Cameron?”
For the remainder of the meeting, I focus entirely on listening and taking notes.I don’t look up because I don’t want to get distracted.I can feel him watching me, even when he gives his own update.It’s not until Cam ends the meeting that I look up.
“You did well.Good job,” Cam says as people file out of the room.
“Thanks,” I say.I glance over and see that Matthew hasn’t moved.“He’s going to bring it up.This is bad.”
“Just breathe,” Cam says.“I promise, we have your back, no matter what.”
When there is no one left but us and Matthew, he finally speaks.“I must say, Ms.Belmont.You look much different with clothes on,” Matthew says.
“What do you want, Matthew?”I ask.“That’s why you are still here, right?Get something for nothing?”
“Nothing?You think others won’t see the connection between this company and you fucking business executives for money in an exclusive strip club?”he asks.
“What do you want?”Cam asks.“Are you trying to tattle on her, or do you have a legitimate concern?”
“You see, I feel as though I was forced into a sexual interaction with Ms.Belmont in order to secure a contract between my company and Saltz-Belmont Technologies,” he says with a smirk.
“That’s bullshit, and you know it,” I snap.“You knew the entire fucking time who I was, didn’t you?If anything, I should be the one to have an issue with your creepy ass following me around like a lost puppy when you came in.”
“Oh, I came alright,” he says.“Over.And over.And over.You remember, right?”
“Is this necessary?”Remy asks.
“How do you feel knowing your girlfriend has done what she has?”Matthew asks.“Will you visit her in jail when she gets charged with soliciting?”
“What do you want?”Cam asks.“Money, right?How much?”
“Ten million,” he says seriously, and I laugh.
“You’ve lost your goddamn mind,” I say.“No.”
Matthew taps on his phone before sounds play through the room.When he turns the screen around, it’s me on stage.I can feel all the color drain from my face as he goes to the next, and it’s of a private room.“One hour or it goes to the press,” he says as he stands.
“Go ahead,” Cam says with a shrug.
“Cameron,” I snap, but he ignores me.
“Suit yourself,” Matthew says with a matching shrug.“By the way, Remington.You’re lucky.The girl can suck a cock better than any whore I’ve ever met.”
“Get the fuck out of my building,” Cam says with a grave tone.
