Chapter 56: A Change of Plan
The minor disruption caused by the car sensors didn’t alter Eleanor’s schedule for the day. As always, her life moved like a well-oiled machine... no room for hesitation or disorder. Upon arriving at the office, she stepped out of her vehicle with an air of composed authority, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor of the towering building. She entered her room on the top executive floor to find her three assistants... Teresa, Maya, and Lily were already lined up, waiting inside her office.
"Good morning," Eleanor greeted them with a rare but dazzling smile, a warmth reserved only for those few in her inner circle.
Despite being overwhelmed with deadlines and tasks, the trio relaxed slightly upon seeing her. That smile, though fleeting, was a reminder that beneath their cold-faced, perfection-demanding boss was someone who genuinely trusted them. They often joked among themselves that it was a secret privilege to witness the ’human side’ of Eleanor Raynor.
"Not so good for me," Teresa replied with a sigh and an exaggerated slump of her shoulders. "There are several documents that need your urgent approval. And after that, you have a scheduled meeting at NexaByte Technologies. You’re expected to attend a manager-level conference. Also..." she paused dramatically, "James Smith has successfully acquired the remaining plots at Trafford Park. There were some private holdings, but we managed to buy them at a premium. We’re now clear to expand the existing data center."
As she spoke, she handed Eleanor a sleek blue folder. "Ava Martin has proposed building an entirely new data center there, in contrast you initially suggested. She believes the current infrastructure is too outdated to serve as a reliable command hub for our upcoming security project."
Eleanor nodded, flipping open the folder. Her sharp eyes skimmed the data with practiced efficiency. After a few moments, she picked up her phone and dialed Ava directly.
"I’ve received your report," she said, her tone cool yet decisive. "Proceed as proposed. Submit the financial requirements to the appropriate department. Lily will coordinate the funding with you."
"Yes, I’ll be attending the meeting."
After ending the call, she turned to Lily. "Ava will need a sizable budget to complete this. Grant her the necessary resources but keep a tight watch on expenditure. I want a full audit trail of every transaction."
"Understood, Boss," Lily replied. "I also have an update to share."
"Wait your turn," Eleanor said with a small wave of her hand. "Let Teresa finish first."