Christine’s POV
The morning sun filtered through my office window at Harrington as I paced.
I pressed the intercom button as I dialled Ashley’s number. “Ashley, send in Ruth Martinez from accounting.”
A moment later, Ruth, the company’s senior account officer, stepped in. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her expression was cautious, as if she sensed the storm brewing. “You wanted to see me, ma’am?”
“Yes” I gestured to the chair across from my desk, leaning back on my own with the calmness I could mutter. “I need you to make some changes to Francis’s compensation as a shareholder.”
Ruth’s brow furrowed as she flipped open her clipboard. “Changes? What kind?”
“Cut all forms of his salaries and bonuses tied to his shareholder status,” I said, my tone unyielding. “If he’s earning, say, $60,000 monthly, reduce it to $20,000. Effective immediately.”
Ruth’s pen froze mid-note. Her eyes widened, darting up to meet mine. “Twenty thousand? Ma’am, are you sure? That’s… drastic. Franci
