Chapter- 2, Together in Fall

A crowd had gathered around city hall, townsfolk and tourists alike. It was the most awaited time of the year in Oakane. Walking up the stairs, Mr. Spencer tapped on the mic.

“Welcome, one and all. As the mayor of our small town, Oakane, I invite you to partake in this year's fall festivities. Like every year, we'll have several activities for participants to compete in. The one who wins the most of them earns this year's special prize- a customer made award, a money prize and exclusive bragging rights for a year. We appreciate all the people who’ve come from far and wide to accompany us in this autumn celebration. A separate thanks to the event’s sponsors for their generous contributions. Let the competition begin!”

The people begin to cheer and follow him inside the hall, where a party awaits them. A series of competitions will follow from tomorrow. But tonight, the town merely enjoys the opening of the fall festivities with food and drinks, celebrating the participants. Spencer approaches the podium, introducing the participants from the list he’s handed.

“First up, Emily!”, he calls her onstage. As she steps up on it, he presses her knuckles to his lips gently. “My fiance and our newest participant. Please make her feel welcome”, he applauds as he hands over the mic to her. “Stephen always told me so much about his town, especially this fall festival. It's my honour to be a part of it”, she smiles as her hand wraps around his arm. Before walking down, she gives him one last loving look.

Spencer continues welcoming the participants- mostly townsfolk, along with some tourists who like to get in on the fun. The executive commissioner stood in the crowd, clapping at the announcements. After enrolling all these participants all day, Scarlett really deserved some time off. That’s when she felt a tug at her shoulder. But before she could turn around, the figure was already walking away. They stopped a second before turning to a corner, as if signalling her to follow. The curious woman complied, pursuing the visiter.

“It’s you! After almost a decade, I can’t believe it”, Scarlett remarked as she pulled her in a warm hug. “I heard the news. I’m so sorry, I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I thought you’d still be in the city, picking up the pieces. What brings you to Oakane, that too here, at this hour?”, she added.

“Hey. I’m in a bit of a hurry. I need your help, Scarlett. My associates are sponsors for this fall event. They’re not picking up their phones and it’s really important. I need to see them, could you possibly arrange for that?”, the lady requested.

“I really wish that I could, friend. But they’re our special guests. They’ve requested solitude and we can’t risk their donations. The only people who can meet them this week are administration and participants. There’s really nothing I can help you with here”, Scarlett answered.

She sighed. “Faith told me Silas was volunteering here. Could I, at least, get a hold of him?”, she asked.

“Sure, I’ll go fetch him for you”, affirmed Scarlett as she left.

After a short wait, Silas walked up to her from the corridor. “You’re back early, mam. So sorry for your loss. The commissioner told me you needed me?”

“Yes, Silas. What do you know about the associates meeting recently? I've been served with a notice to face them this weekend”, she explained.

“I can't say much about them, madam. But I did overhear the minor shareholders discuss the fate of the company. But I can't be sure though, that it's anything more than just idle gossip”, told the assistant.

“Whatever it is, I wish to know it all. The words from shareholders are bound to be a little authentic. Tell me, please”, she insisted.

Silas visibly gulped. “They think you unworthy of the position. After all these years in the city, you no longer seem to care for the company. You only came for the inheritance now. They plan to nullify your claim”, Silas revealed as his eyes stare down at the floor.

She takes a step back in recoil as her world slips from under her feet.

“From my own business? No, they won't”, she resolved. “Ask Scarlett to make me a surprise introduction, please. I know she doesn't like to break rules, but tell her I begged. She must make an exception this once. I ought to prove myself. I'll need time to turn this around”, she ordered as her heels made the way towards the restroom.

“As you instruct, mam”, said Silas as he left to look for the executive commissioner.

She turned the tap and splashed the cold water on her face. She looks in the mirror, hands trembling. All the confidence from before has vanished. Now she is a mess.
It was worse than she had anticipated. She always knew she would have to persuade them for control. But to her dismay, they had already turned on her. All is not lost just yet though, for she might be able to find a way around it..

-x-

“We’ve reached our final participant folks! The owner of the famed Oakane cafe- ‘Rustic Blend’, Mr. Andrew Baker, everyone”, Spencer claps as he welcomes him onstage. The man from before walks up the stairs as the crowd cheers. The man waves to the crowd as he flashes an enticing smile.

“I’m excited for my first fall festival. I’ll win- one way or the other”, he boasts proudly. “That sounds like trouble, Drew. You’re not planning on breaking any rules now, are you?”, Spencer asks light-heartedly. “No promises, Spencer. It’s not cheating if you don’t get caught”, Andrew jokes as the people share a laugh. “I better keep an eye on you then”, the mayor plays along.

The executive commissioner approached the mayor, taking the mic from him. Grabbing the cord to extend it towards the hall, she walks to the centre. “People of the town, we have a last-minute addition to make. Behold a special competitor this year- heir to the renowned hotel company ‘Pine Manor’.. Ms. Aurelia Hearst herself!”, announces Scarlett.

Silence echoes the halls as people await the lady. The thud of Aurelia’s heels soon take over and all eyes divert to her. It is too much to take at once, but she must face life head on. “Greetings, town. I’m aware my return is a surprise to many and raises some inevitable questions. Yes, my father Mr. William- the CEO of Pine Manor, is no more. He fought hard but we lost him to cancer a week ago. In his memory and honor, I wish to partake in this year’s festivities. In the traditions of Oakane, I can be close to him again. This town is the only home I’m left with and I wish to cherish it”, Aurelia addresses the people. In the crowd, one man in particular looks particularly stunned and sorry.

“Oh, Aurelia..”, Spencer walks down and wraps her in an embrace. “It’ll all be fine. We’re glad to have you with us”, he assures. It feels comforting to have the support of a familiar face- she wonders. Spencer’s bond with her family had been forged in blood, a memory which still ached in her heart. But she didn’t have to go over it until she wanted to, and that gave her peace.

Scarlett diffuses the tension by directing everyone to the food counters. She can tell Aurelia needs space, even if she’d not explicitly asked for it. “Have you thought about what will happen to the company, dear? I don’t want to rush it but such things have a habit of getting out of hand”, asks the mayor.

“About that, could you arrange for me to have a meeting with my associates for tomorrow? They’re sponsors for the event so I need your approval to disturb them. I wanted to discuss the matter with them and it’d be a huge help-”, pleaded Aurelia.
“Nonsense! It's the least I can do. I'll convey your message to them. 11 sounds good?”, inquires Spencer.

“That'll do perfectly, thank you”, nodded Aurelia.

“Make sure to get some food in your system, Aurelia. We have some wonderful molten chocolate cakes from the cafe this time around. I know it must be difficult, but you'll need the energy”, consoled the mayor.

“Molten chocolate cakes, just great!”, Aurelia huffed after Spencer left.

-x-

“Fancy seeing you here, stranger”, Aurelia caught his attention. Andrew turned to face the voice and his eyes lit up as he spotted her. “The cafe woman?”, he jested. “Guilty”, Aurelia put her hands up in submission. Looking at each other's faces, they burst out laughing.

“I'm sorry for your dad”, he sympathised. Aurelia couldn't get herself to say anything so she just nodded. “Andrew Baker, nice to meet you. Most people in the town call me Drew”, he extends her a hand to shake. She smiles, accepting it. “Aurelia Hearts. The pleasure is all mine”, she replies.

“Want to grab some molten cakes?”, Drew teased. She pushed him in retaliation. “So that’s what the fresh batch was for. You could've told me, you know. Why make me pay when you were going to give them away anyway?”, Aurelia said.

“That would make me a bad businessman, love. Something I'm not. Besides, you weren't about to participate anyways, remember?”, Drew reasoned.

“Hate how you’re right there”, Aurelia rolled her eyes. “I'm curious as to why are you partaking in this, though”, she seemed curious.

“It's fun and will look good for the store if I win the cooking contest. There's no harm to stop me. Why your sudden change of heart?”, he asked.

“Just unforeseeable situations. But believe it or not, I came here with the intention to work, in a way. I was trying to get a hold of the associates of my company. But turns out they're sponsors for the event so I needed to apply just so I could meet up with them”, she explained.

“That’s interesting. You could really use a break, I think. Attending festivities merely to hold meetings sounds too much, even for you Aurelia”, Drew argued. “Why don't I treat you at the town bar tomorrow at 9, to make up for the cake. I could use a distraction and you need to loosen up. We could even get to know each other in the meantime. So what do you say?”, he suggested.

“Alright Drew, I'll be there. But only because I make it a personal habit to know my opponents well”, she answers.

“I'd expect nothing less”, he smirks. He gives a brief nod before taking his leave.

-x-

She stands before the door of the conference hall, hesitating to take the next step. The purpose of her return is on the other side, but she can't shake the thought- what if she's not ready for it afterall? All her insecurities and doubts begin to take shape. What if she crumbles in front of the associates? What if she can't hold her ground and they take over her family legacy? What if she stutters from the recent loss? What if she disappoints her father? She takes a deep breath, remembering his last words to her. Don't let them pull you down, daughter. Take what's rightfully yours. Recalling them gave her a bit of strength. She couldn't back down, not when the threat of vultures still looms over her. It's time for a leap of action.

Turning the knob, she pushed the door open. The associates stand up to greet her. Approaching her chair, she motions for them to sit down. “We empathise with your loss, miss Aurelia ”, Mr. Kingsley spoke up.

She brings her eyes up to meet his. “Let’s skip the pleasantries, Theodore. We both know I wouldn't have received a notice for showing up urgently, if that was indeed the case. I'm here to talk business so that's what we shall do. I need to hear it from you people, why was I called?”, her voice was calm but firm.

Mr. Edward Baxter cuts in. “We wished to discuss the fate of the company. After your father's death, things aren't looking good”, he stated.

“Indeed they aren't, Edward. For you shareholders”, Aurelia retaliated.

“Excuse me?”, Mr. Baxter was taken aback.

“Silly me, let me elaborate. You handle the customers, yes? Imagine my surprise when I see our bank account reflects only two thirds of the recorded money from check-ins. I know the pockets of your designer suits run deep. But did you really have to fill them in that deep? It's like you were asking to be caught. They don't just teach fancy terms at the city college, Mr. Baxter. We're taught how to check finances ”, she called him out.

Mr. Baxter was flabbergasted by the accusations. It seemed he wanted to say something but he bit back his tongue.

“And Ms. Erza Doenzir? I'd love an explanation on why you thought it'd be a good idea to let go 20% of our employees in the last few months alone. At least you're not stashing it for yourself as the numbers check out. But this excessive frugality isn't at all appreciated. We should be acquiring additional part time hands in fall to help with the busy crowd. It's the peak time we get plentiful tourists, afterall. Instead, this year we're shor-tstaffed. How to plan to deal with the surge of demand?”, Aurelia called her out.

“I-”, Ms.Doenzir spoke but that's all that she could muster. She looked at her fingers, fidgeting on the desk. The silence lingered as she avoided Aurelia's gaze.

“I much prefer Dylan to you individuals. At least Mr. York didn't have the audacity to show his face today, after he terminated the contract for our snacks completely. The man handed out free coupons for some nearby restaurants to elite customers, and that's been his entire job description for a while now”, Aurelia taunted.

“Why don't we go over you next, Henry Hanover? I see the bills for the bedding company are still due for all the new rooms added at the top floor. You must have even failed to arrange the curtains and beds as I don't see any updates. Do you want our customers to sleep on the floo, Henry? I also noticed you reduced the laundry to half. I’ll make sure to give the customers your personal number when they complain of the smell and dust”, she exaggerated.

“I'll double check the bills and items”, he assured embarrassedly.

“Enough, Aurelia ! I won't take it any more”, Ms. Astor had heard enough.
“And I can't tolerate any longer either. You do not interrupt me while I'm talking, keep that in mind. We haven't even gone over you yet, Florence. I must say, I'm especially disappointed in you, considering you have always been the most responsible of the herd. You've been lazy to respond to the reviews and queries. On my entire way back, I couldn't see even a single advertisement of ours. Father used to respect you. He'd be so ashamed-”, Aurelia snapped.

“Stop. Before you say anything you regret. You're still a child to us Aurelia , don't ever forget that", Florence warned.

“Don't overstep just because you can, Florence. I'm no longer the kid who played around the hotel, but the heir who is about to own it soon”, Aurelia held her head high.

The room went silent all of a sudden. Aurelia knew instantly that something was wrong.

“We mean no harm, Aurelia . I plead you to hear us out, just once”, Theodore interrupted the hearted argument. There was a sadness buried in his low voice. He turned to look at Ms. Astor. “Tell her, Florence. She deserves to know”, he requests her.

Ms. Astor nods, her gaze turning soft as he meets eyes with the businesswoman she helped raise. “You're grown so much, dear. A firecracker, just like your mother”, she chuckles with tears brimming. “Pine Manor is heading for ruin. We're being run out of business by a foreign grim- Stellar Stays. We cannot compete with our current skills. The best bet for the hotel to survive is.. a new experienced CEO who can pull us out of this doom. It's nothing against you, Aurelia. But we, associates, cannot approve your succession to the role. The company needs this to survive”, Florence reveals.

“The missing money went for some of the experimental drugs your father wanted to try. The insurance denied monetary coverage for those”, Edward explained.

“Those employees quit of their own accord, madam. Stellar Stays has a higher salary to offer”, Erza stated.

“We are struggling to handle our established hotels, mam. We simply can't add more rooms. Money has been tight lately as our profits from the snacks and beverages have been cut off. We had to compromise on the laundry, but I'm tirelessly looking for a way to make it work. I've communicated with our bedding suppliers already and they've given us an extension for now ”, Henry justified.

“We’re keeping a low profile for now. In case the.. new CEO suggests adjustments in our advertising style. Perhaps a makeover can bring us hope”, Florence added.

Aurelia knew this was going to happen, thanks to Silas. But what she didn't anticipate was the transition of power to be logical and necessary. It was easy to jump to wild assumptions- associates seize control as the CEO dies. Now, she knew where they were coming from. However, she wasn't about to give up just yet. She could see a window to get the business out of this and she was about to jump through it.

“I realise the gravity of the situation. But I'm asking for a chance. To turn it around, for the better”, Aurelia declared her ask. “You want a new CEO? I volunteer for the position. What you're looking for might be closer to home than you think, associates. Give me some time to prove myself. I didn't go to management college for nothing. Plus, I already know the business inside out. Father's illness may have made him neglect the company at times, but I have nothing holding me down. Put your trust in me”, she pleaded.

The associates in the room look at each other. “One week, Aurelia. I don't know how you'll convince us to keep you on board, but that's all we can afford. Improve things if you can, you might need a miracle. We decide by a vote this weekend. If you fail, we move on look externally”, Theodore announced.

“I want this to stay in the family as much as you do, Aurelia. But whoever we choose shall be in the company's best interests”, Aurelia told her.

“I understand, Ms. Astor”, Aurelia said. She was determined to be the person the tough times need her to be. Aurelia must bring out her best to face the competition.