Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 120631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 603(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120631 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 603(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Greyson settled to Soren’s right. Logan took the left.
“Thank you, all, for making time for this vote,” Soren began, his voice steady and sharp as a blade. “Today’s decision will reshape our company. Each of your futures will benefit from the decisions made today. Everything we’ve built at Hawthorne Fishery, we’ve built together, through profound research, strategy, and the transparent promise to dominate the lead of an industry valued all over the world.”
He leaned forward, and the light caught the face of his watch as he folded his hands casually.
“Moving ahead, we’re going to see some changes to the way we’ve always done business.” Others leaned in when he lowered his voice to ensure he had everyone’s full attention. “In an era so entrenched in artificial intelligence and limitless information, it’s never been more important to work with those you trust. Which is why I’ve decided to withdraw the offer to Aldrich Shipping immediately.”
Warren Aldrich’s hand froze mid-reach for his water glass. A frisson of tension traveled across his face. “I beg your pardon?”
Soren calmly fanned out his fingers, flashing Warren his palm. “Please hold all commentary. Each of you will have the opportunity to speak before the vote.”
Color drained from beneath Warren’s collar. His aged fingers curled inward, balling into a fist.
“Instead,” Soren continued, his voice carrying the weight of absolute confidence, “I move to partner with NorthStar Shipping.”
The room exhaled with a ripple of motion as portfolios opened.
“As you’ll note in your documents, NorthStar is built on principles also valued here at Hawthorne. They believe in trust over leverage, and while they may not yet have the reach of their elder competitors, there’s something to be said for a new generation that sees the need to restore honesty and integrity to American businesses. I can, in good faith, say that partnering with NorthStar will stabilize our company ethically and invite dependable, long-term growth over time. Because we are also a company of great integrity, and we refuse to work with anyone who compromises those core values.”
Soren’s gaze swept the table, deliberate and cutting. “You’re here, not because you’ve inherited a chair on this board, but because we believe your voice and opinion matters. My father ran this board for fifty-five years. We didn’t always see eye to eye as some of you may recall.”
A few soft laughs broke the silent pause.
“But I believe change is a positive thing. Unlike my predecessor, I want to hear your thoughts, and I invite you to come to me with ideas big and small. I encourage you to think differently. At the end of the day, good business isn’t always about revenue. It’s about morale, security, and trust. That’s the new Hawthorne way.”
He turned to his brothers. Greyson’s expression remained blank, but the slightest incline of his head was affirmation that Soren had said all that needed to be said. Logan’s hands were folded on the table, mirroring his own.
“My brothers and I are aligned, but we won’t move forward on a unilateral vote alone. We only move forward if there’s a supermajority, which requires a minimum two-thirds vote of approval. If that can’t be reached today, we table the discussion and return next week with alternatives. I won’t rest until we find a partnership the board feels confident in.” He sat back. “Questions? Comments?”
Mr. Yamato cleared his throat, his eyes on his portfolio notes. “Sir, is it correct to assume that NorthStar will prioritize obtaining contracts with European borders within the first hundred days?”
“That’s correct. I spoke to Mr. Wickham personally this weekend, and he assures me, as it states in the drafted contract which you can all review in your documents, that NorthStar will begin negotiations with seven European ports as early as January next year.”
Madeline Chen raised her hand. “And these projections are bi-annual?”
“Quarterly,” Soren corrected. “They may gross less than their competitors, but the return percentages are higher, which shows they’re scaling faster than the shipping companies that dominated the industry since the nineteenth century.”
Another sign that younger generations were capable of positive change.
She raised a brow. “Thank you for clarifying.”
“Just what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Warren snapped, tossing his pen on the table. “We had an understanding.”
Soren raised a silencing hand. “I mean no disrespect, Warren. This was a judgment call. I had to decide what was best for the company. Nothing personal.”
“Nothing personal, my ass.” He stood, jostling the water on the table and planting a fist on the portfolio he hadn’t opened. “I’m not voting for this. And you’re all fools if you agree to such an asinine move. Aldrich is a far superior company with an impeccable track record.”
“I’m sorry to hear we won’t have your support, but that’s your right as a standing board member. If there are no other questions or comments, I move that we vote.”