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“I think you’re trying to push your own agenda. Maybe you can get away with amateur strategy because of personal connections.” She sniffs, not so subtly hinting at my relationship with Miles and, presumably, Austin.
Murmurs of agreement and dissent ripple through the room. I feel the atmosphere growing thicker, tension pulling tight. I take a deep breath. I know precisely how to handle this. I’m about ready to open my mouth…
“Belinda,” Miles interjects, in his casual yet authoritative way. “Shay has worked closely with the research team on this. Please allow her a chance to explain her strategy before you make judgements.”
Belinda scoffs, leans back in her chair and crosses her arms defiantly. “If I’m honest, I don’t understand how she’s in charge of this department, let alone leading this meeting. I have superior experience and I was the clear choice for the promotion. But no, of course, it had to go to Miles’ twin sister, who’s now conveniently dating the other cofounder!”
Austin’s face reddens. “Belinda, that’s enough.”
“You’re blinded by your infatuation!” she spits back, standing up. “Maybe I should consider a lawsuit, given the clear nepotism and favoritism at play here. I know my rights.”
“Wait one second.” Miles holds up a hand, still trying to keep things calm. “Belinda, this isn’t the time or place for this.”
Austin’s temper flares, though. “You want to threaten lawsuits? Maybe we should talk about your insubordination and open hostility in a professional setting.”
The room falls silent. Everyone’s watching the unfolding drama, and I feel like I’m caught in a storm I didn’t anticipate. Plus, I’m mortified that Austin and Miles didn’t let me handle this animosity with Belinda myself. I’ll definitely have words with them later.
“Enough.” I try to regain some control. “This meeting is about the marketing plan and isn’t a place to air personal grievances.”
Belinda gives me a withering look. “Of course, you’d say that. It’s easy to be smug when you have everything handed to you.”
Feeling my own anger rising, I retort, “I’ve earned my place here, Belinda. My personal life doesn’t dictate my professional decisions.”
She laughs bitterly. “Keep telling yourself that.” With that, she grabs her stuff and storms out, leaving a palpable silence behind.
Miles exhales deeply, running a hand through his blond hair. “Okay, show’s over. Let’s take a short break and reconvene in ten minutes.”
I’m infuriated.
People begin to murmur among themselves. Some head to the break room. A couple people huddle and whisper back and forth, glancing up at me every now and then.
Austin and Miles approach me. Austin’s face is contorted with frustration. “Shay, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lost my cool.”
“It’s okay,” I reply, though it’s not. Now isn’t the time for the discussion though, not with all of the whispering going on already. “Can you let me handle this? Please?”
He nods, wrapping an arm around me briefly, which I shrug off. “We will. Sorry for butting in.”
The room is still abuzz with quiet conversations as everyone takes a moment to process the scene that just played out. I tap the microphone and all eyes turn to me. It’s essential for me to redirect the meeting away from the bullshit Belinda brought to the table.
“Okay, everyone. I understand there was a disruption. But our focus here is to deliver an exceptional marketing strategy for Q2. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize.” I tap the remote, transitioning the presentation to the next slide, which showcases a heat map of our target demographic online activity.
“As you can see,” I continue, pointing to the prominent red zones on the screen, “these are the hotspots we need to capitalize on.”
For the next hour, I walk them through every detail, every decision, and every data-driven insight that I’ve meticulously researched over the past few weeks. I can feel when the team’s initial skepticism gradually morphs into appreciation and interest. There are nods, note-taking, and several constructive questions — even some reluctant agreement from Belinda’s close allies.
When the meeting wraps up, several colleagues approach me to discuss specifics or to commend the presentation. The tension seems to have dissipated, replaced by a collective professional camaraderie.
As the final few employees trickle out, Austin and Miles approach, both looking apologetic.
“Shay,” Austin begins, his voice heavy, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to take control earlier. I made the situation worse.”
I reach out to touch his arm. “It’s okay. I get that you wanted to defend me. But remember, if you want me to be seen as a leader, you need to let me lead. I’m not going to let someone like Belinda tell me who I am.”
“You handled that situation incredibly well.” Miles side hugs me. “Despite everything, you managed to bring it back on track.”
I haven’t told Austin or Miles about the job offer Zoey floated yet. Mainly because I wanted to figure out how I felt about it first. Today’s made me think…if my being here creates such tension with longtime employees, maybe I should let them know. “Guys, I know we have a busy week, but do you have ten minutes? I’d like to talk to you about something.”
“Sure, Miles?” Austin turns to my brother.
