An eye for an eye,
A tooth for a tooth
O world! You taught me well…
Arya was an astute business woman herself. She frequently contributed to the expansion plans for the company. Most of her knowledge came from the years of working under her father and brother, who were both exceptionally talented business men.
Through them she had learnt the tricks of the trade and actively assisted Frank in his business pursuits.
However, to her credit, she was not as ruthless as Frank. Therefore, it then fell upon her to scale down his ambition and to rein his passion. She could never understand his passion and he could never learn to think or feel moderately as her.
They had decided they would infuse life into The Cottons (owned by the Frons family) transform it to a profitable company and then sell it off to one of the rival bidders. But the first challenge was the staff and the workers at the factory.
Frank was familiar with the feelings of suspicion and the hostility that was the byproduct of such ruthless acquisition. He was quick to deploy his expert team which was by now ten annexations old and had the pulse of the situation under their thumb.
Once he had set his eyes on a company, he would deploy his men not only to survey the business prospects but also to get the pulse of the town around it.
He had specially sent Stanley to St. Georges, to understand the society: their beliefs, aspirations, their tender spots and their passions.
Stan (as he was affectionately called) had a talent in attracting people to him. His candid, cheerful and compassionate temperament earned him many friends.
People were genuinely drawn towards him. His sensitivity often helped in easing any tension that might develop between the management and the workers. He was an important link between them and often soothed furrowed eyebrows.
St. Georges was an old county with rich aristocratic families at the top. Actually, it was neatly divided into a social hierarchical structure of aristocrats, the new money and then the working class.
It was yet untouched by the polluting and confusing ways of the modern age. This small county had preserved the dignified air of the bygone era. It was a closed society which took great pride in family name and conducted itself with utmost dignity.
The Washington, the Templeton, the Frons: were the premiere families, boasting of a renowned ancestry.
Then, came those who had earned their status through the 'sweat of their brow' and their 'new found money' bought them that respectable place in the society. These included the likes of the Holmes, the Swans and the Tullivers.
Oliver Tulliver was the elder brother of Frank Tulliver. He was a prosperous businessman, who had built his fortunes in hospitality industry with a slew of budget hotels to his credit. He had chosen to live in St. Georges, because of its picturesque beauty and old-world charm.
Frank arrived at the beautiful county of St. Georges to officially take over the charge of The Cottons. He knew that the first contact is always crucial because it decides the fate of the company.
He was met by the current owners -The Frons. The elder Mr. Frons, his two sons and three grandsons - all lined up with a warm smile and an open arm to welcome him. Even though they felt the pain of loss of their beloved The Cottons, yet they were forgiving. They hoped that Frank and his men would give The Cottons, the same love that they had given.
Frank was accompanied by his team of ten highly competent officers who were raring to take charge. Their arrogant mannerism, the glint of triumph in their eyes, the twitching lips and the broadened shoulders: were all deliberately crafted to tame the opposition to submission.
Was Frank oblivious of the mind game initiated by his team? Of course not! He was quite aware of the psychological warfare but was quite disinterested. He cared less how he left his enemy after the battle. The world did not care how he felt, why should he care about them? They get what they give.
Twenty years back, someone had conspired against his family and snatched away everything they had – wealth, family and future prospects. For twenty long years, he had toiled for endless hours to regain their family's lost position. Why should he be merciful to the cruel world?
Nonetheless, Mr. Frons offered to take Frank on a quick tour, which he politely declined. He could see love in the elderly man's eyes for the place; however, he had no sympathy for him or the place. For him, this was just another company that he had acquired.
"Business is like politics- it rides on sentiments but itself is devoid of any sentiment." – his father had taught him.
"Don't you want to see what you have bought?" the elderly Mr. Frons looked at him with his hurtful eyes.
Frank could see the elderly man's feelings through his eyes. "This is what happens when you run business with your heart." He thought.
His own sentiments were neatly compartmentalized - use brain at work and heart in relationships. He thought he was all sorted and clear.
"Let us first finalize the terms of the deal. We are going to revamp the company, I hope you will help us with that."
"How?" the younger Frons looked at him suspiciously.
"We will have to get rid of some of your staff and the building needs to be …"
"Get rid off…? You mean you are going to lay them off?" the elderly man looked puzzled. This was something unthinkable for him.
"They will have to go." Frank said in a resounding voice, "specially the older ones, they are unproductive and menacing."
"They have been with me since the beginning." Mr. Frons interrupted, "They have stood by me through thick and think."
"I understand. But they must go now."
"They have given their life to this company." Mr. Frons pleaded. He looked hurt.
"Don't worry, they will be handsomely compensated."
Mr. Frons looked at Frank in disbelief, "Is this how you run your business? Do you always put a price on everything? Do you measure emotions like loyalty, integrity, service in money."
Frank let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes. When he opened them, he turned a full eye on Mr. Frons, a glare that quaked the elderly man's heart. "If they were so loyal to you and were dedicated to their work, your company would not have been in this condition."
The old man withdrew his eyes and his heart swelled with emotions – emotions of disappointment, of failure, of loss. The younger Frons stroked his grandfather's hand and turned to Frank, "How dare you talk to my…"
"I am stating what the balance sheets are showing; numbers do not lie."
The old man nodded, "You are right, Mr. Frank. But it is nobody's fault but mine. I thought a little loss here and there was ok so long as everyone was happy. The world has changed and my ways are old and obsolete."
Frank let out another sigh before he spoke, "You are a very giving man Mr. Frons. My grandfather was just like you. My father kept telling him to change things but he was adamant. In the end, we lost everything."
Mr. Frons nodded his head.
"Seasons change…nature changes…men also change."
"Yes, I know. I understand. But I have a request – be gentle with my men – they are simple minded and emotional people. They will give their life for you if you treat them well."
Frank nodded and rose. He buttoned up his coat and said firmly, "I will be generous – that's all I can promise."