Chapter 63: Chapter 63
The boardroom was unusually lively that morning. The polished wood table, usually a setting for tense discussions or corporate decisions, was now abuzz with a sense of excitement. The board members, each dressed impeccably in their sharp suits and crisp shirts, were gathered around, talking in low but animated tones. It wasn't just business as usual today—there was something more, something electric in the air.
At the head of the table sat Gerald, the head of analysis. His usually calm, almost stoic demeanor was softened by a slight smile of satisfaction. He had led the department through countless ups and downs, but never before had they seen results like this. Next to him sat Sandra, the HR manager who had been instrumental in securing Alex's involvement in this recent challenge. She had been confident in her decision to bring him into the fold, but even she hadn't expected the outcome to be so spectacular.
"The past week has been nothing short of extraordinary," Gerald began, his voice cutting through the excited murmurs. "We all know the stakes were high—our competitors had made bold moves, and we were on the back foot for a while. But thanks to Alex's insights and the methods he shared with the team, we've turned the tables."
A wave of nods followed, the tension in the room giving way to quiet admiration for the results they had seen.
One of the older board members, a man with graying hair and sharp eyes, leaned forward. "The predictions were... well, they were almost godly. I've been in this business for decades, and I've never seen anyone read the market like that. What Alex predicted—down to the timing, the response from the market, the subtle shifts—it was as if he had a crystal ball."
"Not only that," another member chimed in, a younger woman with a sharp gaze. "The tidbits he taught the others, those little tricks—they're working! The team's been applying them all week, and we've outperformed even our own expectations. It's like we've been given a cheat code for the market."
Sandra listened quietly, a slight smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She had expected Alex to make an impact, but even she was taken aback by the ripple effect of his contributions. The board members' enthusiasm was infectious, their excitement palpable.
One of the more ambitious voices in the room spoke up, unable to contain his eagerness. "We need more of this. Alex's predictions aren't just a one-off—they're game-changing. I think we should demand more from him. Weekly predictions, perhaps even daily insights. If he can do this consistently, we'll crush the competition."
There were murmurs of agreement, but before the enthusiasm could get out of hand, Sandra raised a hand, silencing the room with a gesture.
"While I understand the excitement," Sandra said, her voice calm but firm, "we need to think strategically here. Alex's value isn't in constant predictions. His strength lies in his ability to teach others, to share insights that elevate the entire team. If we ask for too much, too often, we risk over-relying on him. And frankly, we don't want to burn him out."
Gerald nodded, backing her up immediately. "Sandra's right. We can't afford to treat Alex as just another resource to be mined. He's a talent, and part of his wisdom is knowing when to step back and let the system he's helped us build work on its own. What he's taught the team isn't just for this one challenge—it's a lasting advantage."
"But what about the competition?" a skeptical voice called out. "They've got that numbers savant on their side. We can't afford to lose momentum now."
Gerald leaned forward, his eyes serious. "We've already beaten them once using Alex's methods. The key isn't to demand more predictions—it's to trust in the system he's given us. The team now has the tools to analyze and predict the market more effectively than they ever could before. That's our edge."
Sandra nodded in agreement. "Besides, we should consider compensating Alex fairly for his contributions. His involvement in this recent success is undeniable. If we want to keep him motivated and willing to step in during critical moments, we should triple his pay. And let's be clear—Alex should only be consulted when we're facing challenges like this one, not for routine market work."
There was a brief silence, as the board members processed what Sandra and Gerald were suggesting. Slowly, nods of agreement spread around the table.
"Triple his pay?" someone finally asked, though not in opposition, more out of curiosity.
"Yes," Sandra said, her tone decisive. "We're not just paying him for his work this past week. We're paying him to stay with us and not take his talents elsewhere. If we push him too hard, there's always the chance he'll leave and join our competitors. By ensuring he's properly compensated, we make sure he's on our side for the long haul."
George added, "Think of it this way: Alex's talent is not something you can easily replace. If he decides to walk, we'll be back to square one. Worse, he could take his insights and use them to give our competitors the same edge we've just gained."
The gravity of that possibility settled over the room, and the excitement of a few moments ago was replaced by a more thoughtful mood. The older board member who had first praised Alex's predictions now spoke again, his voice measured.
"I see your point. It's not just about what Alex can do—it's about keeping him on our side, ensuring that his talents are used to our benefit. If that means paying him triple, so be it."
There were no objections, only the quiet murmurs of agreement as the rest of the board members nodded.
Sandra sat back, satisfied. They had made the right decision. Alex was an asset, but he was also more than that—he was someone who could change the entire trajectory of their company. But only if they handled it right.
"Then it's settled," Gerald said. "We'll make the necessary arrangements to adjust his compensation. And we'll only consult him when we face critical challenges like this again."
Sandra gave a final nod, content with the outcome. The meeting concluded, the board members filed out, already discussing the next steps for the company.
As they left the room, there was a shared understanding: they had something special with Alex. And they weren't going to let it slip away.