Chapter 7 In The Face Of Challenge

Charles stepped into the conference room just as the meeting wrapped up. Bernard looked up, his expression tight with concern.

"Charles! Thanks for coming," Bernard said, quickly motioning him to follow. "We need to talk."

"What's going on? I saw your message, and I was worried," Charles replied, keeping pace as they walked down the hallway.

Bernard sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "We just got some bad news. The company we've partnered with for ten years is cutting us off. They found another supplier."

"What? That can't be right! They've been with us for so long. What happened?" Charles asked, his heart sinking.

"They've given us 72 hours to produce 40,000 leather handbags and wallets. If we can deliver, they'll sign a new ten-year deal with us. If not... we're done," Bernard explained, his voice strained.

"Forty thousand in three days? That's impossible with our current workforce," Charles said, shaking his head in disbelief. "We can barely manage our regular orders. I can't see anyone agreeing to work that many hours straight."

"I know," Bernard replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "We're already stretched thin. Losing them would be a disaster. They're our most valuable customer. If we lose this deal, it could sink the whole company."

Charles stopped, trying to process the gravity of the situation. "What if we bring in temporary workers? It might cost us, but we could try offering overtime to get the numbers up."

"Temporary workers?" Bernard frowned. "It takes time to onboard anyone new. Plus, we can't compromise on quality. They expect the best from us."

"True, but we have to do something," Charles insisted, feeling the pressure mounting. "We can't just let this slip away. Maybe we can reach out to some of our old contacts and see if they can help."

"Who do you have in mind?" Bernard asked, his brow furrowing.

"There's that local agency we used last year. They might have some skilled workers available on short notice," Charles suggested. "And we could incentivize our current team to take on extra shifts. Maybe offer bonuses for anyone who works through the night."

Bernard nodded slowly, considering the options. "That could work, but will our team even agree to it? I mean, 72 hours straight is a lot to ask."

"I get that. But we can frame it as a chance to save the company. Everyone knows how much this contract means to us," Charles replied, his voice steady. "We have to appeal to their sense of loyalty."

Bernard sighed again, rubbing his temples. "You're right. We need to rally the team and explain the situation. If they understand what's at stake, maybe they'll step up."

"Exactly. Let's call an emergency meeting," Charles suggested. "We need to lay everything out on the table and come up with a solid plan. Time is ticking."

"Alright," Bernard said, his determination returning. "Let's get everyone together. We can't afford to fail this time. Not when so much is on the line."

~~~~~

Just then, Bernard's phone chimed. He glanced down and saw a message from Hadassah: "I picked Lily up from school. We're at home now. Are you good?"* A sense of comfort filled him, but he quickly set the phone aside.

Immediately, Bernard gathered all his staff in the manufacturing company. As they filed in, he scanned the room: Sophia in charge of labeling, Liam and Emma sealing orders, Noah, Olivia, and Ethan operating the machines, and Ava, Lucas, Mia, and Mason handling the packing. Isabella monitored the counting machine, while others were the backbone of production.

"Everyone, please have a seat," Bernard called, his voice steady but laced with urgency. As they settled in, a murmur of confusion spread through the group.

"What's going on?" one of them asked, glancing around.

Bernard took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "We need to talk about something serious. Our company is in trouble. We have to produce 40,000 orders in just 72 hours."

The room erupted in chatter. "That's impossible!" someone exclaimed. "We can't do that! We're not machines!"

Bernard's heart sank as he listened to their doubts. He felt a wave of despair wash over him, and for a moment, it seemed like everything was falling apart.

Just then, Charles burst in, his energy filling the room. "We can do this, everyone! Please, listen!" His voice was filled with encouragement. "This is your company too! Are you really going to just watch it close down? Think about what Bernard has done for all of us."

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him. Charles continued, his tone more passionate. "Have you all not benefited from his hard work? Think about your futures!"

He paused, letting his words sink in. The tension in the room shifted as they exchanged glances, unsure but hopeful.

Finally, William spoke up. "I'm in!" he said, determination in his voice.

Bernard's face lit up, relief flooding through him. Charles stepped closer, a proud smile on his face, and encouraged others. "Who's with us?"

One by one, more voices chimed in. "I'm in!" "Count me in!" "Let's do this!"

The atmosphere changed, a wave of solidarity sweeping through the group. Bernard felt a surge of gratitude and emotion as he looked at his team. They were rallying together, and it filled him with hope.

"You all amaze me!" he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Please, go home now and rest. We'll start fresh tomorrow!"

As they began to disperse, the tension that had filled the room moments earlier was replaced with a sense of purpose. Bernard and Charles exchanged smiles, their hearts lighter, Bernard is grateful for the people around him.