Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

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Chapter 86

Show even a flicker of timidity, and in their eyes, you’ll be reduced to nothing but a lamb laid out for slaughter.

“I’m aware that the print division has missed its performance quotas for consecutive quarters. Both sales and efficiency lags behind industry standards. Yet it continues to burn resources that could be put to better use.”

I left my chair and slowly walked around.

“The truth is obvious: print is shrinking, digital is expanding. Competitors are cutting down their print arms, some shutting them entirely. Yet here? You cling to it because it was supposedly one of the founding departments.”

A humorless chuckle slipped past my lips.

“How touching. But tell me does nostalgia fill your pockets? Will it increase shareholders‘ dividends?”

As my words, sharp as glass, lingered in the air, I let my gaze sweep slowly across each face while I paced past their seats.

Quietly, I began matching them to the names from the dossier Callum had slipped me before the meeting–a file I’d skimmed through with disinterest at the time, but which was proving unexpectedly useful now.

Take the man already squaring his shoulders, ready to speak.

The same one I’d compared to Astral Studios‘ humorless director.

His real name was Richard Vaughn.

Independent director. Chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee. In other words, the board’s self–appointed watchdog.

His voice was as rigid as his posture.

“Your point is valid, but you’re mistaken if you think nostalgia is the only reason why we’re holding on to the print division.”

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Chapter 86

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He continued. “Truth is, there are still projects underway. Canceling them halfway would break contracts with creators and distributors. On top of that, the FeatherInk Creator of the Year Award is approaching. We’ve promised–publicly–that the winner’s work will be published in print.”

“So if we shut down the division now, we’d risk lawsuits, PR backlash, and credibility damage in the industry.”

He leaned forward slightly. “Given all that…do you still think dissolution is wise?”

He almost convinced me. Almost.

While he spoke, I’d reached my seat once again and slid back into it, letting the weight ease off my legs.

Then, my gaze locked on him.

“Mr. Vaughn, isn’t it?” a half–smile crept up my face. “Your concerns are reasonable. But tell me- are you certain running an in–house print unit is the only way to honor those commitments?”

A flicker of confusion crossed his face. “What other way is there?”

Following his words, I gkanced around and caught the same blank look mirrored on a few other

faces.

I almost laughed.

Clearly, this

group had grown so well–fed and comfortable that they’d forgotten how to put their brains to proper use.

Such a simple solution, and not one of them could grasp

1. it.

I let the silence hang a moment longer, drawing the tension taut, before I answered–my voice

cool and deliberate.

“Rather than dragging along a failing division, why not collaborate with top–tier external publishers instead? They’ll deliver better quality than what we currently manage, while freeing Raven to focus on its core strengths.”

“Contracts fulfilled. Promises kept. Resources redirected where they matter. It couldn’t be more better, don’t you think?”

The murmurs this time were softer. Their faces shifted, doubt loosening into consideration. Some even nodded.

Not hopeless after all, I thought.

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Then, Martin Hale, Director of Operations, spoke up.

A practical man and frequent visitor to Callum’s office.

“And the print staff? The projects already underway? How will they be dealt with?”

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I leaned back, steepling my fingers. “Competent staff will be reassigned to other departments where their skills add value. As for ongoing projects, they’ll be transitioned seamlessly to whichever external partners we select. No projects will be abandoned.”

Silence fell again.

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