Everyone filed into the oversized
conference room, awaiting to hear the news from Mrs. Peabody herself.

“ I’m sure you are all wondering why I called everyone to the conference room in the middle of the day like this,” the older woman began.

                Everyone looked around the large table, attempting to detect the purpose of this
impromptu meeting.

                “Well, let me assure you all that Peabody Enterprises is in impeccable standing. Just
last quarter, our numbers were through the roof. You should all be extremely proud
of yourselves,” she continued as everyone applauded, while collectively
releasing a sigh of relief.

                “And as I’m sure most of you have realized, my numbers are getting up there as well.
For the past couple of months, I have been contemplating retirement. And while
the company is in good standing, I figure there is no better time than now,” auditable
gasps interrupt the well thought out speech.

                “Great, that can only mean one thing; Hellish Helena is in charge now,” the blonde
whispers while those surrounding her snicker and groan.

                “Peggy, you can’t be serious. Yes, the company is doing great, but you are one of the
main reasons for it’s performance. And with all due respect, I really don’t think
Helena is in any condition to take charge,” the brunette spoke up.

                “Who said anything about Helena taking over, Shane?”  Peggy responded.

                “Well, I just assumed-“

                “And we all know what happens, when we assume,” Peggy chuckled putting Shane’s worries
to rest. “Now, I of all people know my daughter tends to be a bit on the irresponsible side.”

                “That’s putting it lightly,” the blonde said under her breath.

                “Alice!” the blonde’s friend chastised as she tried to suppress her own laughter.

                “That is why I have decided to bring one of our executives over from the east coast
offices,” Peggy continued. “I have full faith that she will be able to run
Peabody Enterprises just as well, if not better.”

                The employees all sat in their seats completely flabbergasted.  No one saw this coming, and especially not this soon. Peggy had started Peabody Enterprises and everyone thought she would
continue to be in charge until her last breath. The business was her number one
priority. Now that they all knew she was retiring and not passing her job on to
her only daughter, they all grew more and more confused.

                “Elizabeth Porter will be arriving next Monday. I’m sure you all will extend a warm
welcome to her and help her adjust to the L.A. life wonderfully,” Peggy ended.

                “Woah! Peggy, Elizabeth Porter? Are you sure about this?” the blonde’s friend finally
spoke up.

                “Now Tina, I know you all may not have heard the greatest things about her, but let
me assure you, those are all rumors. Ms. Porter does a wonderful job and I just
know she will be perfect for the duty at hand.”

                “Maybe, but if not, I say we should be able to terminate your retirement and bring you
back!” Shane laughed.

                “I promise, you all will grow to love and appreciate her, just as I have,” Peggy
replied, almost sad to be leaving this great group of women.

                “I highly doubt that,” Tina said, rolling her eyes.