Chapter 579 - Great Ocean Resort (8)

JoAnna met with each of five upper managers in her office, and she concluded that so far, they seem committed to work. But she will still observe them before giving them her trust.

Unfortunately, Mr. Jackson who JoAnna fired earlier that day was in charge of finances, and this is something that can't be neglected. Jeff told JoAnna that one person with experience in managing finances for resorts will arrive next day to help her out. JoAnna hopes that one of three people who work on finances at the resort and were reporting to Mr. Jackson will be capable and willing to step up and take over his position, but since Jeff said that one person will come with experience with managing finances, she can focus on other things.

Mr. Flan was in charge of relationships with customers. That position can stay vacated for some time without causing much impact. JoAnna was not sure if they even need an upper manager for customer relationships. If they train all staff to be courteous with customers, why would they need managers for this?

JoAnna and Bridgette had late lunch with five remaining managers in a restaurant on the third floor of the resort.

By now, most of the resort employees knew that there is a new owner, and that is a young lady who came that morning surrounded with bodyguards. They were telling stories about JoAnna's epic entrance, and every time the story was getting wilder because everyone added something to spice it up.

"I hope to have your full cooperation. I need to admit that I am new at this, and I will rely on your guidance in keeping this resort successful as well as improving it." JoAnna was not so icy and distant with them anymore.

"Miss Hill, if I may ask… why did you get this resort?", Mr. Harvey asked. His logic is that if she does not have experience, she should have started with something smaller. Right? Why this big resort as her first one?

"I didn't get it." JoAnna honestly responded. "We came here yesterday to see if this resort will be a good location for my upcoming wedding, and I liked it. My fiancé got it for me."

JoAnna missed their baffled expressions while admiring the chocolate cake she got for dessert. 'The food in this place is amazing! '

JoAnna took a mental note to get Jeff here to share a meal or two. Also, if they could get this restaurant to prepare food for the wedding, that would be convenient.

"Your fiancé?", Miss Das, who is in charge of managing property grounds, could not hide her curiosity. If he can just buy this resort in a day because his fiancée liked it, he can't be a simple person. Miss Das thought that he might be some celebrity.

"Yes. My fiancé is Jeffrey White, and we will have our wedding here on September 15." JoAnna was still focused on her dessert.

Five people froze while staring at her. They all know who Jeff is.

"Jeffrey White? As in CEO of White corp.?", one manager asked weakly. He needed to confirm.

"Yes." JoAnna flashed a smile while looking at five people in front of her. She can't deny that she is very pleased with reaction that Jeff's name invokes. 'Ah, my future husband is the best! '

Five people glanced at each other. They understood that this Miss Hill is future Mrs. White and that they need to show respect, or they might end up dealing with that scary CEO. JoAnna looks less scary than during their first meeting, but they are still reserved and cautious around her.

"By the way, Mr. Harvey…" JoAnna frowned for a second. "We will need to talk about training all staff to treat customers with respect. Our experience from yesterday was not a pleasant one."

"Yes. Miss Hill.", he responded promptly. Then realization hit him that those eight people who are cleaning stables must have something to do with it. He was feeling sorry for those eight people, but not too much. Everyone knew what they are doing but because previous owner encouraged it, they all turned their heads and pretended not to see what is going on. After all, they wanted to keep their jobs.

…

Miss Das sat in the golf cart with JoAnna and Bridgette to give them a tour of the property.

The grounds were very well maintained, and JoAnna could see that Miss Das is happy that she got praised by the new owner.

The resort is massive, and they could not see a single area which was neglected.

Miss Das was explaining in great details about different surfaces, areas and how they are treated. She even knew all people who worked on landscaping and JoAnna could tell that everyone treated Miss Das kindly.

"Can we see the stable next?" JoAnna's eyes flashed when she thought of those eight people.

"Yes, Miss Hill, no problem.", Miss Das responded promptly.

They entered grand and luxurious stable. It was very well lit because middle of the roof was a glass dome which allowed plenty of natural light. Spacious stalls have windows that provide great airflow, and the place was bright, clean and fresh. All the finishes were high end and it was obvious that it caters to rich customers who want their horses to be well taken care of.

Man in charge of stables approached them. He recognized Miss Das and was happy to greet new owner. "Hi Miss Hill, I'm Alan Hastings. You can call me Al. Allow me to show you around."

"We have seventy eight stalls, out of them sixty seven are rented long-term... Three stalls are reserved for the owner…" Al was explaining while giving them a tour.

"Looks like you are doing a good job if people want to keep their horses here." JoAnna praised him.

"Thank you, Miss Hill. We are doing our best.", he humbly responded, and he could not hide his smile.

Through the tour, JoAnna didn't see those eight people she was looking for. "Al, eight people from main building were sent here to help out. Are they still here?"

"Yes, Miss Hill. They are in the back, preparing food for horses. Do you want to meet them?"

"Yes, I would love to."

Bridgette looked at devious smile on JoAnna's face and could only wonder where did that sweet Anna go? It seems that some scheming and coldness from Big Boss is rubbing off on her sweet Boss. Then Bridgette remembered the time when JoAnna came to White corp. to handle that pretend girlfriend, Martha. ' Maybe Boss had it in her all the time, and it's not because of Big Boss. '

In any case, Bridgette didn't want to interrupt JoAnna, she could see that her Boss is enjoying this. And she was enjoying as well.

The whole day Bridgette was making sure to remember everything and to learn as much as possible. Now her Boss owns a resort! And with her medical studies and other things going on, she will need help managing this place. Bridgette wants to be helpful. If she learns, she can be helpful.