Company policy - Ep. 1

— Jenna, — said Miss Wilkinson, looking at the young woman sitting with a displeased expression. — We’ve covered the main topics, and now… w

Episode 2: https://www.patreon.com/posts/company-policy-2-138569448

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— Jenna, — said Miss Wilkinson, looking at the young woman sitting with a displeased expression. — We’ve covered the main topics, and now… we want to discuss your compliance with company standards, which, by the way, you approved last year.

Jenna felt a chill run through her. Her own standards. Oh yes, she vividly remembered that day when they were being reviewed by the board. Back then, as Jason Whiteman, the Executive Vice President, he easily pushed through the new dress code rules, supposedly aimed at "enhancing professionalism" and "strengthening corporate spirit." But in reality, it was just an excuse to make his secretaries wear short skirts, strict white blouses, and fitted blazers that accentuated their figures.

— Sorry, are you saying that I... — Jenna looked at her boss defiantly. Her arms were crossed over her chest, but not as she usually did—it was almost demonstrative, pressing her breasts together, which annoyed her even more. — That I need to comply?

— Complete compliance with company policy, — Miss Wilkinson replied slowly and deliberately, twirling a silver pen. She was older, around forty-five, with perfectly styled hair and flawless makeup—the living embodiment of what these very rules demanded. — Since last month, if I’m not mistaken, you officially assumed your new position, correct? Which means you have to follow the same rules as everyone else.

— You do understand, — Jenna tensed up, trying to speak calmly, even though rage was building inside her, — that I’m still me and that this is just the result of that damned court’s decision.

— Jenna, — Miss Wilkinson paused, setting aside the slim silver pen and folding her hands over her chest. Her gaze was sharp but composed. — We’ve discussed this. Everyone is aware of the court’s decision, but now you’re the Deputy of the Corporate Ethics Department. You have a new position and… — she smiled faintly at the corners of her lips, — a new body. Compliance with the standards is your own responsibility.

Jenna pressed her lips together, fighting the urge to scream. Just last month, before the final court hearing, she was sure she would get the transformation reversed after female employees filed harassment complaints against Jason, but the judge ruled otherwise.

— Now, to specifics, — Wilkinson continued, deliberately scrolling through the list on her tablet. — Heels no lower than eight centimeters. I believe you currently prefer flats, correct? That’s a clear violation. You do know that on your position, this is unacceptable.

— Seriously? — Jenna couldn’t hold back and leaned forward, feeling her voice tremble slightly. — Do you really care what I wear?

— You’d be surprised, — the boss answered calmly. — Understand, this is a matter of principle. You affirmed that the appearance of our employees should reflect their commitment to corporate values. So if you show up at a meeting dressed in a way that doesn’t meet the requirements, it undermines the authority of our entire structure.

She paused, watching Jenna closely, as if waiting for a reaction. Jenna, trying to stay calm, already understood that she had no choice. The rules she had created were now putting her in an even more humiliating position.

— Fine, — Jenna muttered through clenched teeth, barely containing herself. — What else?

— Hair styling, — the boss raised a finger as if ticking off points. — A bun or an elegant ponytail. At the moment, you have... — she squinted, examining the long strands falling loosely over Jenna’s shoulders, — a messy style, which is unacceptable.

— Miss Wilkinson...

— And finally, red lipstick, — she concluded with a teasing smile. — Jenna, you yourself insisted that this was a symbol of confidence. I hope, as a specialist who once lectured us on “enhancing impact through emphasizing gender characteristics,” you’ll manage. And if not—there’s a spare in that cabinet. I suggest using it before meeting the other board members.

Jenna shot up from her seat.

— You want me to show up at the meeting in a short skirt, high heels, and with makeup like your secretaries? — she asked, her voice trembling with effort to stay steady. — Is this what you now call “business style”?

Miss Wilkinson smirked, finally leaning back into her chair in a relaxed manner.

— You know the answer perfectly well. Did you think you could bypass these rules just because you once wrote them? — She leaned in slightly closer, her voice becoming quiet, almost a whisper. — Either you follow every single letter of the policy, or you’ll have even more problems. After all, it’s your own policy.

Jenna felt a heavy knot of humiliation forming in her stomach. Just a year ago, she sat in these meetings, relishing her power and feeling in control. And now, all that was left was the sense that every move she made was under a microscope, and her colleagues were just waiting for her to slip up.

— Fine, — she forced herself to say, exhaling. — I’ll do it.

Wilkinson looked her over, as if assessing whether she was sincere. Then she nodded, as if mentally noting: still under control.

— Wonderful. In that case—don’t forget to fix yourself up. Today, you’re meeting the new shareholders, — she picked up her tablet and began tapping on the screen without even glancing at Jenna. — And please, Jenna, — she added with mock concern, — keep in mind that pursing your lips or nervous gestures do not suit a woman in a leadership position. Relax, straighten your shoulders… and smile.

The last phrase sounded like a sentence. Jenna felt her hands trembling and quickly hid them under the table, trying to conceal her reaction.

— Yes, Miss Wilkinson, — she said coldly.

— That’s better, — the woman glanced at her again, clearly pleased with herself. — You know I only want you to succeed. After all, we both know how hard it is to start fresh in a new role.

"Start fresh?" Jenna almost laughed. No, she didn’t have any “fresh start.” Her past, her achievements, her name—all of it disappeared the moment the court ruled to “restore social justice” after the harassment allegations. To turn him into her.

— I understand, — she finally said evenly, forcing herself to adopt a look of complete submissive agreement.

— Excellent. Then you’re dismissed, — Miss Wilkinson waved her off like a reprimanded student. — Fix yourself up, and don’t be late. The new shareholders don’t tolerate delays. Especially if… they’re met by a representative of our department.

She emphasized that word, and Jenna realized this was just the beginning.