But it’s time.
I dial her number. She picks up. “Damien,” she says, sounding pleased to hear from me. “You’re up early.”
“I just got a call from Jack Rutherford,” I tell her. “Why did Ted Boric turn down the Bonnie Rock acquisition?”
“Ted didn’t think it fit our strategic priorities.”
She knows exactly what I’m talking about. Retired, my ass. She’s more informed than me. Or maybe Gisele’s pulling up the information for her, the way Luis did for me. Or, the most likely scenario, Ted bypassed me and told her directly.
“Ted wouldn’t know a strategic priority if it slapped him in the face,” I retort. “He’s the most risk-averse person on the planet.” I take a sip of my coffee and attempt to calm down. “At our leadership meeting a couple of weeks ago, I made it clear that our divisions were to have more flexibility. Ted went against my wishes.”
“He’s watching out for the company.”
“I want him out.” My frustration boils over. “Mama, I’m trying to make changes, and Boric has been resistant at every turn. He’s not the only one. They come to you, and they cry about my decisions, and you back them up. This isn’t the first time. You told Vicky to attend the Arca negotiations even though I put Rafal Loyola in charge.”
“He’s only been with the company for three years.”
Suddenly, I’m weary. I can’t keep pushing uphill. I don’t want to.
“You overruled my decision,” I reply. “You’ve done it ever since I joined the company.” A sense of peace washes over me. “I don't want to start a war with you, Mama. I love you. But you're not leaving me any choice.”
“Your father sacrificed—”
“Stop. This isn't about what Papa did or didn't do. The Cardenas Group is a multibillion-dollar company. We cannot run it like it’s a small family firm.” I’m done holding my tongue. “You don’t trust me. It was always understood that I would get some experience and come back and run the family firm. If you’ve changed your mind about that, that's okay. Let me know, and I’ll go elsewhere. But if you want me here, then you have to let me lead.”
“Ted Boric—”
I don’t give a fuck what Boric thinks. “When Papa died, I didn't push it. You were grieving, and so was I. It wasn’t the right time for this conversation. But it's been three years, and nothing has changed with how we run the company. Here’s my ultimatum, Mama. Either I get a free hand, or I’m out. You have two weeks to make up your mind.”
And then I hang up.