Chapter 83
Marcus
I waited for Monday for too long and now that it was here, I stepped into the office like the villain I already planned to be.
Jimmy walked into the office next, ready to give me the result from the vote they casted last week.
“Excuse me, sir,” he said as he reached the door. I gave a small nod and motioned for him to come inside. He did and I peered up from the documents my secretary had sent to my table.
I faced him. “Who took the lead?”
“Melissa Kane, sir.”
Even though that surprised me, I didn’t act like it did. “That doesn’t surprise me,” I told him.
“Yes, next on the list is Nate Bisley but you have the discretion to choose the second person, sir.”
“Of course,” I responded taking the document from him to see how the people had voted.
Everyone except Andra voted for Melissa to be the employee of the year representing them and I wasn’t shocked. Andra has always disliked anyone who she thinks has an edge over her when it comes to me.
But Nate.
He cannot be the second wingman because I do not want him anywhere near Melissa. Not in this company and not outside
too.
“Thank you, Jimmy. I’ll take it from here and give my announcement soon.”
He handed over a folder. “That’s the arrangements you asked me to make.”
“Perfect.”
With enthusiastic interest, I scanned the details of the folder and tossed it onto my desk. “They may all assemble now.”
He rose to his feet with a nod and turned to leave. Then he paused and looked back at me.
“Uh,
may I ask how Ian’s health is?”
I glanced up with a clenched jaw. “Fine. Why?”
He shook his head. “Uh no–nothing. I just heard you say he’s sick and I thought I should ask. I’m sorry if I said anything wrong.”
“You didn’t,” I assured. “He fell sick over the weekend but he’s fine now and well, has been discharged.”
“That’s good to know. It took a toll on you but I’m glad it’s all over.”
I gave a nod and he finally left the office. It felt really good to be able to do this; tell someone who isn’t Paul, about Ian. Although I didn’t reveal too much, it felt like I said a lot.
In quiet solitude, I lingered over the names of my employees trying to figure out who to pick. My hands touched each name until I was convinced who to puck. Not many people would approve of my choice but as the Boss, I have my discretion and they all have no choice but to follow what I say.
By the time I got to the hallway, all eyes turned to me and they all rose to their feet, forming a crowd at one of the corners. I
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Chapter 83
stepped into the crowd. My eyes darted to Melissa first and as expected, her erratic moans were all I could think of. I looked away, clearing my throat,
“Good day to you all.”
A response came from the crowd and I continued, giving them an overview of what the process was like. “We all know what this means to the company and brand as a whole. We are not just going on this trip for fun, but for a purpose which truly cannot take away the fun.”
Laughter echoed as those who understood my humor laughed at the short joke.
“However, I have given you all the discretion to pick someone and here,” I said and raised the folder. “Is the results from the vote?”
A clap followed.
“Melissa Kane.”
The clap got louder and the cheers followed but looking at Melissa, I could tell she wasn’t expecting it. Her eyes widened in shock as I called her name and the first thing she did was to look at Nate who seemed excited about the news.
He obviously thought they were going to be on the trip together but that’s where I come in as the villain. And for my choice of employee, Andra-”
“Oh, my fucking world!!” Andra yelled from where she stood and the rest employees stopped clapping. The cheers reduced as they all tried to understand why I’d pick her but like I said, it didn’t matter what they wanted.
A frown fell on Nate’s face and his jaw clenched.
“They have both been chosen not based on preference but because of their hard work. We cannot deny that they have both been carrying out their duties to the best of their abilities and that is what has landed them here. Congratulations Melissa. Congratulations Andra.”
Excited or not, I had a reason for this and I was going to accomplish it.
With that, I returned to my office to get back to the day’s business and as I relaxed on the swivel chair, I reached for the lukewarm tea.
My door unlocked and Melissa in a grey suit pants and a body con white sleeve walked in. I glanced up from the monitor to her face.
“Mr. Hills I appreciate this opportunity but I do not think I’m the best fit for this. I know other persons who fit this position better.”
I looked at her face and feigned cluelessness.”
Her eyes paused on me for a moment and then rounded fractionally. “Uh–I uh, yes.”
I adjusted to my seat. “Well, Miss Kane you must understand that I wasn’t the one who picked you. You were present.”
“I know but I just think Nate is in a better position for this. He has worked his ass off for opportunities like this and it’s only decent that he gets it.”
I maintained impassiveness. “Organizations don’t work that way and if at all it did, mine doesn’t work that way.”
Pouring more tea into my cup, I raised the cup to my lips. “I’m sure you’re aware t preparations, Miss Kane. I have work to do.”
that we leave in three days. Get to your
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