Jasper's mood the next day was one of a kind, his tone so crisp and cold that everyone avoided like he was the grim reaper. It was obvious he was in a bad mood but that puzzled his workers more.
This was the first time their president was transferring his aggression at the slightest provocation. He wasn't a god or a human beyond mistake but their president venting his anger violently? That was a first.
Who could have turned his mood soar? Everyone wondered. The gossips began their secret investigation but had to be careful with the CEO around, one mistake and he'd bite their head off.
"Is this the only thing you can come up with?" Jasper flung the proposal away while everyone else lowered their head, afraid to meet that dark orbs of his.
"Which customer would be crazy enough to buy goods with such a short shell life?!" He yelled at them.
"S-sir, that's the point, with our reputation and influence they'd trus -"
"Did I ask for your input?"
The scapegoat swallowed, "N-no "
"Perhaps, if you had had time to spot out the massive flaws in this product, we wouldn't have this discussion right name"
Mr scapegoat shrank back into his seat with his eyes averted and lips pressed together, it was stupid of him to have thought he'd change the president's mind.
"I don't think I need to remind you all to make changes to the menu, if I get fed the same nonsense in the next meeting, I'll wipe out the whole team" He warned them and strode out of the meeting room.
The moment he left, everyone released the breath they were holding in. This was the first time they dreaded ever having a meeting with the president again.
"What's wrong with him?", One asked, "My heart was hammering against my chest throughout the meeting duration" The gossip began
"Me too. Take a look, do you see the goosebump all over my arms?" Another rolled up her sleeve for her colleagues to take a glance.
"Who made our president's once smiling face looks like a stony gargoyle?"
"I bet it's a woman " another guessed.
"Aish, what are you talking about this time? That's quite offensive to my sex beside, have you ever seen our workaholic President with a woman?"
"What do you want me to say? You women are the only creatures capable of driving us men insane"
And yes, Jasper was going insane in his office.
After the numerous times he told himself he was cool with the standup last night, he couldn't help but still get angry.
Scarlett didn't call or send him a message, explaining why she couldn't make it - at least, he'd understand, - but it was clear, everything was a game to her.
"Sir"
Jasper glanced up at his secretary with a questioning look.
"It's time to visit the other branches" He reminded him of his schedule, clearly uncomfortable with the CEO's piercing gaze.
With a deep sigh, Jasper lowered his frightening aura and instructed him, "Get the car ready, I'll be down in a second"
"Alright sir " He slightly bowed and left.
Jasper hurriedly wrapped up his works, picked his jacket he hung on his seat earlier, and flung it over his shoulder, wearing it.
He pranced out of his office albeit with an expressionless look, made his way to the elevator amid whispers from his employees till he reached the lobby. Jasper wanted to smile yet his mood didn't allow it.
But a slight commotion at the front desk reception diverted his destination. He made his way towards his receptionist arguing with a young woman who was dressed in a simple hoodie and denim.
"It's just for a minute and that's all, I need to see him for something"
"I'm sorry but I can't let you do that, you need an appointment to meet with the president, " His receptionist said to her.
"I'm telling you that I had an appointment but missed it" The young woman argued.
"I'm sorry, that's the rule. But since you know him that well, why not give him a call?"He suggested.
"If I could give him a call, would I be here?"
"What's going on here?" Jasper interfered but he never expected the face he met.
"Scarlett?"
"Oh thank God I found you at last " Scarlett threw her head back in relief.
Jasper was surprised but his eyes soon narrowed into suspicion, he never told her he was the president of a company so how did she know it?
"How did you find me?" He asked.
"I had no clue how to find you and then I went back to the station. I pleaded with the officers and they released your information"
No wonder.
She whispered in awe, "Why didn't you tell you're a rich man?"
"You never asked"
"Hey, that's impossible. I'd be tagged a golddigger if I asked a guy about his financial status on our first meeting" she defended herself.
"I would have told you if you didn't stand me up yesterday," Jasper told her and saw her mouth open and close helplessly.
There was an apologetic look on her face, "About that..." She licked her lips, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed since he gulped, his gaze lingered there.
"I'm sorry about - "
"Let's go to my office" He interrupted her before glancing up at the receptionist," She's with me" Jasper informed her and she nodded in acknowledgment
Scarlett followed after him while glancing around in curiosity, an action he found amusing. He led her into the elevator where he met some of his employees from the meeting earlier.
Their curious eyes took in the sight of Scarlett but none of them dared to say anything. Jasper purposely blocked her from view - especially from the male who might ogle her behind.
Once they reached their destination, the doors hardly opened when he took her hand and dragged her out of the elevator.
But the moment they left, shocked gasps and discussions ensued.
"Am I seeing right? Is that our CEO with a woman? The world must be ending"
"Didn't I say it earlier? A woman ruined his mood earlier"
"Thankfully, that means our president isn't gay "