"What sort of a proposal is this?" Devon's cold voice rang out. He lifted his head and sent an icy look around the room.
"CEO_"
Devon cut the man trying to explain "This has so many loopholes. Which CEO would want to agree with this? Are you suddenly trying to take your job so lightly?"
"I don't dare" The man could only toss every form of explanation out of his head and bowed slightly.
He exhaled sharply and flung the documents on the table. His slender hand moved to massage the space between his brows as he said "redo the proposal. I give you forty minutes!"
"Where is the new estate plans?" He turned to another director and asked.
"It... It's here" The man stood up gingerly and immediately passed a file to the man.
Secretary Ben stepped forward and collected the files before walking forward and handing it to Devon. He too had a restrained expression. He wasn't shaken like the directors as he was already used to Devon's temper but he just felt a headache coming up looking at the young man acting like a child throwing tantrums. He had watched his boss sleep at Miss Chloe's house yet wake up at the early hours of the morning still angry from his wives daring attitudes. There were a few things he would like to speculate but he just didn't dare.
Devon took the file and skimped through it, his brows furrowed lightly but straightened seconds later. Devon closed the file and passed it back to the Secretary Ben. "Make a few adjustments, use the Bell views plan as a reference then submit it to the preparation department"
The Director heaved an obvious sigh of relief from not getting scolded. He collected the file and felt like his life had almost flashed through his eyes. He gave his confirmation and went back to his seat.
"Who is in charge of the Prime Minister's project?" He asked solemnly. A little bit distracted with something on his phone.
"It's Director John" Everyone hurriedly pointed to the elderly man in the middle. So quick to sacrifice a comrade as long as their own heads were saved
"Have you made the proposal?" He looked up and glanced at the man.
A complicated look flashed past the directors face. "Um...CEO Devon, the... the bid has not_" the man started to say but abruptly swallowed his words when he received a Stern glare.
"I want to see it before the end of today" he ordered in a tone that left no room for argument.
The end of the day?!!
A proposal for a National contract was supposed to finished in half a day? How possible was that!
He had to study a lot of references and put so much into consideration and then make inquires also... There was no way he could do all that in a meagerly eight hours!
Seeing the man's helpless face, all the other director felt pity for him still they silently conveyed their sympathies. When they all thought the torture would continue for another couple of hours, the saw the man raised his hands and waved them off with a thick frown on his head.
"Dismissed"
???
Confused yet they sprang to their feet like scarred chickens and hurried out of the room. With them gone, Devon raised his hands and signalled for Secretary Ben standing quietly next to him.
Secretary Ben glanced at the screen of Devon's phone and immediately knew what he was asking for.
"The press conference ended half an hour ago. Flynn Meyer attested to being at fault. His assistant seemed to have been the one with dubious motive. Apparently, there was a contract between them." Ben stepped forward and placed his iPad on the table. A written contract came to view. The date showed it was signed a year ago from the current date. The terms were clear for Devon to understand, he didn't need Secretary Ben to explain what it meant.
He had an unpleasant Expression looking at the contract. It was stated that if the assistant could come up with a design worthy enough to be produced that she would be promoted from a mere assistant to a design manager. Sure enough it covered the question of why the assistant would plan such a grand scheme.
Secretary Ben continued reporting "The Salon lady and receptionist also confessed that the Assistant had paid them to steal the design. The transfers and everything are there to prove their statement. The case has been closed and both parties are attending to it off the tables"
Devon nodded and gave the iPad back. Secretary Ben collected it with an hesitating look in his eyes.
'does'nt everything seem so surreal?' He wanted to ask but just swallowed back his words. The case must have ended smoothly but he didn't seem satisfied with it. Weeks away, they were still on a tug of war. Flynn was proclaiming his confidence to the highest heavens and giving evidences to show his long term designing process and soon enough everything was falling on the head of his assistant? It just didn't seem right.
He was definitely not the only one that thought like that, a lot of netizens had the same thoughts but with the solid evidences placed on the table now, there was nothing else they could say.
Secretary Ben stealthily looked at his master's face but could not see the doubting look that he thought he would see. It was true after all, when it came to Miss Chloe, there was no room for suspicions and doubt even if the evidences were staring right at his face. He sighed and went back to acting like there was nothing.
The Phone on the table began to ring.
Devon looked at it for a few seconds then reluctantly picked it up. He kept quiet while the other person talked. For the first few seconds of the call, his brows were knotted but before the call ended, a sign of relief showed on his face.
The young man standing at the back showed a hint of surprise. He had caught a glimpse of the name on the screens and knowing Devon, there was only one news that this person would have brought. At the same time he was curious.
"Continue your work" He heard Devon say before he cut the call.
At the same time, the phone rang immediately the call was cut. Another call was coming through. It was Devon's personal line so no doubt the person was someone close to him.
The name on the phone read Chloe.
Devon's gaze softened a bit then he picked the call "hello?"
"Devon, did you see the news?" The girl's subtle voice came from the receiver. Small and vulnerable, even from her tone, she could illicit for ones protection. While Devon found this cute, Secretary Ben found it despicable. The silent judging look he gave the phone went unnoticed by his boss.
"Mmmm" Devon hummed and unusual added two more words "I did"
"Who would have known? I totally did not expect such a truth to be hidden behind the scandal. Flynn was not responsible but still I can't help but blame him. What was he thinking signing such contract with his assistant. I feel like it's my fault too. I should have just stick to my modelling career than try my hands at designing. I keep feeling guilty since the news came out and it's making me restless that I can barely do anything, I'm thinking it would help save the situation if I come out with the truth too, do you think so too?" She rambled for a long time in a downcast voice before ending her speech with a question directed at him.
"It's not your fault, it's also not Flynn's fault too. You both wouldn't have known that she could do such a thing. You shouldn't also stop designing since you're good at it and it's one of your passions. There are quite a few Ladies that have such a talent like you do." Devon comforted her. It was such a rare sight that he had spoken so many words, especially since he had been brooding all day.
"Mmm. I feel rest assured if you say so." The girl's smiling expression could be obvious from her tone. "Since I was the one that recommended Flynn, would you please let me deal with him? I don't want to drag you into my problem always"
Devon was silent for a second then he replied " Sure, anything you want"
"Thanks a lot Devon." The girl replied giddy "when did you leave this morning? I woke up quite early to see you were gone. I couldn't help but think that you must have found it uncomfortable, sleeping in my tiny apartment. Did I inconvenient you with my request?"
"stop overthinking. I had so much work to do so I had to leave on time. It's the busiest time of the year" He replied in a chiding voice but the warmth in his tone could not be mistaken.
Chloe kept quiet for a few seconds then replied "then I wouldn't disturb you too. I still have to get my fitting for a modelling gig I just collected. Talk to you later."
The call went dead and the CEO was left with his documents once again. After a while he also stood up and left.