The artists were surprised and all turns around to stare at him. He stood there leaning against the decorative table with his arms folded as he spoke in a quiet voice. Barely audible enough for them to hear, but clear enough for them to understand. His tone was the type that made everyone want to listen and remain quiet. "I understand that I have put you all through some hardships. And I am grateful that you were willing to stay with me until now. As you all know, I literally just cheated death, I dont want anyone else to waste their time trying to please others. If you feel like we arent trying enough here and we dont deserve you, then so be it, you are very free to leave. You wont have to pay any penalties for breaking your contracts. Wherever it is that you go to, I hope you find the satisfaction you couldn't find here, there. I simply want to wish you all best of luck in your new journey and more happiness in your lives." He completes regarding them with a sincere smile.
The artist all look down at their hands because they felt guilty. It wasnt that Owen wasnt doing his best. In fact he is the best boss anybody could ever ask for. He even takes care fo their medical bills and pays for their relatives medical bills as well. Sometimes, when they need money, they would lie that they had a sick relative in the outskirts or village just because they knew Owen would immediately sympathize with them and give them money even if he had to borrow it. It was because of his kindness and helpful attitude that the company was almost in ruins and was on the brink of bankruptcy. If he managed to snag a deal for them, he would personally visit them at the site and bring them snacks that they liked.
Owen would never let anyone bully them. Instead of letting them be bullied, he would rather let himself be bullied. He would even bow and give respect to people whose families wouldnt even dare to stand beside his, just to make sure they get what they want. It was safe to say that Owen pampered and spoiled them. All twelve of them. They would wine to him about going on site or working at a particular site or being part of a work even if they were just to have little screen time and he would go to lengths to make sure they got hat they wanted.
But the main issue is no one wanted to willingly give jobs to his company because they knew he is a pushover and his family regarded him as a disgrace to them. His company wasn't doing well and people looked down on him, regardless of how good Owen is to evryone.
Since they had nothing to say, they all quietly leave the room and gets on the elevator. They eyes avoiding Owens as he stood watching the. with a smile. Why does it feel like they are letting go of a treasure right now?
Owen turns to his assistant and notices a young lady standing behind her.
Judging by how shy yet breathtaking she looks, this girl must be the Ophelia that he read in the gods. The real Owen had a crush on Ophelia. She is the only one who would try to understand how he was feeling.
But he is different from the real Owen and young Ladies like her didnt appeal to him. "Arent you leaving?"
"Ophelia wants to stay." Joy answers for her.
Owen directs his question to the lady again feeling tired the more he spoke. The lack of energy was really taking a toll on him. "Why? Why do you want to stay?"
She raised her head and looks directly into his eyes. "I believe in this company." She tells him a strong voice. One that told Owen she had made her decision.
Owen tilts his head to the side as he stares at her. The smile long gone from his handsome face. "We wont have anything to offer. You should go someplace where they will appreciate your talent." He advices.
"You will have something to offer soon enough." She tells him in assuring tone. As if she had seen the future and knew she could place her entire career on them.
Owen nods his head and turns to his assistant. "Has anyone come to ask of me? I am expecting a guest."
"Oh… you must be talking about the taxi man. He came early this morning. Mr Wasdard I believe he said he is. I asked him what he wanted and he said you promised to find his wife. So I told him to write the details and leave since he is taxi man and has to work early." She explains.
Owen walks out of the room and heads to his office. It wasnt that big but it had a view of the outside world and he could easily see the busy streets from here. The office was painted grey as well. There was nowhere in the book he read that mentioned Owen's favourite color being grey.
"Boss.." Joy lowers her voice and he knew she is about to say something serious. "If the company continues like this, we might as well liquidate or go bankrupt. The three assistants we have already resigned yesterday."
"Dont worry about it. We will do something. I will come up with a plan and let you know. Leave me the details the man left behind."
Joy removes a paper from under a file tha was lying on his table. "Are you still helping people?" She asks concerned. "Cant you think of yourself now?"
Owne gives her a bright smile as he stares at the information the man had left behind. "I am living for myself now Joy. You dont have to worry."
He is only helping people so that he could level up on his system and that was only for his benefit.
Joy casts a sincere smile at him before dropping his phone on his table and exiting the office.
Owen pick his phone and searches for a contact. There is a Boss A that Owen always calls whenever he needed help with something.
"Yo Owen my man! What's up? I saw the news. I have to say you are one hell of a tough human. Are you good?" The loud voice questions.
Owne smiles into the phone upon hearing the mans cheerful voice. Owen had never met this man in real life and they only met online. But the man had offered to help him as he was into that kind of business in return that one day, Owen will help him when he needs him the most. "Boss A, I am good. Thank you. How are you too?"
"Good good." The man took a swig of his beer and listened at the other man breath. "Ask away. Why are you still hesitating after all this while?"
"Then boss A can you help me find a person? I have her picture here with me and I will sent it to you."
"A person? No problem? What is her name?"
"Her name is Bunmi Othis. Age 46. She is short and…"
"Save yourself the talk and just send her picture and details to my phone. I will look into it and get back to you as soon as I have something."
"Thank you very much boss."
"No problem. Take care of yourself. Dont die a second time. That would be too shameless even for you." He laughs loudly before hanging up.
Owen glances at the dark screen of the phone and purses his lips. He had read it in the book, and indeed, this boss A knew how to pick at wounds some times.
Why would he die a second time?
As a man who has died once, he will live forever. If he were to die twice, would that not un-man him?