"Can you tell me where Ariana is? What is the reason for her not arriving yet?
The man muttered as he fixed his tie, examining himself in a full-length mirror positioned in a corner of the Rustic Style office. Abstract paintings and chandeliers adorn various sides of the wall, suspended in the sky.
Anthony Bree is the CEO and founder of ADIOS Company, which recently gained attention for achieving unicorn status in record time.
What brought him fame was not just the impressive growth of his business but also his life story. People resonate with and enjoy tales of young individuals who are on their own and have successfully lifted themselves out of poverty, but are aiming to create a solar panel system for the advancement of their nation.
Despite being essentially true, it is surprising to discover that Anthony, who is known for being arrogant and perfectionist, frequently creates challenges for his employees. His sharp criticism pierced and wounded the hearts of all those who heard it. He expects high levels of performance and meticulously scrutinizes all the details that can cause stress and pressure for his subordinates.
Anthony sighed in frustration and settled into his tall-backed seat. "Keenan, are you unable to call that girl at this moment? At what time can I have my coffee this morning as the donation event is about to begin?"
Keenan Martin, the vice director, paused briefly while remaining upright near Anthony's desk.
Keenan calmly stated that she requested to go away for a week. Dealing with Anthony's constant complaints has become a routine part of his day since they founded the startup.
"Is that seven days?" Yesterday, Nicholas was surprised when the girl didn't speak to him, causing him to raise his eyebrows. "What made her request such an extended period of time off?"
Keenan stated that she had to assist with postoperative care for her mother after her cancer surgery.
"I don't care. What about my coffee?" Anthony sat with the confidence of a leader, crossing his legs in a powerful stance. He has no interest in the personal lives of his employees. The man's top priority is to ensure his daily schedule remains uninterrupted. "You know, I can't focus without coffee in the beginning of my day."
Keenan mentioned that he had requested interns from different departments to bring it. I believe he will arrive shortly. No need to fret, we still have a bit of time before the arrival of those important guests.
Anthony took a quick inhalation. He hopes only that the event, representing his donation to a charity, will go smoothly. Many media outlets will report on his comments, which is crucial for preserving the reputation of ADIOS Company.
However, the man now only recalls one thing. "Damn! My business trip to Berlin is happening in two days. Five days in the past, I asked Ariana to prepare some things. So, how is she able to take a whole week off?" Anthony's hazel eyes widened in irritation.
"Do not fret, she has handed over the items to the head secretary." Keenan remained standing in a vertical position. Despite being close friends with Anthony since their college days, he always maintains a professional demeanor in work and position-related matters. "I will verify it at a later time."
"Call her, now!" Anthony raised his chin. Summon Ariana to meet me immediately. He was irritated for some unknown reason that the intern, designated by the head secretary to assist him, did not directly seek his approval for the furlough.
"Now?" Keenan was convinced that he had heard right. "However, her mom underwent surgery earlier."
Instruct her to come to me immediately or she will depart permanently. Anthony also took a quick look at the high-end watch encircling his left wrist. The girl must arrive before nine for the donation handover event to avoid being unemployed.
Upon hearing this, Keenan Martin simply shook his head. Despite being a good friend, Anthony, a 29-year-old man, is fearful when in a position of authority. He had to acknowledge the truth in his words, making Keenan request Ariana's presence to calm the Main Director's wrath.
***
[Keenan Martin]: "Mr. Anthony declined the leave request and instructed you to report before 9 o'clock. If you fail to arrive, your time in ADIOS Company will over."
That was the message the girl saw early that morning as she arrived at the hospital to attend to her mother's surgery.
"CEO is so annoying! Unfeeling!" she swore, striking the large column holding up the Mecca Hospital entrance. "Today holds significance. My mother underwent a surgical procedure and the 'Chief Ethics Officer' advised me to remain and continue working. This is absurd! "Hah!" she chuckled with emotion.
Ariana Rose is the intern chosen as a sacrificial offering by senior employees to appease the intimidating CEO.
Ariana has been working at the ADIOS Company for 100 days, and it's uncertain when she will become a permanent employee. It is definite that she is currently one of the secretary interns who has stayed the longest compared to previous interns, who typically quit before a month due to Anthony Bree's harshness.
Ariana glanced at her phone screen's top to check the time, revealing it was 08:25. "Ugh!!" expresses frustration or disgust. If I fail to show up, he will dismiss me and I won't be able to cover the cost of my mother's cancer treatment, there's nothing that the CEO of Zero Ethics is incapable of!" she lamented in frustration. However, her mom will be in the operating room in two hours.
After thinking it over, Ariana chose to complete her work at the office before doing anything else. She would at least convince Anthony to grant permission today for her to be present at her mother's surgery.
The girl ran out of the Mecca Hospital building without delay and flagged down a taxi that was passing by. Fortunately, it only takes 20 minutes to get from the hospital to the office.
After quickly paying for the taxi, Ariana, adorned in a casual jean jumpsuit, Wearing a white t-shirt underneath, he walked into the Buenos Solar Company building. It was such a coincidence that she bumped into the CEO as she waited for the elevator on the 1st floor.
"Mr. Anthony." Ariana paused to inhale as the individual she had been cursing suddenly materialized before her.
As Anthony exited the elevator, he looked over at Ariana and gave a slight grin while quietly muttering to himself, his words audible. "Useless!"
Anthony recently went past the girl with a displeased look on his face. The donation event will begin in 5 minutes. He must attend the hall and deliver a speech.
"Ariana, what made you arrive just now?" Keenan, who exited the elevator alongside Anthony, paused briefly and spoke in a whisper. However, he was surprised by Ariana's outfit as it was something he was not accustomed to seeing. "Hey, what's up with your outfit?"
"Oh no! Apologies, Mr. Keenan. I had only seen your message upon my arrival at the hospital. Ariana sighed in frustration and realized her clothes were too casual. "I was rushing and didn't have the time to switch my clothes."
Keenan coughed to get attention, Anthony was gone and he needed to catch up with him before they reach the main hall. We will discuss it at a later time. Mr. Anthony is extremely angry. "Please remain here until the event concludes, alright?"
"But, excuse me, sir!" Ariana said she needed to go with her mother to the operating room.
Ignoring his apprentice secretary's pleas, Anthony kept walking briskly towards the hall. He simply desired to complete the donation ceremony later with no major hindrances.
Yet in truth, a concern that he had foreseen since the previous night would indeed come to pass on the D-day.
During his welcome address, Anthony discovered three red laser beams pointed directly at his chest. It seemed like many people in the crowd were aiming guns at him in order to intimidate him and create fear.
"Behold! Which laser is that??
"Is it possible that it originated from a gun?"
"What is this thing?"
"Who was responsible for it?"
The guests, important officials, and hundreds of students began to feel afraid as they received donations. The main hall erupted in noise and tension as the terraced stands filled up.
BOOM!!
All of a sudden, firecrackers went off in different places, making the environment even more chaotic and noisy.
The security guards quickly began evacuating the crowd, while Keenan hurriedly made his way to the stage to shield Anthony, the CEO.
Anthony Bree remained motionless, his eyes showing defiance as he scanned the entire crowd in the stands. A conflict along with rage is stirring once more in his heart.
Indeed, the fear has resurfaced once more!