Competent CEO
1219 Words
At exactly 5:30 a.m., his eyes opened, sharp and aware, as if his body had memorized time itself. The room was quiet, the kind of silence most people found comforting. Drake didn’t. To him, silence was something to move through, not stay in.
Drake did not wake up to alarms.
He woke up to routine.
He sat up, ran a hand through his hair, and got out of bed without hesitation.
Minutes later, he was outside his private estate.
The morning air was cold, brushing against his skin as he began to run. It felt like the world was still waking up everywhere seemed silent. His pace remained steady and controlled.
He ran to stay fit, putting immense effort into his workouts to maintain his physique. He knew women admired this feature, along with his wealth and affluence.
By the time the city started to come alive, Drake was already in his private gym. The sound of weights hitting metal echoed through the room. His movements were precise and steady.
Sir, you should slow down today, his trainer said carefully, watching him push through another set.
Drake didn’t stop.
I won't be able to stop, he replied, his voice calm but firm, "This is my moment.”
The trainer said nothing more.
By 8:00 a.m., Aurelio’s Group headquarters stood tall and busy, employees moving in and out, preparing for the day.
Then Drake arrived.
Good morning, sir.
Good morning, Mr. Drake.
The greetings came quickly and respectfully, but tension and fear lay beneath them.
Drake walked through the main entrance without slowing. His presence alone straightened backs and silenced whispers. Conversations died the moment he passed. No one wanted to appear unprepared in his presence.
Things were no different in the executive boardroom.
Meetings with Drake were not discussions, they were evaluations.
He sat at the head of the table, flipping through reports with intense focus. Every detail mattered to him.
This is inaccurate, he said suddenly, sliding a file back across the table.
The manager across from him stiffened. Sir, I double-checked.
Not well enough.
His tone wasn’t loud, but it cut cleanly.
You’re using outdated figures. That alone makes this entire report unreliable.
The room fell silent.
I want it corrected before noon, Drake added, already moving on to the next file.
No one delayed.
Because Drake didn’t repeat himself.
Aurelio’s company had transformed and improved significantly under his leadership.
Drake saw opportunities others overlooked. He made decisions without hesitation, cut off failing projects, invested in new expansions, and restructured underperforming departments.
Some called him ruthless, others called him brilliant.
It didn’t matter to him, as long as he always got results.
Within months, profits increased beyond expectations. The company opened new branches across regions it had never reached before.
But Drake didn’t explain himself.
He simply moved forward.
In the afternoon, he visited the hotel.
He walked through the main entrance slowly, his eyes observing everything.
A guest waited too long at the front desk.
A staff member hesitated while serving.
Why is there a delay? he asked quietly.
The manager beside him immediately straightened. Sir, I’ll handle it.
You should have handled it already.
Yes, sir.
Within minutes, the staff fixed the issue.
That was the effect Drake had, he didn’t need to raise his voice.
His presence alone demanded perfection.
By night, the city became louder, brighter, and more vibrant.
And sometimes, Drake stepped into that world.
The club pulsed with music and movement, bodies swaying under flashing lights.
Dressed simply but sharply, he carried himself with a quiet authority that drew attention effortlessly.
Women noticed him immediately.
Are you always this serious? one asked, sliding into the seat beside him with a playful smile.
Drake glanced at her briefly. Are you always this curious?
She laughed, leaning closer. Only when someone looks this interesting.
Another joined, then another.
They talked, laughed, and touched his arm lightly, trying to pull him into their energy.
But Drake remained distant. It was as if he were present, but not fully involved.
Meeting Alina had killed his interest in other women. He couldn’t stop thinking about her, so he constantly buried himself in work as a coping mechanism. He had many questions for her if he ever met her again.
They tried to get to know him, but he didn’t bother to know their names.
After a while, he stood and left without explanation.
Back at his mansion, silence welcomed him again.
He stood by the window, looking out at the city lights stretching into the distance.
The next day began like every other, and it went well until someone caught his attention.
A girl stood near the cafeteria entrance, speaking quietly with one of the staff.
Drake slowed down.
His gaze fixed on her before he even realized it.
There was something about her.
Something felt familiar.
But she wasn’t close enough for him to be sure.
Yet, he was certain he had never seen her before.
Sir?
The manager’s voice broke through his thoughts.
The investors are waiting.
Who is she? Drake asked, his eyes still on the girl.
The manager blinked. Sir?
The girl near the cafeteria?
The manager quickly looked over. I… I’m not sure, sir.
Drake’s expression didn’t change.
Find out.
Yes, sir.
The manager turned to leave but paused.
Sir…
Drake looked again.
But the girl was gone.
The space where she stood was empty, without a trace.
Where did she go?
I don’t know, sir. She was just there.
Drake stepped forward, scanning the area as if he had misplaced something valuable.
His expression changed, and he leaned forward slightly, as if moving closer would somehow bring her back into view.
Mr Ko, he called.
His manager appeared almost immediately. Yes?
There was a girl here, Drake said thoughtfully. Find out who she came to see.
He nodded and left without another word.
The cafeteria remained calm. Mr Ko walked in, observing quietly until he spotted the woman the girl had been speaking to. She sat alone now, stirring a drink absentmindedly.
Excuse me, Mr Ko said politely. The lady you were just with, do you know her?
The woman looked up, shaking her head. Not really, sir.
What do you know about her? he asked.
She’s a student from one of the culinary schools the company supports, the woman replied.
Mr Ko paused. A student?
Yes. She came to deliver some items that the kitchen team requested. Nothing more. She didn’t come for anything else.
When he returned, Drake still stood where he had left him. He looked at Mr Ko with intense expectation.
Mr Ko reported, She’s a student, sir. From one of the culinary schools the company supports.
Drake nodded slowly, but his expression remained unchanged.
A student? he said quietly.
Drake walked toward the window, his reflection staring back at him as the memory replayed in his mind.
She looked like Alina.
It was a striking resemblance. The same quiet presence. The same way of moving, almost as if she didn’t notice the noise around her.
Drake exhaled slowly.
That’s not possible, he murmured.
Mr Ko looked up. Is something wrong, sir?
Drake didn’t answer immediately. It was as if his eyes were fixed on a distant point.
I need to see her again, he said.
- Writer
