The CEO's Emotional Upgrade

PR Disaster

The headlines screamed the name “Thorne Industries,” but not in the way the company would want. News outlets buzzed with footage of Wyatt’s meltdown, turning the unveiling of the Thorne 8000 into a PR disaster.

Stepping out of his car, Wyatt made his way to the elevator with his steely composure as usual. His assistant, Jessica, fidgeted nervously as he approached.

“Morning, Mr. Thorne.” She stammered, her voice barely a whisper.

A curt nod was his only reply. The two made their way to the elevator with the girl hitting the button. The silence is thick with tension. Jessica shot him nervous glances, his icy demeanor sending shivers down her spine.

Wyatt’s mood became even worse after reaching his floor. Every employee kept shooting him suspicious glances and hushed whispers. Wyatt, fueled by a growing sense of unease, marched straight to his office.

He was getting out of control. Just what is happening?

Slamming the door shut, he barked, “Jess, get in here!”

Assistant Jess quickly left the documents she was busy with and rushed in to his office. It seemed he had seen the news, she thought. The girl held tightly onto the strap of her dress as she made her way to see the man, her heart pounding.

His eyes, usually cold and calculating, now simmered with suppressed rage. “What is going on here?” he demanded.

“Not again!!” the man shouted, referring to the girl’s shaking body. Nevertheless, he ignored her and continued, “What is going on in this building?” his question was straightforward. He has had enough. He is not paying them to do this rubbish.

Assistant Jess fell silent. She was afraid to tell Wyatt the truth.

“Speak. What is happening?” there was no trace of emotion on Wyatt’s face, but his words were full of coldness.

Fear choked Jessica’s voice. “Yes, Mr. Throne,” she began, "It’s about yesterday’s event. The news…” she trailed off, struggling to find the words.

Wyatt was even more angry now. Thorne Industries are making the headlines after yesterday’s event, isn’t that good? Then why are they all behaving like crazy people?

Wyatt’s anger flared. “Of course, the news. And?”

Sweat beaded on Jessica’s forehead. “We’re…I mean…you…are…making the headlines, Mr. Thorne, but not in the way we’d hoped.” Wyatt didn’t speak, but assistant Jess felt the chilling air effortlessly penetrating into every bone of her body.

Hearing his assistant’s words, Wyatt inwardly cursed. ‘Damn it!!!’ it’s all coming back to him now. So those sea of reporters must have done something with yesterday’s event.

Wyatt clenched his fist. Headlines were good, but negative headlines like this were a disaster. He slammed his hand on his desk. “Get the PR team in here. Now!”

Wyatt was angry. This is a PR disaster!

Jessica scurried out, relieved to escape the office’s suffocating atmosphere. She is not ready to get fired.

Moments later, the PR team shuffled in, their faces mirroring Jessica’s apprehension. The girl and the team flinched as they saw their boss waiting for them by the door. Wyatt made way for the team to enter. They are the bosses now. After all, he was not aware of what was happening despite having this bunch of teams.

The PR team were shaking as they made their way in… they knew better than to refuse the man. But what is he doing? It seems he is having another meltdown.

Wyatt eyed them coldly.

“Have your seat, Bosses,” his voice devoid of warmth. These people were paid to manage his image, and clearly, they were failing.

The PR team huddled together; their confidence shaken. One brave soul, a woman named Martha, spoke up, “Mr. Thorne, we understand the situation. We’re working on a damage control strategy.”

Wyatt scoffed. "Working on it? The damage is done! We need a solution, fast."

The PR team, on the other hand, immediately fell to their knees. “Boss, we beg you for mercy, it’s not our fault that the situation is getting bigger.” They all begged for mercy.

Hesitantly, Sarah continued, "There's been speculation online about the Thorne 8000's safety, fueled by your comments. Our strategy is to address these concerns and refocus the narrative on the machine's technological advancements."

Wyatt narrowed his eyes. "Safety? Don't they understand the Thorne 8000 is a revolutionary breakthrough?" his anger flared anew.

The PR manager hurriedly chimed in, “Mr. Thorne, we need to be empathetic. While the machine is impressive, we need to acknowledge concerns and assure the public it's safe for use."

A thud echoed through the office as Wyatt slammed the table angrily. If you think you're indispensable, you're sorely mistaken. I expect this mess to be fixed within 24 hours. Don't disappoint me."

Wyatt glared at them all. These people were weak. "Fine," he conceded grudgingly. "Do your job. Fix this mess."

As they scrambled to gather their thoughts, the PR manager spoke again, his voice barely a whisper, "Mr. Thorne, there's another issue. There's an online campaign gaining traction, accusing Thorne Industries of prioritizing profits over employee well-being after the recent factory closures."

Wyatt's face contorted in fury. "Feng International is behind this, I know it!" he roared, slamming his fist on the desk for emphasis.

The slam was full of chills, which made assistant Jess and the PR team involuntarily cower together. Jess and the PR team were trying their best not to fall from standing. Their legs were shaking badly.

The PR team exchanged confused glances. Feng International? But why will they?

“Why will Feng International do this?” Martha dared to ask.

Wyatt's anger simmered. "Don't worry about it. Just do your jobs before this whole company goes down the drain." His voice was cold as his forehead cringed. No one is bringing him down.

The PR team filed out; their usual confidence replaced by a sense of dismay. Wyatt, alone in his office, took a glass of wine and glared out the window. He had a storm to weather, and Feng International was just the beginning.