Silent tension
Even thought he was sitting at the end of the conference table I could feel the weight of his eyes on me.Its always the same with him—Alessandro Drake my boss and the CEO of the company I work for.He is always watching me, silently scrutinizing every word I say as though he’s waiting for me to stumble or c***k under his gaze but I’m better than that I will not give him the satisfaction.
“….And based on these projections.” I continue with my voice steady despite the tension in the room, “we are likely to see a significant downturn in the next quarter unless we diversify our portfolio.”
“Ms Reynolds’s.” Alessandro’s voice sliced through my thoughts.Low and cold.”Are you suggesting we divert funds from our most profitable divison.?”
My eyes met his. Those green eyes…beautiful , hard and unforgiving.I swallowed hard but didn’t falter.”Not diverting, Mr Drake.Im suggesting we reinvest into long term strategies that will ensure sustainability over immediate profits.The current plan isn’t going to hold for the next two quarters.”
There was silence in the room. I could see the members exchanging looks as if they are waiting for something to happen.
But Alessandro simply leaned back in his chair with his fingers lightly tapping the desk and his gaze never leaving mine. “Ineresting” he replied.
The tension on the room thickened more and more. I didn’t break eye contact with him even tho my heart was beating hard against my chest.He is feared by many and thinks I’ll cower down like the rest but unfortunately I’m not like the rest. I can’t explain it but he has this effect on me. Ever since I started working for Drake Industries he kept a close eye on me watching every move of mine.
“Let’s take a break.” Alessandro finally says his toen sharp and decisive. “Fifteen minutes.”
I gave a small nod and gathered my notes packing up. Just as I was about to leave his voice stopped me dead in my tracks.
“Ms Reynolds’s, stay behind. I need a word.”
My heart skipped a beat.
I turned back slowly, noticing how the rest of the board members quickly scurried out of the room casting me remorseful looks over their shoulders. When the last person left and the door was closed shut it felt as if the room was getting smaller.
Alessandro stood up, walking slowly around the table his eyes never leaving mine.”How’s your father?” He asked his voice calm but cold not showing any warmth or concern.
I visibly stiffened. I had not expected him to bring up my father especially not like this.”He’s… holding on.” I replied.” Thank you for asking.”
His lips curled into something that resembled a smile with no humor in it. “Good it would be unfortunate if something were to happen to him considering the state of his company.”
My jaw tightened getting irritated.I knew what he was doing. He never missed an opportunity to remind me of my family situation. The fact that the company was crumbling and their legacy was hanging by a thread.And with my father Ill it was weighing heavy in my shoulders.How can a man who looks like a Greek god walking amongst mere humans be so cold and ruthless.
“With all due respect sir I don’t think that it’s any of your business.” I said keeping my voice steady.
His smile quickly faded his eyes briefly flashed something dark and sinister. He stepped closer, his cologne overpowering my senses. “It is when it concerns my employees and how they perform at work.”
The tension intensified as I held his gaze, refusing his to back down even tho his proximity was sending shivers down my spine.
“Was there something else you needed, Mr Drake?”
Alessandro stared at me for a moment longer his expression unreadable before stepping back. “No. That will be all. For now.”
I nodded quickly gathering my things and walking towards the door. But just as I approached the handle, his voice stopped me again.
“One more thing, Ms Reynolds”
I froze looking back at him. His eyes were darker now and full of mischief.” You might want to be prepared. I have a feelings things around here are going to change very soon.”
