Set for unusual game

Episode 3

**Jaden’s POV**

I couldn't believe what my eyes saw as I stepped into my office. “Isn't this the lady I've been seeing around this firm, how and where on earth was she able to find herself right inside my office?" I thought to myself.

Filled with so much rage, I didn't care to listen to the flimsy words that left her lip. Or does she think she can manipulate me and go scot-free?

My world is of power and control, and I would stop at nothing to maintain it.

I tried to be calm as I asked “Who is this person, and what is she doing in my office?" but got no response from anyone.

My anger intensified even as I exhausted the Patience I had. I didn't hesitate to terminate her mother's job.

I won't, and I can't tolerate the mess in my company. You dare not step on me and go hands off.

I quickly called the security to escort her out of the building. “She is disrupting the work environment, and I won't tolerate that kind of behaviour in my company," I said.

As the security guards approached, Marian's face turned red, she looked pitiful and frail. “This is unfair! I did nothing wrong. I was only trying to help my sick mum." She managed to speak up.

All that she said fell on deaf ears because I would give her exactly what she wanted since she didn't learn from her contemporaries. I mean, the guts she had to be in my office gets me infuriated on remembrance.

This is just the least I could do to Marian, I remember saying that she would pay for the trauma that Viola caused, and I would keep to my words. I've not finished with her and her pale mother yet.

I sat back on my chair, I couldn't feel remorseful for what had happened. She deserved every bit and more of what happened.

I am a billionaire, and I am ready to face anybody that questions me. No one has the authority to question my actions.

I called for another general meeting for my staff. I can no longer cope with their nonchalant attitude towards the affairs of my company. Would you tell me that no single staff knew about Marian's presence in the company? Of course not, but because they showed no interest in the wellness of the company they let her in and covered her presence.

I'll thoroughly scrutinize them, I'm sure that would help in differentiating the good staff from the bad staff.

They came in their numbers for the meeting. From my assistant down to the chef.

"After a deliberate thought and consideration over the incident that happened yesterday, I called for this meeting to let you know that some persons will be taking a step backward for a more competent hand to take over your position. " I spoke with a stern face.

I wasn't done with what I had to tell them when they began to murmur under their breaths. One thing is certain - I am in control and no one has the right not even my staff to question my decision.

"You can all go to your various work posts, and be sure to check your email often today because the job termination letters will be sent to the affected staff. Thank you. " I left them with those words.

The news of me being insensitive spread like a wildfire, no one dared to ask me else they faced the fate of their actions.

Kendrick's call was one I expected to get to me immediately after the incident between Marian and her mother. I guess he has been busy and just getting some time to spare in a conversation with me.

Kendrick and I have always been at loggerheads but maintained our friendship because of the mutual understanding we shared. He always tried talking me into a changed perspective of the younger girls, but he has only filtered dust.

I own my life, and I get to handle it the way I like, even if it is to my detriment, I won't flinch.

“Jaden, I have something crucial that I want to speak to you about, let me know when you are out for a discussion with me. " Kendrick said.

“Kendrick, I am sure what you want to talk about is not far from what you heard about Marian and her Mother.

If I must be candid, Kendrick, I don't think I will be out for the discussion. " I tried to avoid the discussion but in a polite manner.

"Jaden, I'm sorry, but I'll go against your will. I'm coming right to your company. Spare time for me. " Kendrick insisted on having a conversation with me.

I'll wait to hear what he has to say.

Not so long after the call, Kendrick was right there in my office.

“I don't think we have the time for exchanging pleasantries, Jaden. I'm here for a serious conversation." These were exactly Kendrick's words.

"So I really want to know what happened. You're the talk of the city at the moment. Unfortunately, it is a bad one. I've refused to give ears to what others were saying, and that is the reason I've come to hear and listen intently from the horse's mouth."

I exclaimed, my anger rising again. “She thinks she could fall into my prey and leave scout free never! " I'm pretty sure that the fragile-looking poor girl has heard of my ordeal with other young ladies, but she has decided to give it a try to know what I can do.

Trust me, Kendrick, I'll show Marian and her Mother that in my world, power and control are all my desires. She'll pay squarely for testing my patience.

Kendrick said, “Sometimes I worry about you. You're so focused on your company that you forget about the people around you.”

“Marian is just a young woman trying to help her mother, and you could've found a way to address the situation without throwing her out like that.”

I sighed, feeling guilty for the first time. Maybe Kendrick is right. Maybe I was too harsh.

“Jaden, listen to me," Kendrick spoke with so much conviction.

“Marian's mum is seriously ill. She's been struggling to make ends meet, and life hasn't been the same since the demise of her father.

She showed up at your office, not to cause trouble, but to help her mother.

“If her mum wasn't ill, Marian wouldn't have come close to your office. Yes, she needs help, but she wouldn't deliberately oppose your rules.

I felt unease at what was said, finding a piece of fact from it.

“With what you've said, what do you advise me to do, Kendrick?" I asked reluctantly.

“Apologize to her, Jaden", Kendrick urged. “Not just for throwing her out, but for misunderstanding her intentions. And then offer her a job, a chance to help her mum.

I couldn't help the feeling of unease within me.

Apologising! It was not going to be easy, especially since I had a reputation for being ruthless in my firm.

What would my colleagues think? What would my competitors think? Would they see Marian as my weakness?

To think of how I treated other young women in the past, how would I approach Marian for this?

The other young women would think I'm apologizing because I want to toss around with her. They would see me as an unserious CEO who is trying to justify my actions.

“Honestly, Kendrick, this is a tough decision to take. I can't let down my pride to maintain my control." I said, rubbing my head.

Now, I'm confused about how I can reach her.

I felt strange as I contemplated going to apologize to Marian. It wasn't something I was used to doing, and I didn't know how to approach it. I decided to plead with Kendrick to follow me, hoping his presence would make the situation less awkward.

“Kendrick, please come with me," I said, feeling like a child who lacked direction. I don't know how to do this.

Kendrick looked at me with a surprised face. “Do you want me to hold your hand for an apology?" he asked jokingly.

I was already getting nervous and feeling my muscles weaken. “It's not that I don't know how to apologize, but what if she says no?"

Kendrick's expression turned serious. “Jaden, you need to learn to apologize sincerely. It's a sign of strength, not weakness."

I know you are right, but what if she didn't accept my apology?

“Then you'll know that you've tried," Kendrick answered.

Kendrick hesitated. “I don't know, Jaden. I have a tight schedule today. I'm not sure that I can go with you."

“I don't think I'm in the right state mentally to do this. Maybe, some other time when you're not occupied," I told Kendrick.

“I can't believe you're doing this, Jaden. Why have you suddenly decided to act petty?" Kendrick spoke to me in disappointment.

“I am the one wearing the shoe, and I know where it hurts. I'll wait until you are less occupied. I won't be able to bear the shame if

My apology is turned down,” I said to Kendrick.”

“Okay, I'll give you a call tomorrow,” Kendrick assured me.