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1066 Words
Frank sat down in the conference room for the product management team's presentation, intent on thoroughly understanding the new product they were about to launch, ensuring its success was paramount for the company's growth.
So far, he wasn't pleased with any of the presentations he was seeing. His expression remained serious and displeased. The team presented their product with fear and anxiety.
"Can someone explain to me why the projected sales figures are 30% lower than our initial estimate?" Frank's voice was firm, his eyes narrowed as he scanned their faces.
The team exchanged nervous and scared glances before one of them managed to speak up. "We've taken a more conservative approach, considering the current market trends and competition."
Frank's expression didn't change. "Conservative approach? That's just an excuse for 'we're not confident in this product.' Is that the reason for this drastic reduction in sales projections?"
The team hesitated, shaking with fear, and Frank's gaze settled on the product manager. "I want answers." He demanded sternly.
The product manager, trying to compose himself, began to explain. "Sir, we've.. we've conducted extensive market research, and our findings suggest that the target audience is more saturated than we initially thought. We've adjusted our projections accordingly."
Frank's eyes narrowed further. "Saturated? That's a vague term. I want a better presentation by the end of the day."
The team exchanged a panic look, their hands shaking slightly as they clicked through the presentation. Frank's intense gaze lingered on them for a while before he stood up, and Ian, who was standing beside all along, followed him through the exit door.
While they walked to the elevator, Ian spoke up in whispers. "Mr. CEO, your mother called."
Frank's expression was stern and cold. "What did she say?" He asked seriously.
"She didn't say anything as usual. She wanted to talk to you directly." Ian said and pressed the button on the wall for the elevator to open.
The elevator door opened, and Frank and Ian walked in. When the door closed, Frank said. "Let her know I am busy with the company affairs when she calls again."
He didn't want to listen to his mother nag him again about giving her grandchildren.
"I told her that, but she insists on talking to you." Ian said and pressed the 15th button on the elevator.
Frank rubbed his temples. He really wanted to avoid his mother, but he couldn't. His mother was so special to him, and avoiding her was nearly impossible to him. "When she calls again, let me know."
Ian nodded. "Yes, Mr. CEO."
The elevator got to Frank's floor. He was the only one who worked on the 15th floor, so staff members weren't seen walking around. It was just him, Ian, and John, who had access to the floor. Frank walked to his office with Ian trailing behind him. When he was settled in his office, Ian said. "The interview for the new cleaners is currently ongoing."
Frank shuffled through the files on his table. "How is it going?" He asked without looking up.
"Good. A total of ten candidates applied." Ian reported.
Frank opened a file and typed on his laptop. "Have their CV submitted to my office before they are employed." He ordered.
"Yes, Mr. CEO." Ian nodded and bowed his head before turning to leave the office.
Meanwhile, on the ground floor, Anna made her way towards Julie's department after her interview. When Julie saw her outside the office, she excused herself from her colleagues and went out to meet Anna.
"So, how'd the interview go?" Julie asked in whispers as she directed her towards the company's cafeteria.
"Not bad." Anna replied simply.
"Not bad? Is that all?" Julie asked.
"Well, it was okay. I was told I would receive an email tomorrow."
Julie squealed. "I hope you get employed. That way, it'll be easier for us to go home together."
Anna rolled her eyes and pulled out a chair in the cafeteria to sit. Julie sat opposite from her with a table in between them.
"I still find it hard to accept that I would no longer be working as a sales rep." Anna said, shaking her head slightly. "Me? Cleaner?"
Julie laughed so loud that other staff members glanced at her occasionally. Anna bowed her head in embarrassment. "Didn't you...consider all these... before you fought with your...boss?"
Anna eyed her. "You don't have to laugh so loud."
Julie cleared her throat, still smiling. "I'm sorry... I can't help it. Anyway, you just have to accept reality now."
Anna rolled her eyes. "Whatever." She said.
Julie smiled. "Before I forget, I have to warn you about.....someone." She said in whispers.
Anna raised a questioning eyebrow. "Who?"
Still whispering, Julie said. "Frank Williams."
Anna squinted her eyebrows, confused. "Who?" She repeated.
"The CEO."
"Oh? What about him?"
Julie's expression turned serious as she leaned in closer. "That man, Frank Williams, you must not go anywhere close to him. He is not to be trifled with. He is...ruthless and a no-contact zone. I repeat, a no-contact zone."
Anna almost laughed. "A what?"
Julie glanced around the cafeteria, ensuring they weren't being overheard. "I am serious, Anna. He's got a reputation for being merciless and indifferent. He's not exactly known for being approachable either."
Anna's curiosity piqued as she stared at her. She wondered who Frank Williams was, "I see. And why are you warning me about him?"
Julie eyed her. "Because, Anna, you're...trouble. You are one person I know who doesn't back off from a challenge. If you cross paths with him, I don't want you to...end up on his bad side."
Anna's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Don't worry, Julie. I can handle myself."
"I'm serious. Please stay away from him if you want to keep this job."
Anna nodded playfully. "Fine...fine, I've heard you."
"Good." Julie smiled and stood up, her chair scraping softly against the floor as she pushed it back. She smoothed out her blouse, the fabric rustling slightly as she adjusted it. "I'll let you grab a snack, I'm heading back to work," she said, her heels clicking on the floor as she turned to leave. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the cafeteria, mingling with the hum of conversation from other staff members. Anna watched Julie go, then turned her attention to the menu board, considering what to order.
- Writer
