Chapter 3

• ROBERT'S POV
• After the conversation with Timothy about the impending wedding, I knew I needed to act quickly to find a suitable date. I decided to grab my phone and start searching for the ideal partner, someone who would not only represent me well but also contribute to my brother's special day.
• However, when I reached out to grab my phone, I realized it wasn't on my desk. I looked around, checking my jacket pockets and desk drawers. Nothing. A sense of discomfort began to settle in as I realized I had left the phone in my car.
• Without wasting any more time, I left my office and headed for the elevator. Finding a suitable date had become an urgent priority, and I couldn't afford to waste any more time.
• As the elevator descended, my mind was focused on finding a solution to the current problem. Timothy's wedding was just weeks away, and I needed to find a date who would be up to the occasion.
• The elevator stopped on one of the intermediate floors, and the doors opened to reveal a stunning woman with long red hair. She held a cardboard box with trembling hands and was clearly radiating anger. Her green eyes sparkled with indignation as she stepped into the elevator.
• Instinctively, I stepped to the side, giving her enough space. However, her explosive presence caught my attention. She was a breathtaking redhead with a unique beauty that instantly captured my eyes.
• Her green eyes burned with anger, and her lips were tightly pressed in a thin line. Even without saying a word, it was evident that something was wrong.
• I decided to break the awkward silence and greet her. “Good morning."
• She looked up at me, but instead of responding with a polite smile, her expression remained scowling.
• “It is what you think,” she replied, her voice laden with irritation.
• Her sharp response surprised me a bit, but it didn't make me back down. “Are you here for an interview?” I asked, trying to break the ice.
• She let out a bitter laugh. “Interview? No, I'm getting out of here. And frankly, if you're here for that, I recommend not applying to this place.”
• Her unexpected statement left me perplexed. “Why do you say that?”
• The woman burst into a torrent of words. She told me about the wasted hours doing tasks that weren't her responsibility, her unfair dismissal, and the undue pressure the company placed on its employees. Her outpouring was intense and emotional, and I listened attentively, unable to avoid a sense of discomfort.
• When Emma mentioned the CEO of the company, Robert Parker, my surprise was immense, but I decided not to reveal my identity immediately. She doubted that I knew the company's address, and her words pricked my ego like a needle.
• “Robert Parker, the CEO? Is he really that distant from the company?” I asked, my voice filled with surprise but maintaining the facade of a stranger.
• Emma, however, was not willing to soften her words. Her anger was palpable, and she replied bitterly, “You have no idea. They protect him as if he were some untouchable god. But the reality is that he has no clue about what goes on at the lower levels of the company.”
• I couldn't deny that her words deeply affected me. I couldn't gauge what hurt more, her claiming that I was protected like an untouchable god, or the fact that she saw me as a boss completely unaware of how the business really operated. It was very hard not to reveal my identity, but I remained steadfast. I was being challenged and insulted, but I needed to maintain my composure. I decided to continue the conversation, challenging her even further.
• “Do you doubt that he knows the company's address?” I asked, with genuine curiosity.
• “Exactly,” she said without hesitation in her response. “I bet he's at this very moment on a yacht on some of those paradise islands, with several women around him, without even suspecting that today was the presentation meeting for the new tablet. After all, he inherited the company, so he just goes around making decisions that affect our lives without even understanding how the business works.”
• My mind was occupied with the intensity of her words. That woman had a boldness I had never witnessed before in our company and seemed willing to challenge them openly. Her comments struck me on a personal level because I was right there, right in front of her, and not on a yacht with many women.
• “Well, that's certainly an interesting perspective. Do you think this Robert Parker guy should be more involved in what happens in the company?” I replied, my voice firm.
• She stared at me with intense eyes, as if evaluating my sincerity. “Absolutely. If he were more present and really knew what was happening, maybe things would be different. Possibly, I would still have my job. But what can you expect from someone who has everything handed to him, right? I bet he only thinks about his pocket.”
• Her words hit me hard. I was the CEO, and my responsibility was to ensure the company thrived, but I couldn't help but feel personally challenged and offended by her accusations.
• Before we could continue the conversation, the elevator stopped on an intermediate floor, and an employee of the company entered. He cast a curious look at both of us, but didn't say anything. The tense atmosphere in the elevator was palpable, and I knew it wasn't the right time to reveal my true identity.
• The elevator continued its descent and finally reached the lobby. Emma prepared to leave, and I turned to her, thanking her for her honesty.
• “I appreciate your honesty, Miss…?” I said, my voice reflecting my gratitude for her candor.
• She looked at me intensely and finally revealed her name. “Emma Williams.”
• I smiled slightly, responding with the nickname that only those in my family could call me, as I extended my hand toward her. “I'm Bobby.”
• Emma exited the elevator, carrying her box of belongings, and then she looked at me with a serious look. “Think carefully before applying to this company. It's better if you find a place where your work is truly valued.”
• I smiled slightly, feeling that there was something special about this courageous woman who dared to challenge the CEO of the company. That brief conversation left a profound impression on me. She was a bold woman, and her words echoed in my ears. Emma Williams had challenged me to be a more present leader, and I was willing to accept that challenge.