Chapter 5 Meet The New Boss
SIENNA
My heart stuttered and my body tightened when I recognized him. My hands became sweaty, and I pursed my lips. I could hear voices screaming stand and run, but my butt was rooted to the chair, doing otherwise. I shouldn’t have listened to the voice telling me to taste alcohol last night. I had just pushed myself into the lion’s den, and there was no possibility of leaving unscathed.
I tilted my head slightly so I could catch a glimpse of his face. Stern, sharp nose, brown eyes. He was handsome and, without doubt, rigid. I instantly hid my eyes before he could see me. What if he sacked me to conceal the mistake we both made last night? Because it had always been the less privileged who suffered in scenarios like this.
“The chairwoman expects our corporation’s annual report to be filled with zero errors and the profit to have a 200% raise.” He opened the document in front of him and skimmed through it. Then, he raised his head. “That means we all have to work double, as we’ve always done. I will not condone any form of slack from anyone,” he said.
Oh my God! He’s strict. That means he might not let me off. I might be punished for what happened between us. I gulped as I listened to his instructions.
Tension rose among us in the meeting room. Nobody dared look at his face. Everyone glanced everywhere but at him. Ethan stood up, rubbing his hands. I couldn’t hold my snicker when I saw his reaction. The bastard who derived pleasure from threatening others was even scared of the new CEO. He resembled someone who could wet his pants in a few seconds.
“Mr. Gray, welcome to the company. I am Ethan Rosewood, the head—”
“Skip the introduction and go straight to the point,” Lucian cut him short, rudely and impatiently.
Everyone shared glances and pursed their lips to stop the laughter surging within us from getting out. This was the first time Ethan was being humiliated in front of others. And this little gesture from Lucian actually melted my heart. I knew he didn’t do that for me. There was no way he knew he was the Ethan I was talking about last night. I assumed he did that because he was really impatient and hated people who loved to show off.
“Erm… my department was able to raise the company’s gross revenue by 120% last year, and I’m certain we will be able to do more this year.” He flashed a smile.
Lucian swayed his gaze over him. “And…?”
Again, everyone held their laughter. I swear I was enjoying this show of shame more than everyone in the room. I almost believed karma doesn’t exist. It fucking does. Ethan was humiliated privately, but guess who was made a laughingstock in front of the whole company? Him. Yeah. The whole company—because I was certain everyone in the company would know what happened to him as soon as the meeting ended. The news would spread faster than wildfire. I was among the tens of people who had been anticipating his day of shame.
His eyes wandered over everyone, red and glistening. I could tell he was frightened, uncomfortable, and oppressed. He looked like he was about to cry.
“I… I mean, hitting the chairwoman’s goal will be nothing if my department can earn more than they did last year,” he completed.
“That shouldn’t be news. Your department gets the highest salary in the whole corporation. It’s only right if you work for it.”
At this point, it seemed like Lucian really hated Ethan. The way he attacked him as though they were sworn enemies made everyone raise their heads. We weren’t frightened by his presence anymore; instead, we felt for Ethan, who had received several blows in the blink of an eye. He couldn’t speak anymore. He flashed a forced smile and reclined in his chair.
“Is there anyone who wants to give a report?” he asked.
There was silence. Who would dare stand?
I could feel my heart beating faster. It felt like it could malfunction from the excessive beating. I was terrified. This man was terrifying. If he could do that to an employee, what more to a stranger who shamelessly warmed his bed overnight? He could crucify me in front of anyone without pity.
Even though it hadn’t happened, I could imagine the judging stares, murmurs, and bad remarks I would get from my colleagues. No. He shouldn’t say anything. God, I hope he doesn’t have a retentive memory. If he does, make him forget me. He shouldn’t remember me for anything.
“The meeting has been adjourned since there’s nothing else to talk about,” he announced, stood up, and walked out of the room with his assistant behind him.
I didn’t know how long I had been holding my breath, but I let out a loud, deep one as soon as he walked past me. I shut my eyes, my chest heaving. I made the worst decision last night. I shouldn’t have listened to that horrible voice telling me to indulge in such an act.
At least, he didn’t see my face. Or maybe he already did and couldn’t identify me. Henceforth, I should avoid him as much as I can. If he didn’t see me, he wouldn’t remember.
“Ms. Sienna,” I heard a familiar voice behind me. When I turned, Ethan was in front of me, pushing a document toward me. “Take this to Mr. Gray’s office now.” His expression was fierce.
Is my ex-husband the devil sent to me?