Chapter three.

A CHANGE IN POINT OF VIEW.

The room was coated in a deadly silence; no one dared to breathe out of line or say a word. All focused on reading the expression on his face.

A blank look—means to redo.

A slight hook at the end of his lips—not bad. Redo.

A downward curve—has taken an interest and is seriously contemplating it.

And a bright smile—whoever gave the presentation is a goner. Roasted.

All the department heads sat pine straight on their seats, sweating profusely even under the cold temperature in the meeting room, as they watched the familiar smile slowly climb up Axel's lips.

"You spent a whole month—for this trash?" His eyes swept across the room, his voice dripping with venom.

"And Manager Owen. I have no problems with you having your subordinates do your work, but this—"

"I apologize, Mr. Axel." The middle-aged man quickly bowed in apology.

"Sorry? Sorry, won't cut this. The product is way below expectations." He stood up, pointing at the projection screen. "Where you all sleeping when this happened?"

"Mr. Axel, the sales dropped by only 0.05 percent." The head of marketing Team One tried to explain.

"Is it when it drops by 20, or fifty, that you realize that there is a problem?" He scoffed, and the others immediately held their tongues.

Seeing that his point had been understood, a soft smile spread across his lips. "I expect each of you to thoroughly analyze and create a plan to address the issue by the next meeting. I believe in your ability and expect everyone to contribute to finding a solution."

Without waiting for a reply, he walked out. His secretary tailing behind him.

"Mr. Axel, the drop in percentage is as a result of the sales that have yet to catch up in Asia."

"I know that," Axel said lightly.

"Then why?"

He knew what she wanted to ask, humming a reply. "They have been too laid-back lately. It's good to set their asses on fire every now and then."

"I see." Secretary Carol nodded in understanding.

"What else do I have to do today?" He asked.

Carol glanced at the planner she was holding and stated, "You have a one-on-one meeting with the finance director, Mr. Chris, lunch with Sean Olley from Rock Enterprise at 4:30pm, reviewing progress on ongoing projects and signing off the documents on your desk until 5:30pm, and after a short break, a dinner date with Miss Lewis."

"Why are they so many?" Mr Axel frowned, coming to a stop. "Cancel them all."

"What?!" Carol protested. "Mr. Axel, I am afraid I can't."

"I am tired." Axel waved her off, walking towards the exit. "Reschedule them for later."

"Mr Axel!!" Carol massaged her aching temple, resisting the urge to stomp her heels on the ground. "My blood pressure."

★★★★★★★★

At the bar—switch of pov.

"It is not that bad, right?" Karen returned with her tray, leaning against the end of the counter.

Lisa looked at her, pressing down a scowl.

Not that bad??!

In less than three hours, she had already been groped twice and barely avoided the third time.

If not for the fact that the salary was pretty good, she would have peeled off the sluty waitress uniform and made good use of the door.

She felt horrible, and the tiny skirt that barely covered her ass didn't do anything to help.

Seeing the expression that conveyed her negative impression, Karen put down her smile. Muttering. "Thank God that they  pay daily. It makes it easy to quit anytime."

Lisa also thought the same.

"Ladies?" Sam, who was manning the counter, called, and Lisa walked over. "Take this to room 7, will you?"

Karen raised a brow. "Isn't room 7 a V-VIP room upstairs?"

Lisa took the tray, glanced at her, then said "I will be right back."

It wasn't the first time she was working as a waitress, so Lisa wasn't bothered by the uniform heels as she climbed up the stairs.

This is the V-vip section, and it was her second time coming up here today. It was also the first time that she was groped.

With a bitter face, she knocked on the door before entering, head low. She diligently arranged the drinks on the table. Wanting to be gone as soon as possible.

She was  about to walk out when a deep, magnetic voice called out. Sending  shivers through her with just one word. "Wait."

Her shoes knocked against each other, and she hesitated before turning around. "How may I help you, sir?"

The man looked like he was in his late twenties, finely sculptured face with well-chiseled features, and his deep black eyes, which held an allure, gave off an untamed masculinity.

He had the vibe of a rich tycoon.

"What is your name, pretty?"

"I can't tell you that." Mc replied lightly and he leaned forward untangling himself from the ladies at both of his sides. 

He support his chin on his head. "Why?"

"Worker's privacy." Lisa lied. She really didn't felt like giving the man her name.

"Mr Axel. Have you perhaps taken an interest in the little waitress? " The man sitting next to him teased and the whole room fell into laughter. 

The room smelt of cigarettes, alcohol and hormones, and Lisa became uncomfortable with each passing second. 

Axel relaxed on the leather chair, eyes locked on her. Voice, particularly deep. "Indeed, I have."

"Huh—thank you." Lisa pressed the tray against her stomach. 

'i will take that as a compliment.' 

Just as she thought that she thought it was done, he spoke up again.

"Spend the night with me. Tell me how much?"

Lisa's head went black. "I am sorry, sir. But I don't do that."

"One million." 

"Ah—that is a lot of money." Lisa forced a smile. "But like I say, I really don't—"

"Five million."

Lisa sucked in a breath, and so did the others in the room. She opened her mouth to refute, and he once again said.

"Ten."

Seeing the dumbstruck expression on her face, he laughed, eyes glistening. "So what do you say?"