"Yeayy, Madame Daphne is cool. I just want to hug her!" said Eve, returning to her room.She crossed paths again with Dave, who was probably going to his boss's room. Immediately, Eve approached the young man whose face was quite handsome, even with his work glasses."Dave, thank you so much!" Immediately Eve grasped Dave's two hands and jumped up to make him dance for joy."Hey, you did it? Cool!" Dave joined in the cheering as Eve's happiness radiating from her face was so hypnotizing it rubbed off on him.Eve nodded vigorously and then cheered, "And it was all because of your help! It's a good thing you immediately mentioned that magic name, Dave."If Dave were a girl, Eve wouldn't have hesitated to hug or kiss him on both cheeks. Unfortunately, he is a man, so that is impossible."Haha, maybe it's your destiny to work here longer, Eve," Dave replied casually. It would be nice for him to see Eve hanging around in the same office. Maybe they could also get close or--oh, Dave immediately dismissed his thoughts that started to wander.He didn't know what Eve was going to say next because their exciting conversation was immediately interrupted when a heavy, reprimanding voice pierced his ears,"What the h*ll happen here?"Eve immediately put on a triumphant face considering she had managed to defeat the arrogant boss who was now standing there.While Dave, on the other hand, Dave looked as if he had committed a grave crime, but the man's expression immediately looked scared to death. Of course, he was afraid that the boss would find out that he was the one who had suggested to Eve to meet Mrs. Daphne. Gery could hang him. Yes, there was no doubt about that!Gery's sharp gaze immediately scanned Dave while narrowing, as if by doing so, he would be able to know what was in the mind of his trusted assistant.Dave stood there with his legs trembling slightly and didn't dare to look directly at Gery."I'm so sorry, sir," he said, still with a deep downcast pose.Oh my! Eve almost snorted at Dave's outrageous subservience to Gery. She would not do such a thing even if Gery were her boss. No, because it was clear that the man held a burning grudge against her and had already proclaimed that he would continue to harass her while working at the company. Damn!"So you're helping this sneaky girl, hm?" asked Gery angrily.Dave still needs time to reply. His lips were even trembling now."Go to my office now!" ordered Gery because he was reluctant to discuss his internal matters with his assistant in front of his arch-enemy girl.He walked back to his room, canceling his intention to go downstairs because the business of nagging and possibly firing Dave was much more important at that time. Damn, how could his assistant betray him and defend Eve? Dave's an asshole!"Oh, God," Dave complained softly, but it was enough to be heard by Eve. Immediately, the girl wondered what was wrong."Why, Dave?" she asked, not understanding the big trouble happening."I'd have him hanged if he knew I told you about Mrs. Daphne," Dave complained later with slumped shoulders. He then limped off to follow his boss, who had gone far ahead."Take it easy. If Mr. Gery dares to mess with you, I'll help you," said Eve, who immediately felt guilty because it was because of her that Dave was now in big trouble with his boss. Hanged, he said? Oh my! What a cruel and lawless boss Gery is! Eve thought to herself with great dismay.When Dave arrived at Gery's room, Gery welcomed with a piercing gaze that was already aimed straight at him. Gery stood with his waist girded and seemed ready to kill or mutilate Dave on the spot at that time.Dave chuckled a few times. He didn't know what to say first in front of his boss."So? Do you want to die already, ha?" Finally, Gery's booming voice broke the total silence.Dave almost jumped out of his skin at being rebuked so harshly. In all his working life, this was the first time he got such a scary yell from his boss. Dave had always been efficient and good at his job, making him Gery's confidant and right-hand man. Now, just because he had a crush on a new employee like Eve, he had to take the brunt of it, getting scolded by his boss!"Answer! Do you want to die? Or get fired, huh?" Gery scolded again. Now his hands were pounding the table hard, not caring that his palms were hot. Shit!"I am sorry, Sir. I am just--""You're just being treacherous, eh?" interrupted Gery. The look of anger couldn't leave the CEO's handsome face.Dave looked down again. He was sure that no matter his excuses, he wouldn't survive this time. Mr. Gery must be furious and would punish him severely. Oh my God!"Tell me why you defended that girl while betraying me. Who is your boss? You're interested in her, aren't you?"I swear to God, but Dave never thought that Mr. Gery would ask him that question. Then, what should he answer? It's impossible to tell the truth, right?"I'm not--""Answer correctly! Are you attracted to her? Like her? Do you?" she asked, still glaring at him."Of course not, Sir. I'm sorry, but I just feel sorry for her because she wants to continue working here, Sir--""And what about you, are you tired of working here already? Do you want to be fired already?""No, sir, please forgive me-"Before he could continue his sentence, Gery had already rebuked him again. The man's index finger was pointed right at his face, threatening."Listen! I want to fire you right now. But the thing is, I've got a lot of work to do! I'll forgive you this time as long as you keep one thing in mind! From now on, if I ever find out that you helped that little girl again, you're finished! Not only will you be fired, but you'll even lose your life! You heard that!""Yes, sir," Dave replied with a sigh of relief. It was a good thing he was still alive. He thought that he would only remain a name for betraying his boss. Oh my! Mr. Gery's attitude changes are sometimes so absurd. He could suddenly be fierce but soon returned to his usual demeanor. But that last warning was something he had to obey if he didn't want to get into trouble again next time."Okay, Eve. Now fight on your own," Dave whispered to himself.
For the rest of the day, Gery was grumpy. He nagged Dave as well as some of the managers who happened to see him that afternoon. Everyone wondered what was wrong with their boss. It was apparent that he was in a bad mood."What's wrong with Mr. Gery?" asked Ms. Jenni, the marketing manager who was Eve's boss.Dave just shrugged his shoulders. He was in a bad mood because the work atmosphere was no longer comfortable. It was unusual for Mr. Gery to be like that after the incident about two years ago when a very personal problem entangled the man.The woman then stepped into the CEO's room to meet Mr. Gery, who had called her on the parallel office line with a furious tone. She became a little afraid of whether she had made a mistake or what to be called so suddenly without any need beforehand.Inside, the tall man was sitting behind his desk, gazing down at the files."Um, sir... did you call me?" asked Ms. Jenny as she cleared her throat slightly to announce her presence, even though
Sofia handed over the documents from her investigation into Eve the following day. That is a thick file containing her data, educational history, the results of a psychological interview from the Vinestra company, and other data that Sofia's people had searched for and observed. Mrs. Daphne, who had just finished her morning tea, immediately received and examined the file sheet by sheet. Several times she seemed to chuckle or clear her throat a little, but her eyes remained focused as if she didn't want to miss anything. "Excellent! I knew Eve was a pretty special girl. Isn't that right, Sofia?" commented Mrs. Daphne after examining the file. "That's right, ma’am. There are hardly any blemishes in her record of achievements and grade results during her education. Also, her external and family demeanor is quite good and harmonious. As for her social life, she often associates with college friends who communicate often and go on trips or vacations together." Sofia mentioned the things
And that night, Gery didn't leave the house. He usually preferred to spend the night at his favorite cafe or studio to relieve stress after work by playing billiards and drinking with his friends or business colleagues. He had to give in and stay home to wait for dinner with his dear grandmother.He knew she had something important to talk about because it was unusual for her to ask him to dinner at home. Yes, Mrs. Daphne had been giving Gery free time in the evenings since she had been driving him all day in the company. That wise woman would know that a young man of Gery's age would also need time to himself to enjoy his life as a young man without the restraints and strict supervision of his grandmother."Am I interrupting your big plans for tonight, Gery?" asked Mrs. Daphne when they finally gathered in the large dining room with the large, luxurious oval table that would, unfortunately, be occupied by just the two of them eerily quiet.It was also the reason why the two of them v
Eve has been working overtime at night for the past few days. She had yet to hear that the new employee could work late at night. But because of Mrs. Jenny's strict attitude, Eve didn't dare to argue. Moreover, recently, she had seen her boss woman behaving strangely toward her. There seemed to be something wrong, but she didn't know what.Even though she had a tough day at the office, Eve considered it a test during her internship. Maybe Vinestra is the company that initially molds its new employees into tough workers. Hence, it immediately imposes heavy work with long overtime hours. Perhaps it's just their way of finding the best of the best, Eve thought, consoling and encouraging herself.And when Mrs. Jenny became increasingly nasty by blaming her for things that weren't her fault, Eve kept patient."What's wrong with her? It's like she's having problems with her husband, oh gosh!" grumbled Eve as she stepped out of the room with a permit to the bathroom, even though Eve avoided
"But, Sir. So what if I feel attracted to Eve and want to get close to her? Isn't that okay if it doesn't interfere with my work?" Dave finally asked. He was starting to wonder about the prohibition that his boss had just stated. Why was he strictly forbidden to get close to Eve? What could it be? His mind was wandering all over the place.Hearing the assistant's protest, Gery was outraged. He thought it was a deliberate act of defiance."Oh, now you dare to go against my orders, right? Whereas usually you always say yes to whatever I want. See how you've changed since you got to know that girl. That's why I told you to stay away from her, Dave. It's all for your good!" Gery argued with his opinion that everything was Eve's fault.Dave was getting suspicious. "I have been obeying all your orders because they are worth obeying, Sir. But this time, I'm sorry that I have to ask your absurd prohibition because, in my opinion, my closeness to Eve in this office is none of your business."G
"Oh, hi, Eve. I was just talking to Sofia about you," greeted Mrs. Daphne, who welcomed Eve into her office.The woman glanced at the clock on the wall that didn't show the break time for regular employees, so she thought Eve must have an urgent business this time. Was Gery making things difficult for her again? Mrs. Daphne wondered to herself."I'm sorry, Ma'am. But I dared to come here again because Mr. Gery is making trouble again. Mr. Gery fired Dave because Dave briefly chatted with me in the corridor. I don't think that's a mistake worth punishing so severely, Ma'am." Eve babbled on what she had come to the room.Mrs. Daphne seemed surprised to hear the news."Oh my! What happens to that child?" Mrs. Daphne complained later. She had to sit back on the sofa to calm herself down because acting out her emotions would not suit her heart health.With Sofia's entrance, Mrs. Daphne told her assistant to call Gery. However, she was even more surprised to find Sofia's response."I'm sorry
Gery was quite angry when he learned Eve once again complained to her grandma about Dave's dismissal. However, before he could confront his grandma for being too kind to give Dave a job in another division, he was already preoccupied with the amount of work left behind by his former assistant.Sofia immediately reminds him that he needs to find another assistant to replace Dave. And the woman who had been considered like her own family by Gery even ignorantly proposed Eve's name. Meanwhile, Mrs. Daphne kept quiet and watched her grandson's reaction, pacing back and forth in confusion."How about asking Miss Eve to take Dave's place, Sir?" suggested Sofia.Of course, Gery was flabbergasted. "Oh, my God! Don't ever mention that name in front of me, Sofia. Otherwise, from now on, I will stop considering you as a wise counselor!" Gery sarcastically scolded.Sofia let out a long sigh. "But finding a competent assistant is not that easy, Sir. You'll be in trouble if you don't get a replacem
"Good afternoon Eve. Please take a seat. I've been waiting for you," Mrs. Daphne replied.Eve drew her lips into a smile despite the pounding in her chest, wondering what Mrs. Daphne had for her that day.She then sat before the Madame, trying to make herself comfortable. Sofia soon returned with a tray of cold drinks for her."Thank you very much, Mrs. Sofia," Eve said as she sipped her drink. It was enough to cool her throat and hopefully cool her down. God, next time she would have to thank Sofia specifically because the woman often saved her from uncomfortable moments without even being asked.A moment of silence reigned. Mrs. Daphne seemed to wait until Eve had finished her cold drink, and then she spoke up."Are you busy in your division, Eve?" the Madam asked to start the conversation."Yeah, quite a lot, Ma'am. Mrs. Jenni has given me a lot of assignments since day one, and I haven't even touched some of the files because there are so many, hehe." Eve was immediately provoked