Chapter 3

“Sam, our new CEO is Charles,” said Cindy.

“I heard it, you don’t need to repeat it,” Sam replied in low spirit.

“Good evening everyone! Thank you for that wonderful introduction. It’s very heartwarming to hear those good words. I am looking forward to work with all of you. I will make it short as I know that it’s getting late already. Let us work hard together for the further success of the company. Thank you!” Everyone clapped again their hands.

Meanwhile, Sam did not know what to do. ‘How am I going to work with him? Should I resign? No, my hard work will be put to waste if I resign.’ She left the party dispirited with Cindy.

“So, are you excited?” Cindy teased her. She did not answer as she still absorbing the fact that their new CEO was her ex-boyfriend.

“Hey, don’t be like that. You looked so worried.”

“I’m doomed.” She said dejectedly.

“Why? I think it’s a good thing. Maybe he is still in love with you that’s why he’s now our CEO. Maybe he wants to chase after you.” Cindy spoke with sparkling eyes.

“Are you out of your mind? After what I did, do you think he’s here to chase me? Don’t speak nonsense.” She rolled her eyes.

“Hmmm..so he’s here for revenge?”

“Don't you think so?” She’s worried that he did it on purpose to get his revenge.

“You're overthinking. Do you think he would spend a lot of effort just to avenge his ex-girlfriend because she did not accept his marriage proposal?"

Sam calmed down a bit. What Cindy said made sense. After all, if Charles really wanted to avenge her, he might do it a long time ago.

The following day, all the managers were called for a meeting.

All of them are expected to give a brief presentation about the current status of the company including its financial status. They were gathered for the new CEO to have an idea of how the business goes.

Sam was sitting beside Henry. She was distracted the whole time seeing Charles in front. But she knew that she should present her best. So it’s now her turn.

“Good morning Mr. Davidson! Our last year’s sales have increased by 40% versus the previous year while our expenses were decreased by 5% and as a result, we have a Net Income of 20% which is double the amount compared to the previous year. We are now targeting-”

“Does it mean that expenses last year are that high that even if expenses were reduced by 5% the company just got 20% net income?” Charles interrupted her presentation.

“Yes, but it is still a good figure since the net income became double compared from the previous year.” She calmly explained.

“I got it. But-“

“But we are now targeting to lower the expenses by 10% this year to maintain the 20% net income.” She added.

“What? Maintain the 20% net income? I want 30% net income this year. Lower the expenses by 20% or increase the target sales by 50%.”

“Mr. Davidson as much as we wanted to reduce the expenses, we are afraid that it might affect our operations. As to the target sales, you may discuss it with the Sales Team."

“I don’t care how you will do it. I want 30% net income this year. Okay, next." Three more managers presented after her. The meeting has ended afterward.

Sam was in deep thought after the meeting. She was thinking that having Charles as the CEO of the company could make her life hard.

During their lunch break, Cindy consoled her. “Sam, don’t mind him. Maybe he was just challenging us. As the new CEO, he does not want us to slack off.” Sam did not respond. After a while, she spoke.

"How I wish that was the case. But I really have a bad feeling." The more she thought about it, the more anxious she gets.

Suddenly a bouquet of red roses appeared on their table. It was Henry, he gave the flowers to Sam.

“What’s with the mood? Cheer up!”

That’s one good side of Henry. He is thoughtful and he knows how to lighten up her mood. That’s why she treats him as a friend even though she knows his feelings for her.

“Thank you, but I will appreciate it more if you gave me chocolates than these flowers.” She sighed.

“Ta-daaaan! I know you would say that!” He winked at her while handing her the chocolates.

Henry has no idea that Charles was her ex-boyfriend but he noticed that she's not in the mood after the meeting earlier. That's why he thought of giving her flowers and chocolates as consolation.

“I was just joking. Anyway, thanks!” Sam smiled while opening the pack of chocolate. Her mood slightly lightens up after eating chocolates.

"Ms. Wilson, Mr. Davidson was looking for you. Please come to his office." Jayson, the assistant of Charles, called her.

She gave a meaningful look at Cindy before she replies. "Alright."

At the CEO's office.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in." Sam heard his cold voice inside the room.

She opened the door and walked into the office. 

"Sit down," Charles said without looking at her.

"Mr. Davidson, what can I do for you?" She asked innocently when Charles did not say anything. 

He looked at her. "I would like to see the three-year Financial Statements of the company. Then, we will discuss what are the expenses that we shall cut this year."

"Right now?" She was still on break time that's why she asked.

"Yes. Is there any problem, Ms. Wilson?" He asked back. "Don't tell me that you are busy." I just saw you flirting with another guy. But he did not dare to tell the last sentence. 

"No problem, I just thought that you are busy enough that even during a lunch break you are still working. Please excuse me, I will get the financial statements." She said as she turned around to leave without waiting for his reply.