VI

Zen is not too sure but maybe Emma has been sending him mixed signals. There are times when Emma was being too sweet to him as if they were lovers, but time comes when she suddenly draws a line between them.

And recently, it's been making him so confused.

As a man, Zen always finds women hard to understand. One minute they show you they like you, and another, they suddenly dump you like crazy.

Mr. Alfonso sits in his office chair with a slumped back. He's got to focus on work now but all his mind thinks about is that beautiful omega.

"Come to think about it, Ms. Claire hasn't arrived yet."

Zen then taps the shoulder of another coworker, "Excuse me, where is Ms. Claire?"

The employee nonchalantly shrugs, "She's absent today." and ends the conversation promptly to continue typing in the laptop.

'Absent, huh. That's the first time I heard her miss work.'

****

A female employee hurriedly enters the room while panting heavily. "Everyone, urgent!"

Everyone else stopped what they were doing to listen to what she has to say. "There's going to be a meeting with the board of directors. I need Ms. Claire to present the new project."

All looked worried about realizing one crucial problem. She isn't here! "Um.. Ms. Claire is absent."

The female employee who entered abruptly knits her eyebrows in frustration. "Well Mr. Claude needs someone to present. Anyone who could volunteer?"

Although it wasn't intentional, most glanced at Zen so he had no option but to stand up from his seat and take the responsibility. "How about me? I've been actually helping her make the presentation so I know a few things."

Lie. He actually doesn't know just a few things but rather almost everyting about the project. Emma Claire who was supposed to be his mentor instructed him to do it all by himself insisting he needed to improve his work ethics. Of course she said it in the guise of a favor from a very close friend.

The female employee clasped her hand, "Great! Be sure to be in the meeting room before 2PM."

After leaving, Zen sat down and released a tensed sigh after holding it for so long. Karl goes near him and taps his back a bit too strongly, "It's okay, Mr. Alfonso. I know you could do it. Just don't offend the board of directors or else you'd get fired." He laughs insensitively

"Thanks." Zen laughs along with him but he knew his joke could be the future later on if he would mess up the presentation.

****

Zen arrives at the meeting room 30 minutes early, he seriously got to focus this time. There's no place for errors. It's either do or get fired.

And Mr. Alfonso isn't willing to get fired over a wrong presentation. Although, he lacks experience in office jobs, he takes pride in his high intellect and determination.

'Mm.. if the outcome would be positive, maybe I'd even get promoted!' Zen wonders enthusiastically.

He prepares the laptop, turned on the a/c, and sets up the projector.

It didn't take long when the members of the board each arrived. He greeted them politely and even bowed in 90° angle which they find admiring.

"I look forward to the meeting." One man in probably his 40's said with a smile after shaking hands with Zen.

Suddenly, Zen notices that the laptop won't open. Perhaps it was already battery dead, so he bends down to the wooden podium and tries to connect the charger properly.

He didn't notice that the CEO has already entered the room. The board of directors greeted him respectfully. "Good morning Mr. CEO—"

"Spare me the pleasantries. Where's the presenter? I still have a meeting later."

That's when Zen realizes that he's been wasting time when a member knocked on the wooden podium, where he's at. He promptly stands up, accidentally hitting his head on the process.

"Err— hi." He scratches the part of the head where it hurt.

Mr. Claude, upon looking at him, widens his eyes a bit whilst also raising his thick brows. He didn't imagine that the new employee would be the one presenting an important project.

'Let's see how good he can be.'

"..."

"...Mr. Alfonso, the presentation."

"Ah— right! Let me get ahead with that." Thankfully, after Zen had plugged in the charger, the laptop successfully turned on. All he has to do now is to do well in the presentation.

'I can do it!' He mentally says then raises his fist a bit making him a total dummy in front of the wealthy bosses. They looked at him like they knew that he would make a complete fool of himself.

Meanwhile Mr. Claude smirks, amused by the new employee's silliness.

The presentation started and contrary to everyone's expectations, Mr. Alfonso delivered his presentations quite well.

He was concise, quick-witted and well-spoken that made everyone drop their jaws in shock.

'No way, how could an employee who was not even the one supposed to present, deliver the project so cooly.'

'He's a total pro!'

Even when some insecure members shot rude remarks and questions, Mr. Alfonso remained well-mannered and answered like a real pro.

Inwardly, the CEO is liking the situation for a few members of the board are clenching their teeth in anger. He didn't know that few members whom he disliked for their disloyalty could show reactions so strongly over a good new intern.

"As for the possible results, we think it is right to collect feedbacks from users in order to improve our products—"

Mr. Claude raised his hand, "That's enough."

Zen who was a bit stunned, "Pardon, sir?"

Mr. Gil, a balding member of the board hides his amusement and snickers to himself. 'That's what that show-off will get.' he thought.

"I think the meeting's been dragged for too long."

Zen bows down, discouraged. "I'm sorry, sir."

Mr. Claude leans on the long glass table and rests his chin on both of his hands. "What I'd like to really know, is your opinion."

They all looked at him confused.

'Weren't he gonna scold him??' - Mr. Gil.

"What do you think is the success rate of the product?"

Zen's eyes lit up by his question. "Honestly... Mr. Claude, I think creating a smartwatch with installed hologram can be just a piece of cake especially for your company. But as it is too newly tech, it could amass negative views more than positive ones. But if we add an advanced security and lock feature, it could be a safe use for users and prevent bad individuals from misusing it."

"Hmm.." The CEO didn't reply right away which made Zen gulped a saliva forming in his mouth.

"Security and lock feature. I liked that idea." He then abruptly stands up from his seat and fixes his suit.

"The meeting's adjourned." He says slowly walking towards the door. But he stops midway and talks without facing Zen.

"And you, Mr. Alfonso. Submit a full report of the product with your insights by tomorrow in my office." He then leaves quickly.

The CEO then was followed by the board of members. Some who were naturally kind, congratulated Zen for the good work.

The beta who remains standing still in the meeting room weakens his knees and falls down to the floor.

"Aack! I can't believe it, he liked my idea!"

Excitement, joy, and an increase of self-esteem were clearly written all over his beautiful face.