1. Bad-Arrogant Boss

"Where's Diane? Why hasn't she shown up yet?”

The man grumbled while adjusting the position of his tie, looking at himself in front of a body-length mirror located in the corner of the Rustic Style workspace. One side of the wall is filled with abstract paintings and chandeliers that hang in the middle of the sky.

His name is Nicolas Gauthier, the Main Director as well as the pioneer of the Buenos Solar Company, which in the past year has been in the public spotlight because it received an award as a newcomer start-up that has managed to reach the unicorn level in a relatively short time.

The thing that made him famous was not only about the significant progress of his company but also about his background in life. People sympathize and like stories about young people who are alone and who have managed to rise from poverty but aspire to develop a solar panel system for the future development of this country.

Even though this fact is almost 100 percent true, who would have thought that the arrogant and perfectionist Nicolas often made things difficult for his employees? His criticism was so sharp that it stabbed and hurt the hearts of every listener. He demands high-performance results and even pays attention to all the details that stress and pressure his subordinates.

"Gosh! What time is it?” Nicolas snorted in annoyance and sank into his high-backed throne. “Keenan, can't you call that girl now? When can I get my coffee this morning while the opening of the donation event is going to start!”

Keenan Martin, the deputy director, only took a short breath while still standing straight near Nicolas's desk.

"She asked to leave for a week," said Keenan calmly. Facing Nicolas' nagging every day has been like daily bread for him since they started this start-up company together.

"One week?" Nicolas raised his eyebrows, surprised, yesterday the girl didn't say anything to him. "Why did she ask for leave for that long?"

"Her mother had cancer surgery and she had to accompany postoperative care," said Keenan.

“Hmm! Then what about my caffeine?” Nicolas crossed his legs like a boss. He doesn't care about the personal lives of his employees. The most important thing for the man is that his daily routine should not be disturbed. "You know what, I can't concentrate if my day doesn't start with caffeine."

"I've ordered interns from another division to bring it," added Keenan. "I think he'll be showing up soon. Don't worry, there's still some time before those important guests come.”

Nicolas took a short breath. He only hopes that the event which is a symbol of handing over his donation to a charitable foundation can be finished smoothly. His remarks will be covered by many media and this is very important to maintain the image of Buenos Solar Company.

But, one thing that is now just remembered by the man. “Oh my gosh, my schedule! The day after tomorrow is my business trip to Berlin. Five days ago I had Dianne prepare some stuff. Then, how can she take time off for a week?” Nicolas’s hazel pupil eyes widened in annoyance.

"Don’t worry, she has entrusted the stuff to the chief secretary." Keenan was still standing in an upright position. Even though he and Nicolas have been good friends since they were in college, he always behaves professionally when it comes to work and position matters. "I'll check later."

"No!" Nicolas lifted his chin. “Call Dianne to face me, now!” For some reason, he was annoyed that the secretary who serve him did not ask him directly for permission about this furlough.

"Now?" Keenan felt that he had heard correctly. "But, her mother had surgery today."

"Tell her, come to me right now or she will leave forever." Nicolas also glanced at the luxury watch that was wrapped around his left wrist. "The donation handover event will start at nine, if the girl doesn't want to be unemployed, at least she has to show up before then."

Hearing this made Keenan Martin just shake his head. Even though Nicolas is a good friend, the 29-year-old man is scared when he's the boss. His words couldn't be denied at all, and Keenan was forced to ask Dianne to come. That girl must assuage the CEO's anger.

-o0O0o-

[Keenan Martin]: “Dianne, Mr. Nicolas refused your request for leave and told you to come before 9 o'clock. If you don't come, yesterday will be your last day in Buenos Solar.”

That was the message the girl read that morning when she had just arrived at the hospital and was taking care of all her mother's surgery necessary.

“Damn CEO! Heartless!” she cursed, kicking the big pillar that supported the Mecca Hospital lobby. “Today is an important day. My mother had surgery and the 'CEO of Zero Attitude' told me to stay and work? Ridiculous! Eh!" she snorted with feeling.

Her name is Dianne Rosallee, the intern who sacrifice by senior employees to serve the intimidating CEO.

This is Dianne's 100th day working at the Buenos Solar Company, no one knows when she will be a full-time employee. What is certain is that so far she is one of the secretary apprentices who has lasted the longest compared to her predecessors, who on average resigned before one month because they could not face Nicolas Gauthier's cruelty.

Dianne checked the time at the top of her cell phone screen which showed 08:25. “Ugh!! If I don't come, he will fire me and I won't be able to pay off my mother's cancer treatment, there's nothing that the CEO of Zero Attitude can't do!” she sighed frustrated. "But my mom will be in the surgery room in two hours."

After some deliberation, Dianne decided to finish her business with the CEO first. At least she would persuade Nicolas to give the permission just today to attend to her mother's surgery.

The girl didn't have time anymore, she immediately ran out of the Mecca Hospital building and stopped a passing taxi. Luckily the distance from the hospital to the office only takes 20 minutes.

After rushing to pay for the taxi, Dianne, who was still casually dressed, in a jean jumpsuit with a white t-shirt underneath, entered the Buenos Solar Group building. What a coincidence, she immediately ran into the CEO while waiting for the lift on the 1st floor.

“Mr. Nicolas.” Dianne took a breath when the figure she had been swearing at suddenly appeared in front of her.

Nicolas glanced at Dianne when he left the lift, the man grinned a little while muttering under his breath but his voice was still clear. “Useless!”

Nicolas just passed the girl with an annoying expression. In 5 minutes, the donation event will start. He must go to the hall to give a speech.

“Dianne, why did you just come?” Keenan who came out of the lift with Nicolas stopped for a moment and whispered. But then, he was astonished to see Dianne's attire as he wasn't used to seeing. “Eh, your clothes?”

"Ah! Sorry, Mr. Keenan. I read your message when I arrived at the hospital.” Dianne took in an exasperated breath and noticed the informality of her attire. "I was in a hurry and didn't have time to change my outfit."

Keenan just cleared his throat, Nicolas had already left and he had to catch up with the man before arriving at the big hall. "We will talk about it later, Dianne. Mr. Nicolas is furious. Don't go anywhere until the event is over, OK?”

"But, Sir! I have to accompany my mother before going to the surgery room," said Dianne. Unfortunately, the long-brown hair girl was unable to hold back Keenan's steps, let alone Nicolas’s.

Nicolas, who didn't care about what his apprentice secretary was urging, continued to walk quickly towards the hall. He just wanted to finish the donation ceremony without any significant obstacles.

However, in reality, a worry that he had been expecting since last night would actually happen on this D-day.

In the middle of his greeting speech, Nicolas found three red laser beams which were now aimed at his chest. It was as if several people in the crowd were pointing guns at him to bully him and instill fear.

"Look! What laser is that??”

“Could it come from a firearm? Oh no!"

"What is this? Who did that?"

The guests, important officials, and hundreds of students as receiver donations started to get scared. The main hall with terraced stands suddenly became noisy and full of tension.

“BOOM!!!”

Suddenly firecrackers exploded at various points so that the atmosphere became more chaotic and rowdy.

The security officers immediately moved to evacuate the audience, while Keenan now seemed to be rushing up the stage to protect Nicholas, the CEO.

Nicolas Gauthier just stood still, his eyes defiant with intense gazing all over the stands. A dilemma and anger are now boiling as well.

No way! That terror has come, again.