Chapter 5 Quite a shock

Alisha had just finished having a meeting with her production team, about 10 of them were seated round the table, the meeting room was huge, there was a coffee cup in front of each staff member, everyone was about to leave when the manager walked in with a tall handsome young fellow following behind him.

Alisha gasps "what is he doing here?" She whispered to herself in utmost shock, the expression was written all over her face. Everyone could see that she was clueless and was as surprised as they were, yes she informed them about the new director but nobody expected to meet him so soon as they were all caught off guard.

Alisha looked at the faces of her colleagues and could see how the females faces were lit with surprises and admiration, she knew they were carried away by the looks of Zeriel, she sensed jealousy and unease in the males faces, she could tell they felt insecure and low self esteem comparing themselves to the handsome dude standing right there. "What could he be doing here?"

She thought but was called to attention as the manager broke off the silence which lingered for minutes. "Um good day everyone, I have an important announcement to make.I believe Miss Alisha here has briefed you all on the new development in the company".

He looked at Alisha and nodded his head signaling her that she had done well.

"Standing beside me Is our new director and owner of the company Mr Sean Zeriel", the manager turned towards Zeriel.

The staff looked at each other, they all stood up and bowed in unison. "Welcome sir" they echoed. Zeriel stood for a few minutes listening to their thoughts, he smiled before he took a few steps forward to address them.

"Like he introduced I'm Mr Zeriel, I'm glad to meet you all, I've long admired this department as I'm a huge fan of perfumes, I believe you all will put out your best, and most importantly I want results, I don't accept failures and I don't condone any form of indiscipline and nonchalant behavior so please be guided.

Thank you", he said with a plain cold face void of all emotions.

He turns to the manager, "may I have a one on one discussion with the team manager?". The manager looked a little surprised but who was he to argue with the new director. "You're dismissed" he said, turning to face the staff, "except for the team manager". 'His here and he's already bossing me around, what a showoff' he said in his thought which didn't escape Zeriel's ears. Zeriel just gave him a cold smile, everyone walked out of the room, that was when Alisha who went to sit at the corner at the sight of him came out, "I'm doomed" she whispered.

The moment Zeriel got a glimpse of her walking towards him his face became more expressionless and plain. "Hey clumsy, Why are you everywhere?" he said with a grin. "It seems you have met with our production manager," the manager said with a smile. Zeriel was speechless for a moment, that one caught he off guard he then turned to the manager, "you can now excuse us". "Okay sir",he replied with a frown and left.

Alisha stood before him."I know you're disappointed to see me, it's not my fault I'm everywhere, trust me I'm as surprised as you are, and I'd avoid you by any means possible".

"Sit" Zeriel said, it sounded more like an order than an instruction. She sits on the chair facing him, he stands before her like a giant, Is he going to get back at me for getting in his way?

She was lost in thought. Seeing the way she was lost in her thoughts while he stood in front of her, irritated him. "What's going on in that little head of yours?"

This time his voice sounded calm but cold, he hated that he couldn't read her mind, "I'm talking to you miss". She snapped from her thought, "oh so sorry, It's Alisha sir", she replied looking away. "Aren't you the lady who bumped into me in the elevator? Why did you run off ? And don't think of lying to me" he hates when people try to lie or deceive him. "U-Um, yes but trust me it was an accident, I really didn't mean to bump into you.....it just always happened and it's really annoying". "Are you saying I'm annoying?" He couldn't believe she actually indirectly called him an annoying person.

"No no sir... I I '' she didn't know what to say, he kept putting her in a tight spot.

"I perceived a scent from you earlier", he bends closer to sniff at her "a very familiar scent" he repeated moving closer to her. Lisha was already feeling sweaty and nervous as she moved back, "excuse me sir". Zeriel halts as he realizes how close he was to her, he took a proper look at her and for the first time he had ever gotten a clearer view of her, he realized that she was quite a beauty, her round hazel eyes was glaring at him, her pointed nose and her small red lips setting beautiful on her oval face, those lips were tempting to kiss. He looked at her again and shifts back He realized his nasty thoughts and quickly snapped out of it. and clears his throat.

"It's my favorite perfume, I produced it, it's one of the best selling products" she said looking proud and satisfied.

"Was it your work?" Zeriel replied astonished but hid his expression. "It's my favorite, that perfume drew my attention to the company and that was more reason I have an interest in this team, later I'll discuss a new project with you, I need a fragrance that calms the mind, it has to have a psychological effect to the mind, I hope it's not a hard task?".

"No sir, I love new challenges" she said with a bright smile. "Then I hope you won't let me down," he replied. "We're done here, I need your profile at my office right away". "Do you mean everyone's profile or just mine?" She asked respectively. "You heard me just yours?"

He observed her expressions and began walking out of the office. "Why?" She questioned, trying to catch up to his pace as they walked. "Do I have to explain myself to you?", he halts and gives her a cold warning glare.

"Fine, I'll send someone to bring it." How can he easily change his expression? "Bring it yourself", he replied and walked away.

She groans angrily, "my days of peace are finally over" she said rolling her eyes.

"Why in the whole world does the new director have to be of all people?" she said as she walked towards the direction of her office. Alisha's gaze was fixed on her computer, her hands were busy typing, she was sorting out some files and then her phone rang, she paused and stared at the phone, she picked up the phone taking a deep breath of relief.

"Hey babe what's up?", "you sound stressed" maddie replied over the phone "is everything okay?". "It's been a stressful day". "Awwwn so sorry babe,Once you're off work I'll take you out somewhere relaxing". "You wouldn't believe what happened today at work, I experienced the biggest shock of my life". "I felt embarrassed, it was quite a shock" she said with a serious face.

"I'm all ears girl" Maddie sounded excitedly on the phone. "I'll tell you the details when we meet," she smiled.

"You know I hate it when you leave me hanging," she replied. Alisha office line starts ringing "I'll get in touch babe, work calls I have to take this call".

"Nooo wait" Maddie's voice echoed . Lisha hangs up to pick up the other call.