Chapter 4 ROBERT'S POV

I was in the parking lot of Parker Technology headquarters, with Silicon Valley surrounding me like a tangle of opportunities and challenges. My car was parked there, and I couldn't focus on what lay ahead, as my mind was preoccupied with the unexpected and enigmatic redhead who had crossed my path in the elevator.

Emma Williams. The name echoed in my mind, and I couldn't help but relive our brief encounter.

The redhead had a sharp tongue and an attitude that really hit my ego. It wasn't every day that someone dared to challenge my knowledge of the company. Despite my position as CEO of Parker Technology, I wasn't as distant from the employees as she seemed to think.

I knew I should focus on the responsibilities of my role, but something about that encounter had left me intrigued. Emma Williams was a talented professional, and her dismissal seemed unfair. I decided I needed to know more about the situation.

I decided I needed to learn more about her, and my phone was within reach of the car's seat. Not only that, but I picked up my phone, thinking about searching for her on social media. I didn't know why I was doing this, but some part of me felt an inexplicable curiosity about her.

However, before I could type her name in the search bar, a different idea crossed my mind. The information I needed wasn't on social media but in the company's records. I decided to get straight to the point and headed up to the floor where Parker Technology's Human Resources Department was located.

Olivia Parks, the head of the HR department, had her office always filled with employees needing to address personal or professional matters, but I rarely visited that floor, to the extent that I had only come once, during the company's inauguration, because if I admitted to doing that, I'd have to agree with what Emma said about me. Yes, my presence was uncommon; I could confirm that.

As I entered her office, Olivia looked surprised, her eyes widening in recognition and surprise. She stood up from her desk, trying to conceal her nervousness as she spoke.

"Mr. Parker, what can I do for you?"

"Olivia," I said with a nod. "I need information about an employee, Emma Williams."

She seemed a bit nervous about my presence and the unexpected request. "Of course, Mr. Parker. Give me a moment to check."

As she typed on the computer, my heart raced a bit faster. I was determined to find out more about Emma Williams, especially after the surprising turn of events she had brought to my day.

Olivia finally found the information I was looking for and looked at me with a serious expression. "Emma Williams was terminated from the company a few minutes ago, sir. She worked in the Marketing department."

That news surprised me. "Marketing? And who made the termination request?"

Olivia consulted the records on her computer and replied, "The request was made by Benjamin Cook, the Chief Marketing Officer."

Benjamin Cook. That made sense. Benjamin was responsible for the Marketing department and the presentation of the new tablet, which had been hindered by his lack of technological skills. Emma Williams must have been one of the casualties of that episode.

I wasn't willing to let this matter go, especially after my brief and intriguing interaction with Emma.

I stared at Olivia for a moment, considering how to ask the question that was nagging in my mind. Finally, I took a breath and said, "Olivia, I'd like to know what you think of me."

She stopped typing and raised her eyes, clearly surprised by the question. "I'm sorry, Mr. Parker, I don't understand."

"What do you think of me as the CEO of the company?" I rephrased the question, maintaining a calm but firm tone. "Do you think I'm an effective leader? Am I close to the employees? Do they see me as their leader?"

Olivia seemed somewhat uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation, but I was determined to address this issue. I wanted to know if my presence was felt and respected in the company I led.

She hesitated before responding, carefully choosing her words. "Mr. Parker, I don't want to lose my job."

I smiled, trying to ease her concerns. "Olivia, you have the freedom to speak honestly with me right now. I won't punish you for expressing your opinion."

She looked at me, assessing my sincerity, and finally agreed to speak. "Well, Mr. Parker, I think you're a competent leader. The company has been successful under your leadership, and that's undeniable. However, when it comes to closeness with the employees, I would say that, well, many of them have no idea who you really are."

My eyebrow arched in surprise. "And what do you mean by 'they have no idea who you really are'?"

Olivia seemed a bit uncomfortable but continued. "When I say that, I mean that most employees have never had the opportunity to interact directly with you. They know your name, of course, but they don't have a clear idea of what you do or what kind of person you are. I believe very few have had the chance to see you in person. In fact, this is the second time I've seen you... and the first time we've talked."

Her response was what I expected, though it wasn't easy to hear. I knew that my packed schedule and busy routine sometimes distanced me from the employees, but I didn't realize the gap was so significant.

"I understand," I replied, taking in Olivia's words. "This is something I need to seriously consider."

She looked at me, concerned. "I hope my honesty won't have negative consequences for me, Mr. Parker."

I nodded with a slight smile. "Olivia, honesty is something I value. You shouldn't worry about sharing your opinion with me. It's an important perspective I needed to hear."

She seemed relieved by my response, but there was still concern in her eyes.

"Can I help with anything else, Mr. Parker?" she asked, curious.

"Thank you, Olivia," I said, keeping my expression neutral. "That's all I needed to know."

She smiled, apparently relieved to have had the opportunity to express her opinion. "I'm glad I could help, Mr. Parker."

She nodded, still visibly nervous, and I left her office, my mind working on how to broach the subject with Benjamin. There was more to Emma Williams than I initially thought, and I was determined to uncover the truth behind her dismissal.