90 Days With The Wicked CEO

"If you're not a perfect employee, you don't have the right to complain. And one more thing, if you have a problem with your employer, don't post it on your social media! Can your followers and friends do anything to make your job easier? Do you think that they can search for a new job for you? Come on Ms. Ara, grow up!"

Ara bowed because her strict boss Howard is currently roasting her. It was about her posting a long rant post related to her work when she was assigned to render an overtime for the whole week. She just made a mistake because she forgot that she's friends with her boss on that social media. Her post was visible to his account since it was a company rule that every employee under the company should add their big bosses on social media.

"I'm sorry Sir Howard, I deleted that post as well," Ara apologized.

Even though she hasn't been Howard's secretary for a long time, she will definitely be replaced soon. The HR Manager even said that Howard had eight more secretaries before she got hired even though the year has not ended. Howard was too picky about his future secretary and he doesn't like lousy and slow learners. Well, Ara isn't like that but he also doesn't like employees who love to complain about their work. If they can't follow his standards, they are free to leave and close the door and just let someone who's qualified to open it again.

"Can you delete your account as well? And from now on, go home and just browse on social media. Maybe soon, you could find a new job opening posts," Howard sarcastically uttered.

Ara wasn't surprised anymore. Howard is really like that when it comes to making decisions and many employees are already sick of his behavior.

Tears welled up in her eyes but she knew Howard had no empathy. His heart is even harder than a typical stone. He's very inconsiderate and very stressful to handle. Well, she guessed that her work dismissal was still in her favor.

She nodded and spontaneously walked out of Howard's office. She even met his cousin Jared who was about to go inside but she never greeted him.

"What happened to Ms. Ara?" Jared asked as his gaze followed Howard's tearful secretary.

"I fired her. As simple as that," Howard replied and focused on his own desktop. Firing employees was a normal thing for him to do.

"Why? Ara is kind and hardworking, she doesn't have a family yet so she's focused on work. It will be difficult for the HR manager to find a replacement for her," Jared said regretfully.

"Howard, when are you going to stop giving pain to the employees around you? I knew you were strict but I feel like it's too much. You're crossing the line with your inconsiderate actions." Jared shook his head several times.

Howard seemed to be frustrated with the slapped truth on his cousin but he doesn't buy that. He automatically turned to him with a threatening look.

"And who are you to say that? I'm the CEO of SLI so I just have to make sure the workflow here is perfect. I don't want to disappoint my dad."

Jared remained silent and suddenly snorted so he just made his cousin more annoyed at him.

"Anyway, that's your mindset because you didn't work hard to get your title today. You just inherited your position and the company as well. Howard, can you put your feet in someone else's shoes? Have some empathy for the people around you, don't abuse your power as CEO."

Now he seems to be beaten with the words left by Jared. But he will not admit it because he already imprinted in his brain that a CEO will never commit such mistakes in imposing decisions.

"I'm not a power tripper. I just don't like people who have weak brains. What do you need?" he asked to change the subject.

"There's a dinner meeting at the Fontabella residence, they said you should go home early," Jared advised.

"And what was that meeting for?"

"I do not know. By the way, Howard, do you know Mang Elmer? The driver who drove you when you went to the province of Natividad?"

He frowned at Jared's question. "Of course. The driver who caused me to get lost and almost didn't arrive on time at the meeting venue? How can I forget that old man?"

Jared sighed and wondered if he would continue what he wanted to say.

"You fired him as a driver but in fact, it's uncle who hired him and not you. And the wife of that poor man died because you fired him."

"What do I care if his wife dies? It's his personal life."

"You deprived the man of his livelihood. I hope you can change somehow."

He couldn't understand what Jared had said. He just let him leave the office and at that point, he looked back at the mistakes he had made.

***

"I thought we were having a dinner meeting, but there was no dinner and it's amazing that we're the only ones here at this table. Dad, are you going to tell me something?"

Mr. Simeon Fontabella stared meaningfully at his son Howard because of the question he asked.

"You have no clue?" His dad, Simeon, laughed.

"That's why I'm asking, dad."

He sighed deeply and handed the white folder to Howie. "What is this?"

"Why don't you open it? You're big enough for spoon feeding."

Howard shook his head as he opened the folder. He frowned at what he saw.

"A Leave form and resignation letter, effective immediately? What nonsense is this, dad? You know that I don't want to give up my career."

Anytime, he wants to tear those papers into pieces. And what did his father think of doing that? He knew that he's doing fine. Because of him, the company is booming and slowly gaining more investors.

"But you need to end your career. No buts, just follow me. Jared already told what happened to Mang Elmer, didn't he? So I'm going to give you a lesson. Go to the province of Trias for vacation and reflect on your past actions."

His eyes widened even more in shock.

"Me? Will you send me to a place where there is a war? No dad! This is so insane!" he protested.

"No 'buts' and 'No'," Simeon insisted.

"Your performance as a CEO doesn't matter if you still don't change, Howard."

"I am planning something good for you as I'm taking your position away from you for a while. Just trust me Howard, I will not harm you because you are my son."

What they talked about last night with his father was still in Howard's mind. As usual, he had a gloomy feeling and he blamed everyone in the office. Everything has ruined, he canceled all meetings because he was not in the mood to face anyone.

He just frowned when there was a knock on the door. Although he didn't want to open who it was, the door opened on its own and he got annoyed because it was just Jared, intentionally messing with him.

"How are you Howard? Raymart is looking for you, you have a meeting," Jared opened up to him.

"I lost my enthusiasm to meet all of them."

The papers on his desk flew away so his cousin just laughed.

"If we only just didn't have to be formal here at SLI, people would probably think that you're crazy," Jared laughed.

"Stop it Jared, you're not helping," Howard angrily replied with a deadly glare.

"You treated everyone around you as if they were useless to you. Did you see your hard copy files? And you think you can fix that when you're the only one working? Probably not. Oh Howard, you can't be alone. You're not a God. You couldn't fix everything on your own"

"Admit it to me Jared, do you know anything about dad's plan for me? I know you as a competitive person. And I can already guess what's on your mind." His eyes narrowed at his cousin who was just staring blankly.

"Yes, I admit that I want to be in your place but I'm not as aggressive as you, Howard. I never want to make everyone suffer. We're not rivals to begin with, but why do you even think about that?"

"Dad's plan to send me to Trias just for a vacation isn't really good."

"It's safe in that place. Tourists even visit it."

"Correction, that was before

Now, that place was chaotic after the war. Terrorists are the ones who invade that place, not tourists." Howard just sighed in annoyance.

"By the way, just sign the quotation I'm approving. Goodluck to you Howard," Jared seemed to say teasingly before leaving Howard's office.

***

By hook or by crook, the plan for Howard must not go ahead. After office hours, he thought of going home to their residence and convincing his father not to do that anymore.

"Oh? Why are you here? It's refreshing, you never came home here before," his father said coldly to him.

"Well, I won't let you do what you want. I love my career," Howard said emphatically.

"No. You don't love your career, you just want to prove you're superior to everyone. You just want the title but not the job description, I can prove that." Then Howard's father nodded.

"And what is the basis for you to say that to your son?" He was even able to measure his father's gaze.

"If you really love your career, you should also love the people around you, Howard. You're always mad at people you shouldn't be mad at. Have you been like that since Tanya left you? Maybe, you just want to prove to Tanya that you've achieved something now after you split up."

That serves a slap on his face. He admitted before, he wanted to take sweet revenge for his ex-girlfriend, but it didn't work because she no longer sees the success he is enjoying now. Tanya is in another country and is married.

"Find yourself first Howard, learn to explore new things, new life and new love. I have to teach you a lesson, you can't hold other people's brains to be too bossy. I assure you that you will be happy in Trias. I will entrust you to my friend's nephew."

Howard seemed to be running out of air because of his repeated sighs.

"Well, no matter what else you do, I will not give up my career. No matter how many times you are going to convince me, I won't follow you."

"I've terminated the effectiveness of your position. There's nothing more you can do Howard. Your belongings are also packed. You're leaving the next day. Don't worry, I'll keep myself updated on you standing there."

"Dad! If I ever die in that place, it's your fault!" he yelled.

"Fine."

He was disappointed by his dad's response.

***

"I am Zannie, in-charge of relief goods and first aid. We need immediate assistance." Zannie raised her voice as she spoke to the Red Cross representative who was on his way to the evacuation center where he was. The war in the Trias area has been going on for several months due to the threat of terrorism. She was a little relieved because the government and other organizations who were ready to extend help were quick to act.

"Zannie. Zulu, Alpha, November, November, India Echo," she said on the other phone line as she spelled her name using the phonetic alphabet.

She smiled when she got positive feedback from her interlocutor.

"Thank you for the swift response Ma'am." That was the last she said before hanging up the phone.

But her smile widened when she saw Jacob, the enlisted officer who was with her in Trias and also an assistant in taking care of the more approaching evacuees.

"Why are you smiling there Ms. Justiniano?" Jacob asked.

She averted his eyes. Aside from the early response of the Red Cross, she was pleased with Jacob's presence. They have been friends for a long time and she has a secret thing for the young man.

"It is said that our first aid Officer Ynares will bring items needed," she replied. She wanted to call him Officer Ynares because he knew Jacob would be happier when she called him like that. Jacob is an enlisted officer who dreams of joining the army.

"Well then, I will participate in other activities of other soldiers. You know, I need to have experience. I hope the time will come when I will be with them in the fight for the country."

Zannie's heart ached at what her friend had said. Jacob had a strong desire to be a full-fledged soldier. So he didn't even look for a girlfriend to marry because he swore he would focus on reaching his dreams.

Zannie could only imagine the fate of Jacob when he became a soldier, she was sad and could not sleep at night. Because she knew that the lives of the soldiers were at stake to achieve peace in the country.

"Hopefully Jacob, hopefully your dream will come true," Zannie replied, unwillingly.

"Pray for me Zannie, huh? Thank you because even here in Trias you still accompanied me. You even thought of volunteering."

"You're serious! Do you really think you're the reason why I came here? I only need certification when I apply abroad," Zannie reasoned that in her heart there was no truth at all.

"Okay. It's depressing."

Zannie laughed when she saw Jacob's grimace. He became even more handsome in her eyes.

"Don't get upset. I'll just help you serve the evacuees' needs, okay?"

Jacob just laughed.

"Zannie. I'll say goodbye to Lieutenant, I'll just pick up your son from papa's comparator. He's supposed to volunteer here."

"Ah. Man or woman?"

"Man and he's handsome, Zannie. You know, you'll like each other."

She secretly resented Jacob's mockery. If it wasn't for Jacob, she'd rather be single forever.

"Eh, maybe he'll be lazy and maybe he won't work well."

"I don't know but papa said, he's a rich son."

"Rich son? He won't last here. Let's bet?"

Jacob nodded. "What are you going to bet?"

"If he doesn't last long, we'll go on a date. Game?"

Jacob was shocked by what Zannie said. He is aware that Zannie ikes it but he is unable to reciprocate its prejudice because of ambition. He felt sorry for the girl.

"All right. And when he's late, leave Trias," Jacob said while laughing.

Zannie's smile faded. Why did she even think of talking about betting? Even she was surprised to be told that he and Jacob would date. It was as if a needle had pierced her heart again.

'Do you really want me to leave here Jacob?'

Howard was still sad as he put away his belongings in his own office. Today is his last day as a CEO. Even though he may pray for all the saints, his father's decision to teach him to find his compassionate self will not change. He didn't think it would be able to blackmail him, because if he didn't agree and tried to run away, all his property would be held and he would have no career to return to.

The box with the black marker written on the top of the box caught his attention.

"BOX OF CONCERNS"

He was curious about the contents of the box so he opened it and exposed the folded papers, also written on sticky notes and crumpled paper.

"What is it? Garbage?" Howard's sarcastic question to himself. But he can already deduce what is written there.

He first wrote on crumpled paper.

'Goodbye Monster Howie. You're ugly, as ugly as your SLI management! Guess who's good. We still have mass for your departure. Bye! '

The paper crumpled even more when he read it. There is no name of the writer but he is only sure of one thing so far, the writer is very angry, maybe if the storm is still on its highest signal number.

Only now did he feel nervous and hesitant about what to do. Maybe if he continued reading the letters in that concern box, he would have a heart attack. He can even put himself among artists who receive bash or hate comments on social media.

But his conscience urges him to continue reading.

He picked up the pink sticky note that was folded.

'Thank you for leaving us Sir Howard, you will be missed.'

He was even more annoyed by what he read with sarcasm.

He took a deep breath before continuing.

'Sir, do you remember when you embarrassed our team just because of a small problem that could be solved? You blamed us for being wrong but the truth is, you got the approval for what we will do. So, you're the culprit! You are pathetic Sir, you do not know how to accept mistakes. You want us to be part of your team but shouldn't the team have a leader? If you're not a leader, you're a boss! Your opinion is the only thing we followed! If I just didn't have a sick mother, I would have resigned in case I couldn't work anymore. So, wherever you go, may the karma be with you. God bless. Working with you is like pushing myself to hell. '

He could not determine who had written that sentimental letter because he had been scolded so much and could not count on his finger. That letter intensified his heartbeat not because of annoyance but because of something that motivates him to feel even the slightest sympathy for the people he has accused of displaced aggression.

His knees weakened at the thought. It has been three years since his father inherited the position of CEO of SLI. He was only 23 that time, never experienced nightlife and hanging out with his batchmates because he was immediately stressed by the huge responsibility of the position he held. Even his girlfriend Tanya, he neglected so their relationship has deteriorated. Bringing back to his mind the past, he admitted it was difficult to be CEO but back then, he was able to communicate calmly, when there were errors at work, he could handle it. And as he takes on that position, he is consumed by stress and no longer feels enjoyment in what he is doing. He was not even aware of the magnitude of what he had changed, especially in his behavior.

He seemed convinced that the career she was holding was not for him. Maybe so, his father was right.

'Am I really that bad for everyone to hate?'

In fairness, he was able to read all the hate notes in the box. He wanted to torture the writers but sadly, he no longer had the authority. Like the king, he is now experiencing his own downfall.

***

Before the flight to the province of Trias, Howard even had an intensive conversation with his father. This allowed him on one condition, he had to be one of the volunteers to help those affected by the war. He added that he had only been in that area for a month and someone would evaluate him whether he passed or not.

His father had a strong desire to teach him a lesson. It is furious at many things, including Howie's removal of his driver, Mang Elmer.

"If you frown, it's like you're going to be hanged," joked his cousin Jared who was with him at the airport to take him to his destination.

"I don't deserve this Jared! I can't accept dad's punishment like this!" Howard growled. "I want to escape but when I do that, I can't go back to SLI and he'll keep freezing my bank accounts! Damn!"

"You wouldn't have experienced that if you had been kind the first time," Jared said so Howard's head got even hotter at that moment.

"Your dad won't let you down. He knows what's best for you. You know, you can find someone to replace Tanya while doing something good there," Jarred encourages Howard.

"I have no plans to have a new girlfriend. All I want is to end this crap Jared."

His cousin clapped and then shook his head. "That will only end when you behave in the province."

"You're really annoying! What you're saying doesn't help!" Howard turned annoyed.

"Why? I'm just telling the truth. You have to behave and once you are there, you no longer have the authority as you used to in SLI."

Jared slapped him with the bitter truth. Hopefully, he can cope with new life in that area.

"I never thought that this situation would come to me. I must do an act to end this. I don't deserve to be here," he sighed out of frustration.