“I would like to discuss something with you, Mr Richard.”

“Right away, sir.”

After a few moment, a soft knock can be heard from the mahogany door followed with the clicking sound of the door knob opening and closing. Silent footsteps thanks to the carpeted floor that absorb the sound of an expensive leather shoes walking towards a large desk at the end of the room.

Like a king on his throne, Derek Collen working on his desk in his majestic office. The 30th floor. The one and only office on the floor with his secretary desk just outside his office.

Despite a man was approaching him, he keeps his focus on the paperwork that he just grabbed from piles of documents on his desk.

The man in a navy suit stop before him, “What can I help you, Mr Collen?” he said politely.

“Pristine Inc. I thought you rejected the collaboration last week.”

“Yes, I did, sir.”

“Just now, Tara asked for my confirmation to a meeting with them tomorrow. What happen?” he said.

All focus was suddenly on the man, Mr Richard. Hands clutching together and elbow rest on the desk. Not going to lie, the man himself got nervous whenever his boss looking at him with those piercing gaze. Like he can read you straight to your soul.

“I apologize in advance, sir. After I faxed the rejection letter to them last week, they kept on calling, demand to set up a meeting for negotiation with you. I ignored all of their calls and emails. I didn’t know where they got your office number but somehow they managed to contact Mrs Tara.” he said, trying to sound stable when his heart is the complete opposite.

Derek remain silent.

“I apologize for my incompetence, Mr Collen.” he added. He didn’t want to be in his boss’ bad side.

“Nothing to be concern about, Mr Richard. Hm, you said Pristine Inc. made us their second option, right?”

“According to my research, yes, they are, sir. Their proposal to LetBunny was rejected three days before they send us one.” Derek nod before his employee continue.

“And while I’m investigating them, I found that the owner, John Teller had a criminal record of tricking his client with almost 700k worth loss in the past under different company called Joy Cub about six years ago. Apparently, he got arrested but released on the third day by the court after found innocent. Even though he won the case, till these days there’s still rumor about him causing trouble to small businesses.”

“If that’s the case, then good job, Mr Richard. Those kind of company would be unhealthy for Crowdest. They made a huge mistake on making us their second option. Besides, wouldn’t want his dirty hands to touch us, right?” he smirk.

“I agree, sir.”

“That’s all. You can go. Sorry for interrupting your peace.”

“It’s my pleasure to assist you, sir. I’ll be going.” he said before walking away and disappear behind the door.

Derek went for the intercom. “Tara, come in.”

No answer but he know his secretary is on her way as he saw the door once again open, revealing a beautiful lady in her mid 30’s wearing a white shirt and maroon blazer on the outside matching with a maroon knee length skirt. Promoting the professional and elegant side beauty.

“At your service, sir.” she said as she stand at the same spot as the previous man.

“Tell Pristine Inc. to fuck off or simply ignore their calls. If they’re still stubborn, change the number. I don’t want insignificant leech distracting you while working.”

“Right away, sir.” she said. Completely unfazed with her boss’ harsh words. She had been working for ten years now as his secretary so she used to his rants and choice of words from time to time.

Other employees called him the devil boss. Because of his perfectionist personality, if there’s something he’s not satisfied, he’ll surely bark. It’s not like he got angry for no reason. He just want everything to be perfect. Crowdest is his baby after all.

Devil boss also goes to his physical. He himself is a masterpiece like a Greek God statue was resurrected. Even under those suits, she can see his bulky biceps dominating the shape of the straight sleeves.

His slicked back hairstyle showed a stylish yet professional feature and the clean cut beard add to the masculinity point. Overall, 100/10 for physical.

Too bad, she doesn’t swing that way.

“My schedule?”

The deep voice disturb her daydreaming. She clear her throat before answering while looking at the tablet that she forgot she had it in her hand all this time.

“There’s an exclusive meeting with other investors in two days. I cleared everything for today and tomorrow and postpone other meetings to next week since it doesn’t seem to need your immediate attention. Thursday and Friday will be focusing on Crowdest’s monthly report. I have informed all departments to send their report before you got back from meeting this Wednesday.”

“Good. Thank you, Tara.”

She merely nod and walk away toward the exit, leaving Derek alone to the large space of his own office. He sat back while rubbing his temple.

Sometimes, he do feel lonely. With nothing to impress and no one to come home to. He didn’t want a girlfriend. It’ll just add another liability to his hundreds of others. He doesn’t prefer one night stand. He’s not that kind of guy.

There are times when he feels like snuggling to a warm body in his bed but having a long term relationship need commitment for it to work. He can’t fulfill that. His commitment was spend to his company and he can’t seem to see it changing in the near future.