The next morning, after Shelly was assigned the duty to introduce to the employees and around the company the HR and to her office. Once the whole introduction that seemed like it will never end was over, she found herself in her office. Behind her was the scenery, a beautiful view of the city through the transparent walls. She sat facing the view and closed her eyes as the sun brightened it's rays on her face. She imagined her new beginning and how fast time flies. A smile crossed her lips. Enjoying her thoughts, a knock distracted her and she opened her eyes but didn't turn.
"You're welcome" She said and the door opened. She felt the presence inside the office.
"Good morning Miss Gabrielle Winston. How are you faring.. You're welcome to Grandé Yates Group of companies. My name is Harrison Mellon, your assistant".
"Too formal on a first day. That's impressive. No need for the long talk. But thank you anyway. I enjoyed it. I'm doing fine". She replied and turned. Seeing how elegant and innocent the young man before her looked, she smiled and he smiled back.
"Miss you're really much of a beauty in person than your photos reveal." Mellon complimented.
"Coming from the handsome and innocent looking man.. Thank you." Gabrielle told him and he blushed.
"Before you get to your seat, kindly fetch me a cup of premium roasted coffee and request for the data of the company from the past three months till now." Gabrielle said. Respectfully, Harrison Mellon left. Ann set up her table and taking the remote control, she opaqued the transparent walls and set to work. Mellon Harrison returned with a mug and set it on Gabrielle's table and left. He smiled to himself as he saw her in a pair of glasses that perfectly made her look like a boss lady. She had not taken notice of him nor heard him because she had pods on her ears listening to music. At a glance, she saw the mug and taking it, took a sip. The aroma alone was some sort of booster for her. She breathed in and out heavily and got back to her work. Mellon entered again with a pile of files. He placed them on the table. This time, Gabrielle saw him and removed the pods.
"You know what? Bring your chair closer to my table let's do this together. You can learn one or two. What do you think?" Gabrielle looked at him through her glasses.
"That's great. Thank you so much Miss Winston". Mellon said, happiness evidenced in his voice. He drew his chair closer and sat opposite Gabrielle.
"Go get yourself something too. I can't be the only one with a booster." Her words sunk so deep into him. He loved her boss. He hadn't expected so much kindness and openness from a woman so prestigious and wealthy. The whole thing made him like her more. Wanting to work under her leadership till eternity." He hurriedly came back with two cups of premium roasted coffee. Gabrielle smiled when she saw the mugs in his hands as he sat.
" So bold of you to drink the same coffee with me Mellon.. "Gabrielle said in a tone that made the smile on Mellon's face disappear.
" Um.. I am really sorry ma'am". Mellon pleaded. Seeing the beads of sweat and horrid look on his face, Gabrielle laughed.
"Come on, Harrison.. I'm just kidding. Let's get to work anyway". Gabrielle said and Mellon sighed a relief, his hand on his chest.
They worked tirelessly sampling, comparing, reviewing, calculating and drafting for hours, sipping their booster, one at a time. Now it was time for lunch.
"Miss, I seem not to find anything wrong with the company's data. But the losses at hand is very huge. Within the next two months or so, I'm told, some employees will be dismissed". Mellon said stretching in his seat. Gabrielle looked at him and only smiled.
"There are a lot of ways to kill a cat. Do you think, if you're aiming at the company's bankruptcy, you will make it so evident?". Gabrielle simply said. Mellon understood that there is a tough mind backing the whole thing.
"Could it be this data might have been tempered with?". Mellon curiously asked.
"I knew you're a brainy.". Gabrielle applauded.
"Who did you receive these from?" She asked.
"Miss Shelly Romans. She is a very great and skilled woman. I don't think she will temper with these looking at how she always wants everything done right". Mellon answered talking a great deal about Shelly and adding few information about every head of the company, what they do and how he perceived them to be. Gabrielle quietly listened.
"I see the handsome Harrison admiring Miss Shelly Romans and the executives of the company. That's a cute thing. Stay here I will be back okay". Gabrielle said standing up. Mellon admired her as she walked out of the office, her heels breaking the silence as walked on. She took the elevator to the next floor where she could find the CEO. As she walked through the desks of the other employees, they spoke amongst themselves. Some were audible enough that she heard. She knocked at the door.
"What is it again Stevens?" Harry Jnr's voice sounded from within. Gabrielle rolled her eyes and entered.
"Mr. CEO..." Gabrielle 's voice came through. Harry Jnr raised his head and spotted her.
"Gabrielle?" He said..
"Yes it's me. I need to talk you."Gabrielle said. Then she noticed Shelly Romans.
" Do you mind if your noble HR excuses us? " She added..
Harry Jnr looked at Shelly Romans. Anger was registered on her face evidently trying not to react.
" Why should I leave? You're just a day old and you're asking for privacy. Oh wait, you want to seduce him huh? "Shelly sounded disrespected and angry with a note of jealousy.
"Sorry but this is between me and the man I signed the contract with. Your CEO I mean". Gabrielle said calmly. Stevens entered.
"Since the CEO isn't saying anything, that's fine by me. I will go on with what I came here for. Before I set the ball rolling, just know that, I am a cheap brat like you are. Let me also make it clear, I want no interruption as I speak to your boss". Gabrielle announced. Stevens jaw dropped. A smirk formed on Harry Jnr's lips. Each one of them revealed an invisible emotion of reaction to how confident Gabrielle is despite her innocent and timid look. The room was quiet.
"Thank you m for understanding. I will preced. As you can see I have the data from last three months and everything seemed accurate per the odds. But from your concerns, your company is entering a state of bankruptcy. The master planners are quite geniuses..."
"Gabrielle go straight to the point. We are much aware of what you're saying? Have you found a way out?" Harry Jnr queried.
"That's why I'm here. Someone tempered with these data I requested for. You're working with your own enemies. Your staff are thieves." Gabrielle said. Shelly Romans slap the table and stood up.
"Excuse you Gabrielle!" Shelly Romans said.
"Relax HR. Are you angry because you're also part of the staff or because you're literally scared..I thought I made it clear that no interruption. " Gabrielle teased in a tone and laughed
"Shelly sit or you move out".Harry Jnr ordered. Shelly feeling embarrassed, stormed out of the room.