Page 36 of Romance with Mr. Bossy Pants

Today, I’ll start my day with motivational speeches from top CEOs and speakers. Maddie used to say that motivational speeches and affirmations with the team helps the team be the best they can be and start the day off with a positive attitude.

Those days were great. I listen online when I can, but I just don’t have it in me to do it with the staff.

“Good morning, CEO!” The speaker’s voice reverberates in my headphones. “I’m thrilled to be able to talk to you and contribute to what I know will be an amazing day.”

I twirl in my chair and shut my eyes.

“You’ve been given a great deal of responsibility, and I know you live for and can handle the challenge.”

I relax and listen to her continue.

She goes on, “Consider your goals for the business and the legacy you wish to leave as you begin your day. Always keep in mind that each choice you make, each discussion you have, and each interaction you have with your team can help you get closer to realizing that vision…”

I drop the headphones on the desk when it finishes playing, feeling more motivated than I have in a long time.

A pop-up flashes at the top right corner of my computer screen. It’s tagged local gossip. Instead of closing out of the speech, I accidentally click the notification.

Shoot. I hate opening websites like this.

My eyes catch the headline.

“CEO of Andrews Enterprise, Daniel Andrews, makes the list of worst employers by Glassdoor.”

What news channel wrote this? I’ll sue them! I scroll to the bottom, skipping the libelous labels, only to meet the name of a faceless blog.

Where the heck is Chloe?

The time on my watch reads 7:57 AM. She should have been here by now. Involuntarily, my finger scrolls it back up.

‘Several employees have reported Daniel Andrews to be arrogant, thoughtless and cruel.’

My jaws hit the floor, my mind races. Which employees?

I might be walled-off, but never in a lifetime have I mistreated a staff member. Where’s all this coming from?

I flick the post upwards. There’s a picture of Chloe, her date, and me standing in the alleyway.

What the —.

I was saving an employee! Who on earth wrote this story? On a swift impulse, I pick up my phone, dialing the number to our public relations department.

After several beeps, the person on the other end answers

“Paul.” I grit my teeth. “I need you in my office now.”

“On my way.”

Less than two minutes later, Paul enters. He’s a burly guy whose personality doesn’t match his build. He’s soft-spoken and calm, with an entertaining personality.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Andrews.”

Of course, I did. I slide my phone to him. “Tell me you’ve seen this, and you’re working on it.”

He reads the piece out loud.

My blood boils as he does. “I didn’t ask you to read it. I asked if you’ve seen it?”

“No,” his brow furrowing.

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