Chapter 7 The New Executive
Pant… pant…
Heavy breaths escaped from the chubby man who had just dashed into the elevator and hurried almost limping back to his department. He was exhausted from running away from Lucas on the rooftop… and on top of that, he had gone and provoked the tall man too. The more he thought about it, the more irritated he became.
What kind of person refuses to tell the truth when asked nicely? He had let Tharnnam tend to his wound for so long, yet still wouldn't explain what had happened to him. Absolutely infuriating!
As soon as Tharnnam reached his desk, P'Chompoo came rushing toward him, looking flustered.
Pant… pant…
"Kid! Hurry and get ready!"
"What's going on, P'Chompoo?"
"Emergency meeting! The new executive has called our entire department into a meeting right now!"
"Oh my god, I can't even catch my breath," Chompoo groaned.
"Calm down, take a deep breath," Tharnnam tried to soothe her, though his eyes were already urging her to hurry.
"Let's go! We'll be accused of being late!"
"Yes!"
This was way too sudden. He had barely recovered from running away from that tight-lipped guy on the rooftop, and now Chompoo was dragging him into another sprint.
Seriously… why does my life always involve running headfirst into chaos?
Why call a meeting at a time like this? Why not do it in the morning so people could actually plan their work? He really didn't understand.
Do these people even use their brains? Damn it.
Tharnnam muttered irritably in his head as he hurried after Chompoo toward the meeting room.
---
The Conference Room
The moment Tharnnam stepped into the large conference room, he froze at the heavy, solemn atmosphere. There were around a dozen people inside, all sitting quietly in their seats. P'Phen, the department head, was there as well, her expression stern and serious.
Ugh… I'm so tired.
Tharnnam complained silently as he carefully lowered his plump body onto a black cushioned chair. He prepared his notebook and meeting materials, waiting quietly.
Not long after…
Heavy, deliberate footsteps echoed into the room, instantly drawing everyone's attention.
Tap… tap… tap…
Click… click…
Three men entered gracefully. All of them looked distinguished, radiating charisma, with sharp features typical of Europeans.
And then
Tharnnam shot up from his seat in shock.
P'Chompoo, sitting beside him, quickly grabbed his arm and forced him back down.
The reason?
The man leading the group was the same person Tharnnam had just seen on the rooftop minutes ago.
The same person who had claimed he was
"just a manager."
Then why was he walking at the head of the executive team?!
Hah! So you were lying to me on purpose!
Tharnnam clenched his teeth internally and shot a furious glare toward the tall figure standing at the head of the table.
But that man didn't flinch in the slightest.
Instead, he raised an eyebrow at Tharnnam teasing, provocative, and utterly smug.
"Cheh!"
Tharnnam scowled and glared back in retaliation.
"Good afternoon. My name is Lucas Matteo," Lucas began, his deep, smooth voice carrying unmistakable authority.
"From this point forward, I will be assuming the position of executive director of this branch on a permanent basis."
Hmph. Acting all nice now? You lied to me! Just you wait I'm never being nice to you again!
Tharnnam sat there fuming, feeling completely played for a fool, while Lucas continued speaking calmly from the head of the table.
"I hope everyone will continue to work diligently, and strive to improve even further."
"Yes, sir." / "Yes, ma'am."
Everyone responded in unison, acknowledging the meeting's purpose.
"In that case, you may all return to work. As for you, Tharnnam… I'd like you to stay for a moment."
Lucas concluded, his gaze locking onto Tharnnam with unmistakable intent.
---
Soon, everyone filed out of the meeting room. P'Chompoo passed by Tharnnam and gently patted his shoulder in encouragement.
Tharnnam didn't feel afraid of the man standing at the front of the room not at all.
He was furious.
Damn it… the more I think about it, the angrier I get. I want to claw that handsome face until it's full of scratches. What a damn good liar.
He crossed his arms, kept his face stiff, and deliberately avoided eye contact. He had no intention of starting a conversation with the person in front of him.
But no matter how much he wanted to avoid it, reality couldn't be escaped.
Once everyone including Lucas's subordinates had left, the vast conference room was left with only the two of them.
"May I ask what important matter you wish to discuss with me, Mr. Lucas Matteo?" Tharnnam asked coolly, deliberately formal and distant.
"Hmph."
Lucas let out a soft chuckle.
"If there's nothing else, I'll excuse myself and return to work."
Before Tharnnam could stand up, Lucas stepped forward swiftly. His long legs closed the distance in an instant, and he planted both muscular arms on either side of Tharnnam, trapping him against the chair.
His voice was calm almost playful.
"Wait a second, chubby."
"I told you my name is Tharnnam!"
Tharnnam snapped back immediately. Their faces were so close they nearly touched.
Calling me chubby to cover up your lies? And why am I even getting this worked up?! Ugh!
"What are you angry about?" Lucas asked, clearly reading the irritation on Tharnnam's face.
"Nothing."
"Really? Then why do you look like your butt's all scrunched up?"
Thud!
Tharnnam punched Lucas square in the chest out of pure frustration but it barely made the man budge.
"Move away!"
"No."
"I don't want to talk to you!"
"But I want to talk to you, chubby."
"I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Lucas!"
Tharnnam emphasized the words Mr. Lucas deliberately, drawing a clear line of distance.
"That's pretty cold."
Lucas spoke softly.
Tharnnam only grew angrier. He crossed his arms and stubbornly turned his face away.
So what if he was upset? Who was going to stop him?
In the end, Lucas conceded.
He gently cupped Tharnnam's face with both hands, guiding him to look up and meet his eyes.
"I'm sorry for not telling you the truth from the beginning."
"Is that all? Then I'll go back to work," Tharnnam replied flatly.
"Alright, alright. I surrender. Go back to work first. This evening… I'll see you."
Lucas slowly lowered his arms.
"No. I don't want to see you."
With that, Tharnnam pushed past him, grabbed his notebook and pen, and walked out of the meeting room without looking back.
Lucas remained behind, sitting
there with a gentle smile, amused by the sulking chubby kid he adored.
Even if you don't want to see me… I'll still find you, Tharnnam.
Lucas thought with unwavering confidence.