𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐎 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑,𝗍𝖺𝗒𝗅𝗈𝗋 𝗌𝗐𝗂𝖿𝗍

(01). a terrible mistake

Eleanor sat behind her large mahogany desk, her sharp brown eyes fixed on the young employee standing before her. His name was Michael, a talented but careless worker who had just made yet another mistake that would've cost the company a significant amount of money.

"You were explicitly told to follow the instructions I gave you, Michael," Eleanor said in a chillingly calm voice. "And yet, you chose to ignore them and now we are facing the consequences."

Michael shifted nervously, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Ms. Agassi," he stammered. "I didn't mean to mess up. It won't happen again, I promise."

But Eleanor's expression remained cold and unyielding. She had built Agassi Industries from the ground up, turning it into a global powerhouse through sheer determination and relentless ambition. She could not afford to tolerate his incompetence or carelessness, no matter how talented the employee might be.

"I'm afraid sorry isn't good enough, Michael," she said, her voice cutting like a knife. "I cannot have someone on my team who cannot follow simple instructions. You are fired, effective immediately."

Michael's eyes widened in shock as the reality of the situation sank in. He opened his mouth to protest, but Eleanor cut him off with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"There's no need for further discussion," she said icily. "Pack up your things and leave the premises. I will have HR take care of your final paycheck and severance package."

Michael turned and walked out of the office, his face pale and his head hanging low in defeat. Eleanor watched him go with a sense of finality, knowing that she had made the right decision for the company.

Just then, her secretary Rose entered the office, with a stern look on her face "You should've let him explain, El."

Eleanor sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose "It was necessary, Rose. I cannot allow his insubordination to go unpunished."

Rose nodded "It's just...he worked in this company for so long. Maybe he just needed some guidance."

Eleanor raised a brow "And whose job is it to provide him guidance,Rose? Mine? I have enough on my plate as it is. Michael was given clear instructions yet he failed to follow them. It's as simple as that. And as you said, he has worked in this company for so long. Surely he doesn't need any guidance."

Rose bit her lip, unsure on how to respond. She knew that the CEO had a reputation for being strict and unpromising, but she couldn't help but feel sympathy for the young man.

"I'll leave you to your work then." She said finally facing to leave.

"Oh and before you leave, reschedule my meeting with the board of directors for this afternoon. And make sure to double-check all the details this time. We can't afford any more mistakes."

The woman nodded as she strutted out of her office.

━━━━━━━━━━━━

The CEO breathed a sigh of relief as she walked through the door of her luxurious penthouse apartment after a long day at work.She felt the weight of the day's stress finally lift off her shoulders.

Leo, her scottish fold cat, greeted her with a meow and a rub against her leg. Eleanor smiled, bending down to scratch him behind the ears. Leo purred contentedly, his eyes half-closed in pleasure. "Hey there, buddy," Eleanor said softly. "I missed you too."

She kicked off her heels and made her way to the kitchen, where she poured herself a glass of red wine and leaned against the counter. The apartment was filled with the warm glow of the setting sun, casting a golden light over the sleek modern furniture and expensive artwork that adorned the walls. It was Eleanor's sanctuary, a place where she could let down her guard and be herself.

As she sipped her wine, Eleanor felt a sense of peace wash over her. She loved her job, she really did, but it was truly exhausting being the boss all the time. She longed for moments like this, where she could just relax and unwind in the comfort of her own home.

Leo jumped onto her lap, curling up against her chest. His soft fur tickled Eleanor's skin, and she chuckled softly. "You're such a goofball, Leo," she said, scratching him under the chin. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."

With a contented sigh, Eleanor settled back into the plush armchair, Leo purring happily in her lap. She closed her eyes and let the peacefulness of the moment wash over her. For a while, she simply sat there, savoring the quiet tranquility of being at home with her beloved feline companion.

Suddenly, a loud crash startled Eleanor out of her reverie. She opened her eyes to see Leo darting across the room, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Leo, what have you done now?" she called after him, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

She got up from the armchair and followed Leo into the living room, where she found him perched precariously on the edge of the coffee table, a small figurine in his mouth. Eleanor couldn't help but laugh at the sight. "You little troublemaker," she scolded, but her tone was fond rather than angry.

Leo dropped the figurine and scampered off, his tail held high in the air. Eleanor picked up the broken piece and sighed. It was one of her favorite decorations, a delicate glass sculpture of Taylor Swift. She would have to find a way to fix it or replace it.

As she surveyed the damage, Eleanor couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Here she was, the strict and powerful CEO of a multinational corporation, chasing after her mischievous cat like a common pet owner. It was moments like these that reminded her of the simple joys in life, the little things that made all the stress and hard work worth it.

With a shake of her head, Eleanor set the broken figurine aside and turned her attention back to Leo, who was now batting playfully at a stray piece of string. She smiled, feeling grateful for his presence in her life. Despite his antics, he brought her so much joy and companionship.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the apartment in shadow, Eleanor settled back into the bed with Leo in her lap. She felt a sense of contentment wash over her, the stress of the day slowly melting away. In that moment, surrounded by the warm glow of the evening light and the gentle purring of her beloved cat, she felt at peace.

As she drifted off to sleep, Eleanor couldn't help but smile. Life with Leo may be unpredictable and occasionally chaotic, but she wouldn't have it any other way. He was her constant companion, her loyal friend, and her partner in crime. And as long as she had him by her side, she knew that she could handle anything that came her way.