CHAPTER FIVE

Ms. Deborah had hurried to get back to the scene but stopped to check her phone, which had just beeped, indicating a message. It was an email informing her about the new CEO's arrival with a short description of, and the photo of Franklin Miles attached to it.

Ms. Deborah clicked it open, and it showed his picture in full. Her heart sank when she saw his picture. He must be the delivery guy the junior staff were talking about. "This is worse than I thought," she said, realizing the severity of the situation. She needed to stop them from causing any further problems.

The junior staff turned to tell Ms. Deborah that he was the man they were looking for. "Miss! look, it's the delivery guy we were telling you about."

"Yeah, it's him, the delivery guy causing all the fuss."

Instead, they met what seemed to be the shock of their life. It was Ms. Deborah with a phone in her hand, showing them the picture of the person Reina had just slapped.

Reina walked closer to be sure she was not dreaming. She saw his picture and a short description stating that he was the new CEO.

"No, no. This cannot be true!" She muttered slowly, covering her mouth. She looked at Ms. Deborah whose facial expression had changed.

She did not have any excuse for her actions. Before she could utter a word, Ms. Deborah had given her a slap. The others were confused as to why Ms. Deborah slapped her.

Ms. Deborah rushed to Franklin and apologized. She knew he was offended, even though she would feel totally embarrassed. "I... We are very sorry, sir. Please, forgive us." She went on her knees to beg him.

Such actions could result in losing their jobs. Franklin looked at them, especially the receptionist, in utter disgust and disappointment.

He wondered who employed such an incompetent person. Receptionists were always supposed to be nice. It was one of the qualities they needed to possess.

"Why do you prioritize the value of money over the value of human beings? Regardless of the circumstances, it is our duty to treat every individual with respect, even a child. You know nothing about me, yet because I am dressed in a delivery uniform, you believe it grants you the right to speak to me in any manner you see fit? I approached you calmly, intending to explain myself, but how did you respond? You immediately summoned security to mistreat me without a hint of remorse. You denied me the opportunity to provide any explanation, and to make matters worse, you even resorted to physical violence!" he exclaimed, emphasizing his last statement.

Reina bowed down her head in shame. She knew what she did was wrong, but she had no excuse whatsoever to justify her deeds.

"You made me feel ashamed to realize that you are only junior staff. Consider if you were part of a higher social class, or if you held a managerial or secretarial position. Your behavior would have been even more unacceptable," he stopped and addressed the group, "This should be a reminder for all of you. Regardless of who it may be, everyone deserves respect. As the new CEO of this company, there will be numerous changes, beginning with all of you," he declared, pointing at the junior employees, "You all are terminated!"

Reina started crying and begging. "I'm really sorry, sir. Please forgive me. I won't do it again. Please, don't fire me," she pleaded.

Alex swallowed hard. “Sir, I was out of line," he admitted. "I beg for your forgiveness. I'll work twice as hard to make amends. Please, I can't lose my job.”

"We didn't mean to hurt you, Sir," Nancy said, her eyes were downcast. “Please give us another chance.”

“Please, I have a family to support. I can't afford to be fired." Daniel confessed.

"I'm truly sorry for my words, Sir," Sarah said. "I'll do whatever it takes to regain your trust. Please, don't let me lose my job over this mistake."

Alex went ahead to lower himself to the ground, prostrating before Franklin. "I beg for your forgiveness, sir," he pleaded, his voice muffled by the floor. "I'll make amends for my actions. Please, I need this job to sponsor my education. I'll do anything to keep it."

"Enough," Franklin declared. "Who hired all of you?" He asked, looking around.

"I... I did, sir," Ms. Deborah said, already on her knees, asking for forgiveness. "I'm really sorry, sir. I promise to do better. Please don't fire me, I beg of you."

"You better improve," he said to Ms. Deborah. Then, he turned to the junior staff and said, "You all should know how it feels to be in your positions. Treat people equally."

"Security!"

"Yes Sir!” The security agents stepped forward, awaiting his command.

"Escort these individuals off the premises immediately," Franklin ordered. "And see to it that they never set foot in this place ever again."

Ms. Deborah sighed in relief. She had feared he would fire them all. "Pack your things. I don't want to see all of you here when I come back," she ordered.

She turned to the guards, who looked down, feeling ashamed. "Your pay will be reduced by 200%. Go away, all of you!" she yelled, and they scattered to their stations.

The security agents escorted the junior staff out of the building. There was nothing they could do. Maybe this would be a lesson they'd never forget in their life.

They left the company and glanced back at the building. They had only been there for a few months, and now they lost her jobs because of their bad behavior.

Franklin left the company and rode his scooter to the bank. He had told his personal security not to follow him, and they had to obey.

Although he could have gone home or to the boutique, he needed to go to the bank first to make a verification and withdraw some cash. 

It was already 1:00 PM when he arrived at the bank. "Time for another hassle.” He sighed.