My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 197: Nasia’s Plea

(Arata)

I praised his Ma, but my praises were empty. Instead, they were a mockery. But Camila was too wrapped in the vain glow of flattery to pick up on those hints.

Karsten on the other hand, seemed a tad uncomfortable. Occasionally, he averted his gaze and took large gulps of coffee.

Yeah! He was smart enough to pick up on what I was implying but too bad for him, he couldn’t say anything, especially in the presence of his mother.

Sweet, his humiliation felt sweet on the tongue and I basked in this small victory until it was time to head to the office.

"Try to come early and take me for Christmas shopping. We can have dinner in a restaurant," Camilla suggested while immaculately dabbing her mouth with the napkin.

Karsten placed a small kiss on her cheeks and said.

"Of course! Ma."

I bid her goodbye and made my way to the car. Olphi held the door open for me as I slipped inside and fastened the seat belt.

No way I was sitting in that Yeti’s lap again. Who knew he could turn my heart into a popsicle too?

Karsten joined me from the other side and soon we were on our way.

"Quite a flattering tone you have," he noncommittally commented as soon as the car began to move. I chose to feign ignorance while staring directly into his eyes.

"I am not sure what you are talking about."

His gaze, which could melt icebergs, remained focused on me, but I didn’t care as I calmly stared back.

He snorted before turning his head in the other direction.

The communication between us ceased after this, and we went our separate ways to the two different offices once we reached the underground parking area.

My time in the Sales Department was pleasant. The two members on leave had returned and now the office ran at full capacity with jokes flying and laughter always remaining in the air. I was actually enjoying myself and on random occasions, Karsten totally slipped my mind.

"Arata. Romance or Fantasy?" Chan asked during the tea break and everyone waited for my answer.

"Both! I would say Romantasy. The best genre." I shrugged my shoulders and smiles erupted on the faces of my colleagues.

The door opened, and a tall girl with strawberry blonde hair and a very confident walking stance stepped inside.

Her gaze slithered from one member to the other and finally landed on me.

"Miss Arata." It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes?" A single wrinkle appeared on my forehead. I didn’t know this woman.

"I am Nasia Hughes. Mr CEO’s PA. May I have a word in private?" She gave me an urgent look.

Ohhh! It dawned on me. This was whom he had hired in my place. The girl seemed confident and knew how to carry herself but what was with Mr CEO?

Why was she calling him that?

Chan gave her a scrutinised look but I smiled.

"Of course! We can speak outside." I wondered what brought her here?

Was this some stupid message from Karsten? I swear if he had sent a ridiculous task my way, I would straight say no because fuck him.

Once we were outside and the door had closed, some of that confidence evaporated from her face to be replaced by panic as she desperately stared at me.

"Miss Arata, can we be frank? I am very desperate so please keep this conversation between us." If she hadn’t been professional I was sure the poor girl would have snatched my arm.

Pity, I felt pity for her. Working under Karsten was no joke. He could be such a manipulative cunt at times.

"Of course! How may I help you, Miss Hughes?" I asked in a calm tone, leaning against the wall.

She seemed reluctant, a slow breathing escaped her as she finally spoke.

"So I have done my homework and know you were his secretary before me. I mean how did you manage him? How did you survive? Please, any tips will be a lifesaver for me."

The desperation clung to her words and her eyes seemed almost moist.

Oh! Karsten; you a walking talking freezer. Have pity on this girl.

"Ah! Is he giving you a hard time?" I asked with a hint of pity in my voice. She nodded her head with such vigour that I thought it would fall and roll over to the other side.

"Yes! Every day, he makes me fetch coffee for ten times in a row. He always returns it with some excuse, and he never even drinks it. I swear." She sniffled, almost at the brink of shedding tears. "He deliberately finds fault in everything I do and gives me such hostile stares as if I am here to steal something of his. I swear I just want to do my job."

She lowered her head and slowly shook it.

"I have worked with a few other CEOs; they always appreciated my professionalism and the way I handled my job, but Mr CEO never appreciates anything. How—how did you please him? Please, help me."

I placed my hand on her shoulder. The poor girl was already fed up with him in only three days.

"Just stop showing him too much reaction, and once in a while, stand your ground if you believe you are right and he is being unreasonable. Believe me, he appreciates it when someone refuses to be steamrolled by him that easily. So find a centre ground with him. But keep in mind, you can’t please him. If you think he will appreciate you, this is not the appropriate job," I told her the truth in as comforting a way as possible.

Some colour returned to her face and the girl appreciatively smiled at me.

"Thank you, I will keep your advice in mind." She relaxed and then asked. "Why did you quit that position?"

Something stung right in the centre of my heart, and I wanted to blurt out the truth, but then I suppressed all those emotions and smiled.

"Our relationship was interfering with our work, so I needed somewhere I could actually give my hundred per cent."

The realisation of what I was saying made her face blossom.

"Ohh! That’s why. I thought he hated me. He just misses you in that position. No wonder he makes my job difficult. I will keep this in mind for the future."

I retained her smile.

"Glad I could help."

Well here was something for everyone to gossip about. I wondered if she would share the news with anyone and make it circulate.

For me, I didn’t care, but for Karsten, that could become a problem.

CEO who can’t keep it in his pants.

Good luck with that.