One last time

He then somehow managed to turn on his laptop and cleared his throat but no matter what, Richard could not say a word.

" Mr Grinome please start." The VP said who was already very pissed and angry.

" Dim the lights." Kevin said.

When the lights dimmed, Richard forced himself to start the presentation but ended up talking gibberish," This-presentation-that-collaborations-"

" Can you please speak in English Mr Grinome? Actually I don't understand the language that you are talking in." Kevin said.

When Richard did not say anything for a really long time, Kevin gestured someone to brighten up the room again.

" Someone please pass some water to Mr Grinome, he seems to be very nervous and scared of me. Don't worry Mr Grinome, I don't bite." Kevin said.

Josh gave some water to Richard and sat down.

The lights dimmed again and Richard ended up talking gibberish again.

Kevin again asked someone to pass some water to Richard and asked him to start again.

After quite sometime, the VP felt really very ashamed and embarrassed. The first day and the new CEO had to see something like this.

" Why don't we start with some other department first?" The VP suggested.

Kevin took a sip of water and said," Since Mr Grinome is ready with his equipment and is also the best from his department, why not let him do it first?"

Turning towards Richard, Kevin said," Come on Mr Grinome let's give it a shot one more time and this time I hope you won't disappoint your department head who thinks you are the best."

Everyone in the room started chuckling and giggling when they heard that.

Richard had never felt so humiliated and embarrassed in his entire life. He knew that Kevin was purposely doing this but he could do nothing.

After sometime, Kevin sighed and asked someone to turn on the lights again.

" Who is the head of the execution department again?" Kevin asked.

Mr Miller got up and lowered his head. 

" Seriously? Is he the best that you have?" Kevin asked.

Pausing for a while, Kevin said," If he is the best that your department has then it makes me wonder what is the condition of the other employees of your department."

When Mr Miller did not say anything, Kevin helplessly shook his head and asked," Hey Josh, can you do this?"

Josh widened his eyes in shock and asked," You remember me?" 

Josh and Kevin were classmates back in highschool. They were not close but they used to share a decent conversation back then. 

When Josh saw Kevin today, he was shocked but thinking that Kevin probably doesn't remember him he chose to keep it to himself.

Kevin smiled and said," Of course I do."

All the employees widened their eyes in shock when they heard that. Josh knew the new CEO personally and this was a big piece of news.

" So can you take over this because I think your colleague doesn't want to." Kevin said.

Josh nodded his head and said," I can."

Kevin smiled and said," Please take charge than."

Josh nodded his head and got up. He then gestured Richard to step aside and took charge of everything.

Josh confidently started the presentation and explained each and everything in a very professional manner. He also fluently cleared all the doubts that the spectators had, earning a huge applause from everyone at the end.

" So what does the CEO think?" the VP asked who was also very pleased with Josh.

Kevin nodded his head and said," The plan sounds smooth, I think we should move forward with this. But wasn't this supposed to be an original idea that Mr Grinome came up with? Then how could Josh explain everything so clearly?"

The VP pursed his lips and gave Mr Miller a deadly stare. 

" I'll look into this matter." Mr Miller said.

When Josh sat down in his chair, his colleague patted his back and congratulated him for doing well.

After each and every department finished explaining their presentations, Kevin said," Eveything seems nice and you people have worked hard. After we finish merging everything, I will call for a joint meeting with the Wilsons and Jones."

Getting up, Kevin said," I want every department head to choose a person from their departments who will collaborate with the other departments for the merger and also coordinate and cooperate with the Wilsons for this project."

Pausing for a while, Kevin said," And I hope Mr Miller will choose wisely this time." 

Mr Miller nodded his head and said," I am very ashamed with what happened today and I assure that it will never happen again."

Glancing at his watch when he realised that it was already half past ten, he said," I have an interview to attend so I'll see you all tomorrow." 

Everyone got up and respectfully bowed down.

Kevin nodded his head and left.

The VP and a few high officials followed him behind.

After the CEO left, the employees quickly surrounded Josh and started bombarding him with questions.

" Hey Josh how do you know the CEO?"

Josh smiled and said," We were classmates back in high school."

" Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Another colleague asked.

" I did not know he had such a strong background and weren't so close so-." Josh said.

" Close? What are you talking about Josh? Big boss knows your name and it's huge." 

Not knowing what to say, Josh smiled at them.

" Josh and Richard, my office now." Mr Miller shouted before walking out.

Josh quickly excused himself and followed his boss.

Richard quietly packed his things and left too.

…..

Hospital.

Shoving a sandwich inside her mouth, Silvia was busy trying to call Kevin who was not receiving her call since morning.

" Will you two stop?" Ron said while massaging his templates.

" He is not receiving my call since morning." Silvia said.

" Rocky is not receiving either." Janet said.

" May be they are busy." Ron said.

" Kevin always receives my call no matter what." Silvia said who was now feeling very anxious.