CHAPTER NINE (MORRIS INC)

"Its a pleasure to meet you sir" A man said - walking closer towards Bryan as he walked out of the elevator.

"....thank you" Bryan muttered. He tucked his hand into his pocket in a bid to hide his anxiety.

"My name is Franklin, I'm the General manager. I've been instructed to show you around sir" The man said - his canines blared as if he was starstruck.

"Fine. I'd follow your lead" Bryan retorted.

Bryan isn't in the best version of his wardrobe like he'll be on a Christmas eve. But every part of his grooming portrayed elegance, luxury and confidence. Even though his mind at the moment was far from confidence. It wasn't a nay saying when they said "Confidence can be faked"

Bryan getting to know that his father owns the biggest tech company in the United States sound so unreal. But what's so unbelievable is that he'd be ascending the helm of that company - as the new CEO.

Morris Inc is a household name in the tech industry and to think Bryan is the new CEO sent shrill of fright and uncertainty to the heart of anyone who hears it.

Bryan had never been into a corporate building that huge and luxurious before. A part of him wants to look around like a kid who's visiting the museum for the first time, but he wouldn't want to do that behind Franklin.

Bryan walked behind Franklin as they stepped into a spacious hallway. Bryan locked eyes with a few employees scampering all over the hallway - each at the verge of their duties. A few of them had their eyes glued to Bryan as a smile clutched their faces.

"This is the sales department" Franklin said - pointing to a dissected part of the hallway. They halted their steps to examine the segment. The company's logo was engraved into a neon light and it shimmered a mise en scene on the wall.

A few employees were in sight - each of them had their eyes glued to their computer screen - fingers stumping the keyboard.

"That's great" Bryan said - settling his gaze on the employees. Some of them were cordial and hospitable enough to wave him, while a few of them acted like they couldn't see their newly appointed CEO.

"There are more places I need to show you sir" Franklin said - making a beeline for Bryan.

"Okay" Bryan said.

Franklin and Bryan departed from the sale's department - trudging to the other side of the hallway. For a split second, Bryan felt like the floor was going to engulf him - as he was too stunned and restless to move his lips - confidently. Even if he was willing to pull every stunt to ensure he doesn't mess up his first day at work.

"That's my office" Franklin said, pointing to the entrance of an open office.

Bryan didn't utter a word, instead, he shook his head, as they proceeded.

Moments later, they arrived at another door. Franklin opened the door. And it led to a short hallway. A desk was situated at a side.

"Hey Maya" Franklin said to the dashing young lady seating behind the desk.

She looked a bit tensed when she locked sights with Bryan and Franklin. "...good morning" Maya said, feigning a smile.

"This is the new CEO" Franklin said - pointing to Bryan.

Maya's face lit up. For a moment she wanted to stretch out her hand for a handshake, but the fear of being rejected and the awkwardness of being too forward made her deaden the thought immediately.

"Its a pleasure to meet you sir" Maya said, hunching head downwards slightly.

"Same here Maya" Bryan responded sharply as she swept Maya in a single gaze.

"She's your secretary sir" Franklin said to Bryan.

"Wow. Great"

Franklin and Maya exchanged secret glances because of Bryan's short and concise responses. Luckily, Bryan's eyes were stuck on the inscription on the door - next to Maya's desk.

The door had a "CEO" inscription on it. Bryan needed no other to Franklin or sooth sayer to tell him that's his office.

"That's my office, i guess" Bryan mumbled, breaking the awkward silence that ensued because of his sharp response.

"Yes... That's your office sir" Franklin retorted. He moved close to the entrance and opened the door.

Bryan walked into the room, so did Franklin.

Bryan's lips formed an inaudible 'WOW' at the first glance of the gigantic office.

"...I'd be in my office sir. In case you need anything" Franklin said.

"Thank you" Bryan said.

He watched Franklin shut the door before he flung his hands to his mouth.

"What!" Bryan exclaimed. He froze for a moment too stunned by the elegance and beauty the office.

There was a huge sofa on the side close to the wall. Its width could accommodate a handful of elephants.

Bryan took slow steps towards the desk, situated at the apex of the office. Just in, his eyes settled on a huge piece of painting behind the desk. He squinted his eyes to get a lucid view of who was in the portrait.

Bryan's eyeballs widened when it dawned on him that it was his portrait. A satisfactory smile twirled on his lips. He placed his hands over his cheeks, as he bellowed with ecstasy.

He took another step closer and he saw another painting of his father. On the wall. His emotions got a hold on him at that point and he remained silent - void of words.

He placed his fingers on the painting, feeling its texture.

"I'm going to make you proud. I promise" Bryan muttered coldly.

Just in, a knock was pressed on the door.

"Come in, Bryan said, walking back to the front of the desk.

Maya walked into the office.

Bryan had his eyes narrowed to her direction in bid to hear what she had to say.

"Sir, your meeting with the board of directors will start in ten minutes. I came to remind you" Maya said.