"Come in..." Miriam heard Ryan's voice from inside. She breathed in and slowly push the door open, going in afterwards.
"Did you receive your promotion letter already?" Ryan asked immediately Miriam entered the office, without sparing her a glance.
"Yes, quite a while ago." She nodded in reply. "I'm yet to read what's written in it."
"Aside being the memberofthe board meeting and my personal assistance, I feel like you need a specific post to hold." He said, still not sparing her a glance. "You are no more my personal assistance but the vice president of operations, and you are going to be taking on a bigger role in the company now."
Miriam did not smile nor show any concern or gratitude towards her new post, she only stare blankly at Ryan. "Are you going somewhere, sir?" She asked him instead as she watch him pack and arrange some files.
Ryan paused what he was doing and turn to her. "Yes..." He simply stated. "I'm not just going somewhere but... vacating my office too."
Miriam knew about his deal with the anonymous lady but pretended not to know about it, she was mad at it but there was nothing she could about it. Ryan own the company, anything that will happen to the company should depend on him -the decision is his to make and not hers.
"Did she make you do this?" She find herself asking him. Ryan breathed out softly before shaking his head slowly in disapproval. "Then why are you vacating your office? You can't possibly leave us alone here or are you?"
Ryan forced out a small smile. "I have no option, Miriam." He told her, trying to wade of any emotion that might want to build up in his tone.
"I heard about the deal, sir." Miriam uttered, gazing straight at him, disappointment was laced in her voice. "She offered to buy sixty five percent after the initial deal and you agreed to it, Mr. Ryan?"
"That was my decision after plenty ofthoughts." Ryan told her flatly. He tried blocking any other thoughts from coming in else he might end up regretting his decision. "This was the only way to save a collapsing company -I have to consider my employees when making a decision."
"If truly you are considering us as your employees, why did you decline the offer to continue being the CEO till the next five years?" Miriam asked, her voice was demanding. "Considering yourself first is another way of considering the company's employees too."
"You're worrying over nothing, Miriam." Ryan uttered, trying to sound more active. "I only sign the deal when she promised to treat you guys more than I used to -she is keeping every member of the company. If I'm not okay with the terms, I wouldn't have the deal sign with her. Besides, the company is just a step away from its ruin."
"You should have accepted the bonus offer that came with it." She insisted, not convinced enough with his words. "You can continue heading us like you have been doing for years, you still own thirty five percent ofthe company, sir."
"Selling out sixty five percent was just an excuse, Miriam; I need a break, that's why." He enunciated truthfully. "I've been managing this company for years but couldn't create the proper time to manage my home. I've lost a lot and giving the company up is what I'll have to do."
As Miriam watched her boss pack up his office, she couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness. She had worked with him for years, and she knew how much he loved his job. But she also understood that everyone needed a break sometimes.
Still, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy about the anonymous woman who was taking over. Who was she? And what kind of a leader would she be? Who she treat them just the way as Ryan has been doing for years?
"I understand, sir." Miriam said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I just...I just wish you weren't leaving us. The company won't be the same without you."
Ryan looked up at her, his face softening. "I know, Miriam. But I'm not leaving for good. I'll still be around to advise the new CEO. And who knows, maybe one day I'll come back."
Miriam couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope at his words. If he might change his mind someday to come back, there is no need to worry much. Besides, he did say he will be around to advise the new CEO.
"But for now, I need to focus on myself and how to build my ruined marriage, if possible." Ryan continued. "I've been working nonstop for years, and I just need some time to recharge."
He paused, looking around the office that had been his home away from home for so long. "It is going to be hard to leave this place I've grown to be fond of but I know it's the right thing to do." He said, more to himself than to Miriam.
"I know..." She enunciated softly. "And we'll all miss you terribly, you mean a lot to us and the company itself, Mr. Ryan."
"But I know the company will be in good hands." Ryan said, giving Miriam a reassuring smile. "You're a strong leader, and you'll do an amazing job. I'm sure of it."
Miriam felt her cheeks flush at his words, but she also felt a surge of confidence.
Maybe she could do this, after all. "Thank you, Mr. Ryan." She said, her voice full of gratitude. "I appreciate yourfaith in me."
"And I know you'll do a great job of taking care of the team." Ryan said, his voice full of warmth. "You're a natural leader, Miriam. And the team respects you and looks up to you."
Miriam felt a lump rise in her throat. She had never thought of herself as a leader before, but hearing it from Ryan, someone she admired and respected, made her realize that maybe she could do this. Maybe she could step up and take on this new challenge...