The Solitary Alpha

9 - Lunch with the Boss #1*

As Gideon left Sanada's office, Kenji and Rei ambushed her. Before they could start in on her with their questions, Gideon spoke up quickly.

"Hey, help me with the conference room!"

As the three of them hurried to the room, Aya saw this as an opportunity to see Mr. Sanada.

The three gathered the used dishes into a tub Gideon had placed out of site. She asked Rei to take the rest of the pastries to the break room and email everyone that they were there along with coffee.

"So what happened, did he fire you?"

"No, he didn't fire me."

"Oh thank god!"

"But we're leaving in an hour for lunch. Sorry Kenji, I have to make it up to you later."

"Oh Gigi! You have to give me details later!" Kenji was foaming at the mouth, almost. Gideon sarcastically blew him a kiss.

After the two gathered the dishes and water pitchers, they took everything to the break room. Gideon had also gathered the information packs that the men had left behind and set them on her chair in her office.  Returning to the breakroom, she started washing the dishes, others thanked her for the treats. Once that was finished, she asked Kenji if there was a shredder available and he showed her where it was located. She shredded the information from the meeting; she had an electronic copy of everything on her laptop.

Reaching her office, Gideon sank into the chair to relax before her lunch date with the boss. Her shoulders were just about to release their tension when there was a knock at the door. Gideon stood.

"Come in."

It was Mr. Sanada and Aya. "It seems Ms. Okada that we had scheduled a press conference at the conclusion of the meeting to announce the acquisition of the building, you are listed as the speaker." Gideon could see that Sanada was not thrilled about it.

"Oh really? Did you set this up Ms. Kaiba?"

"Why, yes? It's my job as public relations."

"I see and were you a part of the meeting that just took place?"

"Well, no, but-"

Gideon cut her off.  "So you have absolutely no idea the outcome of the meeting, do you? And why schedule a press conference so soon? Did Mr. Sanada or one of the Senior members ask you to do so?"

"Well, no, but the-" 

Gideon would not allow her to explain anything. She knew perfectly well what she was trying to do. Aya thought she would catch Gideon off guard and that she would fumble her way through the conference.

"That's fine Ms. Kaiba, where is the press conference, I'm ready." 

Sanada looked at her.  Impressed indeed

"But don't you need to prepare?" Aya was getting snotty.

"No, I, unlike you, actually attended the meeting. I already know what needs to be said. Shall we?"

Gideon headed towards her door for Aya to show her the way. Gideon also avoided looking at Sanada. She knew he could have put a stop to it but didn't.

Once they got to where the press conference was being held,  Gideon could see that the room was full of reporters and flashing lights. There were also three of the senior members standing off to the side. Aya stood back with a cocky smirk, waiting for the newbie to fall flat on her face. Sanada walked up alongside Gideon but she gently put her hand on his arm, stopping him. She would face the reporters alone.

Gideon walked up to the podium and bowed. In Japanese, she introduced herself and thanked everyone for taking the time to be there on such short notice.

"The Sanada Corporation has decided against the acquisition of the Satori high rise at this time. Based on our current focus, we no longer see it being a beneficial move. We wish the current developers all the best as they continue to move forward and reach out to other potential buyers and or investors. Thank You. I will take 2 questions and 2 questions only, then this press conference will conclude." Gideon picked a female reporter from the front row.

"Is there something wrong with the building?"

"What is your name and who are you with?" The report paused at the immediate question.

"Uh,  Miko Sato, Daily News Japan."

"Thank you for your question, Ms. Sato.  You will have to get that from the current owners and developers. That is information the Sanada Corporation has no right to speak on. Next question."

"Are you related to Jun Okada?"

"What is your name and who are you with?"

"That's not important! Answer the question!" The man thought he could intimidate her into answering.

"Your question is equally unimportant. Thank you everyone. Please enjoy your day." With that Gideon stepped away from the podium and bowed politely before turning and walking away. Questions were still being shouted at her. She walked directly up to Aya, causing her to step back at the sudden advancement.

"Ms. Kaiba, please thank the reporters and dismiss them as our Public Relations Manager." Gideon bowed to her and walked towards the exit. Aya stood for a few seconds, unsure of what just happened. Sanada and the senior members smiled. They were all impressed at how his new assistant had handled things. Gideon held the door for them as they all exited. As she walked back to her office, she remained silent. She bowed to the senior members as they left and continued towards her office. It was time for her to take the boss to lunch. Grabbing her bag, she made her way to his office and knocked on the door.

"Come in."

Gideon stood by the entrance. Her face was still expressionless, but on the inside she was pissed. "Are you ready sir?"

"Yes." Sanada walked out of his office as Gideon stepped to the side, following him to the elevator. Others in the office took notice. Once inside, Gideon was still quiet as Sanada looked at her. She wanted to tell him to never allow something like that to happen again, but she didn't. He was the boss and he obviously allowed behavior like that. A mental note was made and Gideon was just have to adapt to it.

Reaching the basement level, he led her to his car and the driver that was waiting. As the driver held the door for them, Mr. Sanada motioned for Gideon to enter, which she did. Once they were both inside, Sanada looked at her again. The driver lowered the partition to ask for a destination which Gideon immediately gave him. The driver looked at her as she glared at him. He nodded, raised the partition and started the car. She crossed her leg and turned towards the window as the car rolled out into the daylight.

"So, did I pass your tests?" Gideon was still staring out the window at the passing traffic, her arms tightly folded across her chest.

Sanada chuckled. "Nothing gets past you Ms. Okada, does it?"

"No it does not Mr. Sanada." Gideon relaxed as Sanada slowly shook his head. To say he was impressed with her poise and confidence was an understatement. She handled herself better than most men.

"You passed Ms. Okada."

"Good." Gideon finally turned to look at him. "I know you're my boss, but don't make Ms. Kaiba's reckless press conferences a habit. My patience is not unlimited."

"Point taken Ms. Okada. You know for an Alpha, you are impressive."

"What makes you think I'm an Alpha?" Now it was Gideon's turn to smirk, turning back towards the window.