Rayan's heart raced as Janade Redwood, his manager, stormed out of the office, headed straight for the executive suite. He knew this wasn't going to end well - his inattention and personal projects during work hours were unacceptable, and he would likely face severe consequences.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Janade returned, his face twisted into a scowl. "Mr. Kelvin, Mr. Billiard would like to see you in his office. NOW!"
Rayan's stomach churned with dread as he slowly got up from his desk and followed Janade down the familiar hallway. He had always admired Jack Billiard, the powerful CEO of Suro Industries, but now the man's imposing presence filled him with a sense of impending doom.
As Rayan stepped into Billiard's lavish corner office, the CEO fixed him with a piercing gaze. "Kelvin, I've been informed of your recent... indiscretions. Janade tells me you've been neglecting your duties and wasting company time on personal matters. Is this true?"
Rayan swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "Mr. Billiard, I... I can explain. I was just-"
"Save it," Billiard interrupted, raising a hand. "I've heard enough. Suro Industries has no tolerance for this kind of behaviour. You're a talented employee, Kelvin, but your lack of focus and dedication is unacceptable."
Rayan's heart sank as Billiard continued, "I'm afraid I have no choice but to terminate your employment, effective immediately. I want you off the premises, and I never want to see your face here again. Do you understand?"
Rayan felt the blood drain from his face as the reality of the situation sank in. He had been fired, unceremoniously dismissed from the only job he had ever known. All his dreams of climbing the corporate ladder, of one day earning Billiard's respect, had been shattered in an instant.
"But... sir, please, I-" Rayan stammered, desperation creeping into his voice.
"I said, do you understand?" Billiard's voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument.
Rayan stood there, stunned, as Janade stepped forward and placed a box on the desk, filled with his personal belongings. "Your things," Janade said, his tone devoid of any sympathy.
Rayan glanced down at the box, then back up at Billiard, his eyes brimming with a mixture of anger and disbelief. "This is bullshit!" he spat, his fists clenching at his sides. "You think you can just kick me out like that? I gave my best years to this company, and this is how you repay me?"
Billiard's expression remained unflinching. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Kelvin, but my decision is final. Now, I suggest you leave before I have security escort you out."
Rayan's jaw tightened, and he could feel the rage bubbling up inside him. "Go to hell, Billiard," he growled, snatching the box off the desk. "You may be a big now but mark my words - I'll build something even greater. I'll grow bigger than you could ever imagine, and I'll make you regret the day you crossed me."
Without another word, Rayan turned and marched out of the office, his head held high despite the sting of humiliation. As he strode through the bustling hallways, dodging the curious stares of his former colleagues, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement beneath the overwhelming sense of defeat.
This wasn't the end, he vowed. This was just the beginning. He would show Billiard and Suro Industries exactly what he was capable of, and he would do it on his own terms. With a newfound determination, Rayan set his sights on the future, ready to embark on the most important journey of his life.