358 Max returns to work again 5 (1/2)

”Since you are acting like you didn't understand, allow me to clarify. I told you that you can come at noon or at five. You were here at noon, so you should know that the five o'clock window was closed. And in either of those cases, you were not supposed to enter on your own. Since you just joined, I will give you the benefit of doubt that you are not aware of security protocols, however, this will become part of your personal file. Keep in mind that you can access your office and common areas. For anything else, you need permission and authorization. Do you understand?”

”I only wanted to meet with you.”, Irene persisted. ”No one was outside, and I knocked on the door. I remember you saying that your last meeting ends at five o'clock, so I thought of waiting for you here, instead of in the hallway. There is nothing more behind my actions. Please, forgive me. It will not happen again.”

Max took a deep breath to calm down his emotions. He cursed his younger-self repeatedly. How come he didn't see that Irene is full of lies? And even though he gave her a warning, she is still pushing her agenda. It seems that he needs to add to the punishment.

”Director Brooks, there is a distinction between being eager to meet your boss and crossing the line. On your next annual performance review, you will not be eligible for any bonus or salary increase. Are we clear?”

”Why am I punished for being here, while she gets a free pass?”, Irene asked angrily while pointing at Liz.

Liz was baffled by Irene's argument. ”I don't work here. What will he do, spank me?”

Behind his poker face, Max wondered if Liz is secretly giving him ideas. He would love to spank her. It feels like forever since he did it last time.

”My point exactly!”, Irene exclaimed while looking at Max. ”I am the director of marketing at the Alpha group, and she is not even an employee! You talk about security protocols, how can she be above mine?”

Max wanted to respond, but Liz held his arm and gave it a squeeze, indicating to him to stay quiet.

Liz was angry. Why is Irene expecting Max to defend her? Is Irene so delusional that she can't see who between Irene and Liz is more important to Max? It's time for Irene to get a dose of reality.

”Who said that I am below you?” Liz fetched her card and spoke to security guards. ”You can scan this, right?”

The security guards nodded and one of them got a palm-sized device that was attached to his belt.

”I want you to scan my card and tell Miss Brooks about my clearance.”

Irene's eyes darted over the people in the office. She felt that something is off. Why is Liz so confident? Less than a minute later, Irene got her answer. Liz has the highest security clearance.

”No areas are off-limits for Miss Williams…”, the security guard said.

Irene was boiling but at this point, she realized that she is at a heavy disadvantage. She cursed Elizabeth and herself. Why didn't she think about the consequences before coming to Max's office? She will get a stain in her file and this year there will be no bonus or salary increase, but the biggest thing is the insult. Her ego is bleeding and it's all Elizabeth's fault!

Max glanced at Liz and he knows that she is venting. Well, better on Irene than on him.

”I believe that we are done here unless you have something to add.”, Max said to Liz.

Liz was happy that Max asked her. ”No. I hope that Miss Brooks does not repeat her offense.”

Max dismissed security guards who were sad to leave. This is high-level gossip! A direct conflict between newly appointed director and CEO's girlfriend! Ah, it seems they will miss the grand finale. They dragged their feet while hoping to hear more.

Max told Foxy to leave as well. He can't blame her for not being a robot who will guard his door 24/7.

Max was counting that Irene will be brazen and do something stupid, but he didn't expect that she will invade his space without going for any sensitive information. Did she really plan to seduce him? If she went through the interview and accepted the job only to get close to him, that is a lot of work for naught.

Actually, it's not for naught. Max sees this as a personal victory. Thanks to the last month and a half, he clarified a lot of things from his past and he escaped the grasp of Irene's shadow. As a bonus, Liz and he are back to being a team again. It started as a bumpy ride when Irene showed up, but now the sky looks clear and the future is bright.

There is only one more thing to say, and Max is delighted to be able to convey this to Irene in Liz's presence. And the security guards that are lingering at the door are probably eavesdropping, which is perfect because they can spread this through the Alpha group.

”Director Brooks…”, Max said while scrutinizing Irene. ”Your actions are ambiguous at best. Do you really want other employees to start gossiping about us having an affair? Based on your resume and references, I expected more from you. Regardless of what your feelings are, I hope that you will keep your distance and stay professional. This is your second and last chance, don't blow it.”

With every Max's word, Irene was losing more color from her face as if something is sapping her energy. She was not sure how come things escalated so quickly.

Only now Irene got to see the icy and detached look Max is giving her like she is nothing. Like she is not worthy to be in his presence. This is a first.

Irene reminded herself to stay calm. At least on the outside. She can't show them how much all this shook her up.

Irene didn't realize that her hands are balled into fists so tightly, that the knuckles turned white.

”Yes, CEO Anderson. Thank you, CEO Anderson...”, were the only words Irene could say.

”You may leave.”, Max dismissed her.

Before the door closed behind Irene, Liz was in Max's embrace.