Page 54 of No Boss
“What is this?”
“The daily report, Boss. A comprehensive overview of Haveli operations.”
He turned a page. Another. His brow tightened. “This is thirty-seven pages.”
“Yes.”
“For one day.”
“You asked for comprehensive.”
He looked at her. “No one needs this much detail about rice.”
“The kitchen uses approximately forty-seven kilograms each day. Broken down by meal…”
“I don’t care about rice.”
“Then you should have clarified what you wanted included.”
Silence stretched across the desk.
His eyes locked on hers. “You’re doing this on purpose.”
“What? No, Boss. I’m following your instructions.”
“You’re following them maliciously.”
“What? No, Boss.” Her expression remained composed. “If you’re dissatisfied, you may replace me.” She let the thought settle. “Though we’ve discussed why that may not be easy.”
His gaze sharpened.
She did not look away.
He rose and came around the desk.
She stayed where she was even as he closed the distance. Even as the faint trace of cedar reached her again, unwelcome and impossible to ignore.
“Since you have time to count rice grains,” his voice was low, edged, “you’re not occupied enough.”
Her eyes widened.
“Three meetings a day. Morning, afternoon, evening. In person. Starting today. Each with concise reports. This is apart from the notes you would take for my meetings.”
“That’s…”
“Not open for discussion.”
He stopped close. Close enough that the full height of him was impossible to ignore. His presence pressed into the space between them, controlled but unmistakable.
“Tomorrow’s report,” he went on, softer now, each word deliberate, “fewer pages. Relevant information only. Or we increase it to four meetings.”
The room stilled.
From outside, a temple bell rang once.
“Understood?”
“Yes, Boss.” She inclined her head.
