"Yes, sir!" She bowed. " I know, I know! CEO workaholic Jones. We're here to be at your beck and call, to attend to your every need... particularly me!" Said Ashley while pointing a finger on herself.
"However, you also need to keep in mind that by five o'clock, the work hours are over, and there is no overtime. Do you understand that?!" Ashley teases, knowing he can't afford to get mad at her since she's pregnant.
After hearing what his wife said, his brows raised as he looks at her to see if she's serious or what. When he saw her giggling after, he pulled her to his embrace and kissed her on her forehead.
"Whatever my wife said, it goes! You don't even have to work, just be with me, and that's enough." Said Tanaga as he guided Ashley towards the bedroom so they could prepare to leave already.
===
Except for one employee, no one in THJ Marine Division knows that his coming for a surprise visit. He didn't want the culprit to have a chance of hiding what he has been doing all this time.
Therefore, instead of using the front door... he told Tiny to go to the back of the building and enter from the warehouse since it's always open. They would not need to use a doorbell; he doesn't want to alarm the employees of his arrival.
Once the vehicle was parked. Tiny and Sato got out of the first, then they both opened the back of the car for the couple. Tanaga went down first, while Sato assisted Ashley to get off the car.
Tanaga was the first to enter the warehouse without uttering a word. He has a frown on his face as he surveys the clattered around the warehouse. It was a total mess, and he was not happy with what he was seeing.
Ashley, Sato, and Tiny, who was right behind Tanaga, saw the change on his face and shaken their head.
"Tsk! Tks! Tks! Someone will be out of a job today." Sato whispered to Ashley.
Six employees were standing and talking while they spoke Spanish. They were having the time of the day as if they have nothing to do.
One of the men must have been their leader and raised his hands to stop the conversation. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Tanaga's group entered the warehouse. He approached them halfway to find out what they want.
"Can I help you?" He asked while assessing Tanaga from head to foot.
"Yes! Is your boss around?" Tanaga replied as he continued to look around the warehouse. The place is messy and full of products on the ground. Tanaga flinched at what he saw and looked down at the person in front of him.
"My boss isn't here yet, is something I can help you? Do you have an appointment?" The employee asked Tanaga a question while looking at him with contempt.
However, instead of Tanaga responding to his question. He continued walking straight toward the entryway to the main building.
"Whoa! Where do you think you're going? I'm asking you a question! Come back here!" As he chased Tanaga, he spoke in Spanish to his colleague. Telling them to block the way and don't let him enter. The warehouse employees took turns in, blocking the way.
"I'm sorry! But, you cannot go in there. That's for employees only and unless you have an appointment ... You have to wait here, and I will check with our boss first." Said one of the warehouse employees that was blocking Tanaga way.
Tiny was about to come to protect Tanaga, but Tanaga raised his hand, telling him to let it go. Tiny stopped and stood right in front of Ashley to protect her instead.
Sato, who at first was following behind Tanaga and Ashley decided to take it upon himself to speak to the employees to inform them who they are speaking with.
"Excuse me! If..." He was not able to finish what he was about to say. Tanaga spoke with authority, and one could tell he's pissed.
"Don't you all have anything to do? It's passed 9:00 am already, and you all still standing here doing nothing while getting paid.
"What do you think your boss would say if he knew that this is happening?" Barked Tanaga while he was pointing at the Rolex watch on his wrist.
The employee spoke in Spanish to his co-worker. "You all better get back to work, or they might report us to the boss. Let me take care of this bastard myself!" He has no idea that Tanaga understood every word he said, and he smirked.
"I need to know who you need to speak with so I could inform that person. I also need to know who you are and which company are you from to provide it to that person?" Said the leader of the warehouse employee.
However, instead of Tanaga providing him what he was asking... he spoke sternly. "You don't need to inform them, I can find my way." He then continued and walked straight to the door and walked in without looking back.
The employee was about to run after Tanaga to stop him from going in, but Tiny was quick to block his way.
"If I were you, I will not do that! You don't know what that person is capable of doing. If you value your job, let him go." Warned Tiny to the person who was about to stop them.
Ashley and Sato quickly followed Tanaga while Tiny finished giving the warehouse employee's warning before following them inside. The employees could only gaze at the group with a wide-open jaw.
This is the first time Tanaga has visited the branch office in Houston. When this branch opened, only Koji Hanada and President Hanada attended the grand opening.
For Tanaga, this is just a small part of the business, and Koji can handle it. So employees do not know him except their Japanese employees that were sent there from Japan.
Tanaga went straight to the President's office to let him know he was there. The problem is that President Takashi has not arrived yet and only his secretary was there.
When Hanawa, the Japanese secretary, saw Tanaga. She was stunned and quickly stood up to greet him. She was sweating bullets as she bowed and paid her respect.
"Good morning, CEO Jones! I hope you had a pleasant flight!" Greeted Hanawa as she stayed bent, unable to look him straight in his face.
"Where's your boss, it's ten o'clock already, and it seems he's not here yet. Does he always come in late like this?" He barked at Hanawa while waiting for her reply.
Hanawa could not answer Tanaga's question. She was afraid her boss would know that she tattle tell on him and could lose her job. However, the person right in front of her was more fearful, and he could also fire her on the spot if she doesn't answer truthfully. She was in a dilemma.
"Get up and answer my question! Is this how your boss came in? Better be careful with your reply!" Tanaga angrily told Hanawa.
Hanawa straightened up and was about to speak when the door suddenly burst open, and President Takashi entered.
"Oh 'shit!" He was ready to retreat and return to his vehicle when Tanaga saw him and shouted.