View must have used up all of her free passes, and her lucky star must be exhausted from keeping her away from Mim's orbit after what went down the other day. View couldn't seem to catch a break ever since Mim came back. She's busier than ever but what's new?

She's conflicted, the older View wants to act like strangers with Mim while the younger View would like to schedule a one on one conversation with Mim again about playing with her heart, and demands to know her intention.

"P'View, Mim want to see you."
Bonnie is halfway down the hall but quickly backs up when she doesn't see View on her feet.
"ASAP! You wouldn't want to keep her waiting P'." Bonnie looks panicked. She doesn't want to be on Mim's bad side either.

The older girl nods, but her movements are the slowest possible. She's stalling obviously.

On the other hand, this could be her moment to shine as she stands up for herself from being possibly led on by Mim. After 30 more minutes to convince herself that she can do it, View finally gather enough courage to step inside the elevator.

_____

"You want to see me Mim?"
"You have the audacity to ask me that question?"
View gets taken aback at Mim's cold voice as she faces the CEO's back.

Confidence down the drain it goes.

"I..."
"Why did you take this job?"
...
"Because I love working here and what I achieved with the company."
"Then why are you late, whenever your boss asks for you? If you love working here so much?." Mim's question is too forward and sharp.

View can't think of anything to respond, she doesn't know why Mim is so worked up.
"I'm so sorry Mim, this is all my fault... I have a meeting with my team, and it took longer than expected."
"Did something happen?" She isn't lying, the meeting simply isn't the only thing that takes up her time.

Mim turned around, her gaze pierced straight into View, making her feel exposed, before her eyes softened slightly, allowing View to once again get away with being late.

"There's an emergency, that's why. Take a look at this, P'View." The CEO pushes a file toward View.
"This is the marketing team project?" View thought they're gonna talk about something else, not work related. She reminds herself that this is still a company and working environment even though the person in front of her is her ex.

"Yes, but that's not what I want you to focus on."
View read until her eyebrows are drawn together.
"This is wrong and not what we discussed."
"Uhhuh. It also got leaked to another company to use, so now we have to scratch out the whole project."
This information is like a bomb drop on View.
"Someone on your team messed it up. It got me wondering if it's done on purpose."
"It can't be. My team wouldn't do this."
"I've sent Bonnie to investigate, we will know soon who's the culprit."

"But I'm following this project very closely. How can this happen?" View doesn't want to believe this is real.
"I heard you've been busier this month. Someone might have taken advantage of that and sabotaged your team P'."
View didn't realize Mim just confessed to keeping an eye on her. She's more worried about her team after this. Whoever it is has been working with her for almost five years.

"What are we gonna do?"
"Nothing, you go back to your team P'View. I will take care of this at the board meeting."
"But.."
"No but P', this is an order from your boss." Mim crossed her arms, indicating that she was done discussing.

View knows that's her cue to leave and it's not the time to bring up what's going on between them.

_____

Inside the meeting room with the board, this would be the only time Mim is surrounded by entitled sons and people who are twice her age.

The worst part is she has to listen to them talk and work with them.

After letting out her fourth sigh, hearing about their 'ideas', shouting matches, and talking nonsense.
Mim needs a vacation, and Bonnie can't even be in the same room with her making it harder to tolerate.

Luckily she can still talk about the situation with her Dad's friend.
He treats her like a mentor, doesn't look at her with different eyes at all, and doesn't seem to care if she's still young and has lots to learn. Mim leaves him with an impression of trustworthy, brilliant minds and her impressive ability to make things happen.

A voice breaks out beside Mim, interrupting them.

"Can I take you out to dinner tonight, Mim?" A son of their shareholders just asks her that. Not only was it rude to interrupt her conversation to ask an unserious question in a serious meeting, but also gross.

"I would have to decline."
Mim doesn't want to deal with this because she's quite in a position where she can't lash out at questions thrown her way, even one like this.

She forces out a smile.
"I only focus on the company, right now, happily being single."
"Really? Why?" His voice is ignorant and disgustingly excited at her reply, he probably thinks she's giving him a challenge.

This is why she doesn't want to acknowledge him, he just asked two dumb questions in one sentence.

Whether Mim's dating anyone or not is none of his business. Did he think doubting her words would make her agree to have dinner with him, regardless of her sexuality? And why what? What exactly did he expect to hear from her?

Her Dad's friend chuckled, shaking his head. He knows Mim's gonna put him in his place.

"You're not my type."
"I know you're lying, I am everybody type."
Mim should've prepared a sick bag this morning.
"Then I'm pretty sure there's plenty of girls begging to have dinner with you." She mocked him, but he's an arrogant, narcissistic man.
"That's right, I can show you a good time."
Mim's running out of patience with him.
"I doubt that especially when a man-child without any self aware or respect for women comes with that face and asks you out, I'll pass."
"You." He stands up with a red face as everyone stares at him. He swears under his breath while walking out of the room, throwing a tantrum.

"Let's get back to the meeting." The people in the room settled down and took turns to pitch their ideas.

"Not a single idea sounds good. It lacks creativity and missing the context of what we're going for."
Mim breathes out frustratedly, a glass of wine now would be nice.

"None of this would have happened if you knew how to manage your employees, Miss Rattanawadee."
The CEO gives attention to the voice.
"Are you implying that I don't know how to run the company?" Mim raises an eyebrow.
"Well, I can't deny the numbers you brought to the table, but ever since you've taken that seat. There have been way too many coincidences."

Of course, a man would question her ability.
"Your father must be.." "My father has nothing to do with the company anymore, so I hope you won't bring him up in our conversation about whether or not I am worthy of this seat." Mim like always stands her ground, facing them fearless and ruthless.

"I'm sorry if you feel attacked, Miss Rattanawadee. I'm just like many of us here are worried about the company in the future."
"We're concerned. What happened today could easily happen again under your leadership."
This was a personal attack, but if he thought Mim would flinch at his petty little words, then he couldn't be more delusional.

Mim's smirk must have thrown him off.
"Remind me." She said, voice smooth as glass.
"What exactly have you brought to the table these past few years? Can you name one contribution to the company?"
"Because I've seen your numbers, and frankly they're not looking good." She added, leaning forward so that he could hear her.

He angrily slams his hand on the table, glaring at Mim.
"I pour money into this company not to get disrespected by a child, and see her run it to the ground."

Mim scans her eyes through each one of them that are nodding along with him.
"Funny, I thought you poured money into this company to feel important. If respect is what you're after, you should have earned it."
"Screaming like a toddler doesn't count."

"You bitch."

Mim's gaze sharpened, cold as ice.
"Thank you for confirming you've officially run out of arguments."
She let the silence thicken before continuing.
"Based on what you just showed me and everyone here, I'd say your seat at this table is no longer available."
"Anyone else wants to follow him, be my guest." Mim glances around.

The room silent.

"You can't fire me." He scoffed sounding near desperation.
"I'm not one of your employees to be fired. I'm the resource for all your stupid projects." He let out a laugh, forced and nervous.
He looked around, seeking backup from the same people who'd been nodding moments ago. Now, none would meet his eyes, and a bead of sweat slid down his temple.

"You're done here. Can you find yourself out? Or do I need to call security?"
...
The door suddenly opens.
"Mim, I've found the solution, I can fix this." View stood in the doorway, breathless.

Mim's eyebrows loosen at her voice but this is still an important meeting.
"P'View, this is an active board meeting."
"I know, I won't take long with my pitch." View replied, stepping fully into the room, her gaze locking with Mim.

Before anyone could respond a hysterical laugh erupted. The man Mim had just fired was doubled over laughing like a maniac.
"This?" He barked, wildly gesturing at View.
"This is who you all trusting with your money?" His laughter was unhinged but no one joined in.
"This is your leadership Miss Rattanawadee?" He straightened, eyes narrowed in utter disbelief.

"Oh, actually I'm.." View began, trying to be polite despite the outburst. She didn't like being dismissed by a madman.
"He's no longer in connection with Mimetta and has no right to speak to anyone in this room."
"You don't have to introduce yourself P'View." Mim intervenes, her eyes flared with fire at the sight of View being shouted at.

"He's fired?" View blinked, her shock wasn't faked. Her reaction made him flush with embarrassment.

"Fuck." With that last mutter, he sprinted out of the building.

Mim sits back down, unbothered.

"Let me introduce you all, this is View Benyapa director of the marketing team, so she can be in this room."
She looked around the board table.
"Since we've already gone through all your ideas, why don't we hear one more?"
They all silently agree to what Mim said.

After View's flawless idea pitch, clear, confident, and backed by strategy. Murmurs of approval begin to ripple through the board.

But it was Mim's reaction that mattered the most to View.
From the head of the table, Mim watched her with steady eyes, and when their gazes met. There was no mistaking it, pride flickered in Mim's expression.

The CEO's lips curved into a subtle smile, View caught it and instantly relief washed over her. She smiled back.

"That's a great idea P'View, any objections?" Her tone was calm but final.
....
"If not, we will move forward with her plan." She closes the folder.
"Meeting dismissed, thank you all for coming." Mim stands up and professionally shaking hands with the board members, accepting their compliments.

"You've done very well Mim, your Dad must be so proud to have a daughter like you." Said her Dad's friend, clearly amazed. He liked the way she handled those who had doubted her.
"Thank you Uncle, but I can't take all the credit for these past years." Mim replied with a modest smile.
"I'm fortunate to have so many talented people working for me, they truly make every day easier."
He nods at her humble words.

_____

After everyone had filed out, only View remained because she had a feeling Mim would want her to stay.

"Mim! Have you seen P'View?"
Bonnie storms in and stops short at the sight of View.
"How did you get here so fast?"
View chuckles at Bonnie's question.

"P'View joined the meeting." Mim looks down at her notes, answering cooly.
"Oh, wow, I... I mean, that's great. Yeah, that's good."
Mim cast her a glance, catching the sulky tone in her voice.
"Are you jealous, Bonnie?" She asked teasingly.
"Huh? No. Who am I to be jealous? But it's kinda unfair when you two get to sit in an air conditioner room at full blast, while I have to run from top to bottom of this company, playing detective."
Bonnie walked over and sat in one of the empty chairs near Mim.

The CEO stood up and moved behind her best friend.
"I will treat you to something delicious Bon. Do you have what I asked for?"
"Of course, have I ever failed you before Mim? Also, I want fancy dinners, your treat obs." Bonnie handed Mim the file.
"Sold, thank you Bon Bon."

Off to the side, View watched the scene unfold trying to soak it all in. She knew they had been best friends since middle school. She'd practically seen them grow up together, but at their age now. She couldn't help wondering if their relationship simply deepened over time, or if was there something more going on.

View immediately shook the thought from her head, reminding herself that Bonnie already had a girlfriend.

View cleared her throat to announce her presence.
"Oh, sorry P'View, I was too into these papers."
'ouch' That's a low blow to the gut.

Mim recounts the story for Bonnie, how View came in just at the right time. She skipped over what happened before that because she could somewhat guess their reactions.

"Ah, so you swept in to save the day P'View? That's badass." Bonnie grin.
"I was literally shaking like a cat meeting water during my presentation." View admitted got the two younger girls burst out laughing.
"I mean, for someone who's not good with words, you did amazing P'View."

A wave of indescribable joy washed over View. Her heart did a little cheering dance in her chest at Mim's simple compliment, one that carried a whirlwind of mixed emotions.
View tried to pick up any hint of Mim's real emotions,

It's more complex and challenging for View to break through the emotional defenses Mim has built.

"You actually fired him right there in the meeting?"
View snapped back to reality at Bonnie's voice.
"Yeah, I should've done it sooner.
"Yes, you should've especially when I told you he was involved in some shady stuff."
View blinked, completely lost. She had no idea what they were talking about, she wasn't on the board or exactly their best friend either for them to share the details.

"So the result of leaking company confidential files is immediate termination." Mim says calmly, dropping the news as if it's nothing worth considering.
"You'll take care of that for me as well, Bon."
"Yes, ma'am."
....
"Wait."
Mim looks up at View.
"You have question P'?"
"Not really, um... just one."
Mim and Bonnie look at her waiting.
"Don't you think it's a little harsh to fire her right away?"

One look at Mim's scrunched eyebrows made View regret her choice, but she needs to be strong for her team, she's their leader.

"Do tell P'View." Mim leans back against the table.

"She's been working under my leadership and for this company for five years. I think it's unfair to dismiss all her hard work and fire her over a mistake." View speak in one breath.

Mim nod.
"I understand your need to defend your team P'View, but you know as well as I do, this wasn't a small mistake."
"I'm not dismissing her contributions to Mimetta, but working for five years doesn't mean she can avoid responsibility or the consequences of her actions."
"I understand..."
"If I turned a blind eye to every employee's mistake, then what would be the point of having me as a CEO? People like that liability I just removed would end up running the company."

View's pulse quickens, she didn't want to back down even though no matter what she said Mim's decision was final.

"I know your mind's made up."
"But I had to speak up for her. That's my responsibility too."
She wasn't challenging Mim, kind of.

"Uh... I will leave you guys alone."
Bonnie said, starting to rise from her seat.
"Stay!" Two voices yell in unison.
Bonnie froze mid-stand, then slowly sank back into her chair, gesturing for them to continue.

"That's very heroic of you P', but can you promise to take all the blame and punishment yourself?"
"I... don't know." View mumbled.
"I guess so. That's why if anything happens, I'll find the right person to ask."

View bites her inner cheek.
"But she realized her mistake right after, and promised never to make the same mistake again."
"Is that not enough for you?"
"People deserve a second chance, right? Just because they were lost once doesn't mean they're lost forever."
"People can change, they can grow and evolve... if you just give them one more chance." View's voice trembles, she sounds so vulnerable and small.

It seems to affect Mim as well since there's a flicker of pain flashing through her eyes.

"I agree." Mim replied, her gaze distant.
"People do make mistakes, nobody is perfect. But second chances... they have limits, and sometimes they only apply in certain situations."
She pauses, folding her arms like a shield.
"Some might surprise you, they'll prove they have changed. While others, no matter how much you want to believe in them, they'll stay the same."

From across the room, Bonnie watches the conversation spiral into something deeper. Her eyes flicked between them.
'what's happening? Their conversation just took a drastic turn, are they even still talking about that poor girl anymore?' Bonnie doesn't want to be here, this is the worst place ever.

Mim sucked in a breath, stabilizing her voice.
"My decision is final P'View, I hope you don't try to reason with me anymore." Mim's tone of voice is stern.
"And if I tried to?"
...
"Haizz, I can't stop you from having an opinion, but always remember P'View. You work for me."

You can cut the air with a knife, that's how intense and suffocating it feels inside the room.

"Woah, okay let's all take a breath and hug it out shall we? Watching you two argue is like watching divorced parents fight."
"And honestly your child here doesn't like this at all."
Mim's sharp eyes almost send bullets at Bonnie while View doesn't seems to acknowledge them anymore.
"Wrong time, got it."
"Sorry."
Right after Bonnie's words, View storms out of the room wanting to release her pent-up emotions.

"P'View, wait!"
"Mimmm." Bonnie turned to her friend.
"Don't use that voice and those eyes with me Bon."
"Ugh, the two of you are insufferable."
...
"Are you okay?"
"I will be."
"Do you want a hug? Or do you want to be alone?"
Mim smiles slightly at Bonnie's caring words.
"I would like to be left alone for now, Bon."
"Of course, I will leave then, to announce bad news to the girl."
"Yeah, thank you Bonnie."
"No need for that, I love you."
"You're still remaining second place in my heart cause my girlfriend will be number one."
"Wow, such a quick change of heart Bon Bon. But I love you too."
"First place?"
"Haha, not a chance."
"Right, I will be going now, see you later?"
Confirming by Mim's nod, Bonnie leaves.