Billionaire Biker Boy

Chapter 56 - Instead of Harbouring Prejudice.

 

[At the office of Ocean Sea Marine Foods]

 

Sinee was reviewing last year's financial summary with a satisfied smile in her private office. Ever since Chonlatee graduated and joined the company to establish Ocean Sea Logistics, operations have become much more comprehensive. From warehousing to transportation, everything was now streamlined. This readiness in managing and importing frozen food products has significantly boosted the company's revenue.

 

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. When she called out, a senior saleswoman, a long-time employee, stepped inside. Sinee removed her reading glasses and asked, "What is it, Jubjang?"

 

"Sardina hasn't sent the purchase order yet, ma'am. The staff can't get in touch with them either. When we called their office, they said the person in charge is on sick leave," Jariya reported.

 

"Huh? But Nuu O told me... Never mind, I'll follow up myself," Sinee replied.

 

After Jariya left, Sinee picked up her phone and opened the green chat app. Last night, Samut had teased her via LINE, asking if they'd received the salmon order from Sardina yet, while sweet-talking her for extra pocket money. This morning, she'd asked Jubjang about the order, not expecting much, since they were at a disadvantage on shipping costs. Even though earlier this year, the company's vice president-her youngest son's new boyfriend-had assured her he'd handle it, she still hadn't believed it'd actually come through.

 

Nuu O, are you free? : Sinee

About Sardina's order: Sinee

They haven't sent the PO yet: Sinee

Ocean: Huh? They haven't? Really?

Ocean: I personally filed it myself.

Jub said it hasn't arrived yet.: Sinee

 

Ocean: Let me check on it for you, Mom.

 

Sinee set her phone down, not overly worried. After all, Wonchana had already informed her of the production line's opening schedule. They'd still have time to place the order. But the older woman didn't suspect for a moment that her youngest son was being sabotaged by a coworker.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

Meanwhile, a woman reeling from the shock of betrayal by her lover had taken sick leave but hadn't returned home. Instead, Nittaya rented an apartment near her house to collect herself and process her emotions.

 

She collapsed onto the bed, replaying past events in her mind. Only now did she realise how foolish and naive she'd been. She'd trusted Sirichok's words without questioning any of the oddities. Not even the fact that, despite working at the same place and living in the same direction, they never went home together.

 

The same went for their meals. His excuse of not wanting others to know they were dating because of order-related issues seemed absurd. After all, she wasn't embezzling from the company. Sure, it might've been slightly unethical, but it didn't harm the company. Yet, she'd believed him and complied with his requests. And on social media...

 

She and Sirichok had openly flirted on Twitter to the point that their followers knew they had a special relationship. She never imagined he'd have a second or even third relationship aside from theirs. But what shocked her most was... discovering his lover was a man.

 

That Ocean kid had mentioned it before, but she hadn't believed him. Her bias that Samut was gay and had a crush on Sirichok made her think he was just trying to make himself look better. But upon reflection, that kid had the vice president chasing after him day and night. Why would he need to justify himself to her?

 

Her eyes widened as she recalled what she'd done to sabotage Samut. She'd deliberately withheld the purchase order, planning to later 'discover' the oversight and claim she'd asked Samut to send it instead. By then, Ocean Sea Marine Foods wouldn't be able to deliver on time, and she'd bring in another company to replace them. Even if she had to share the blame with Samut, at least the kid's reputation would take a hit. That could cause problems with the vice president.

 

Nittaya covered her face with her hands, tears streaming down her cheeks.

..What have I done?

 

She wiped her tears and resolved not to help Sirichok's relatives' company anymore. On Monday, she'd retrieve the purchase order and send it to Ocean Sea Marine Foods. There was still plenty of time; it should be fine.

 

But if only she'd known from the start who Samut really was. If she'd taken the time to get to know him instead of harbouring prejudice, she would've understood why he

had to take over her responsibilities. Or if she'd just checked Facebook, she would've seen the close bond between Samut and Wonchana and

wouldn't have risked provoking the vice president by targeting the new hire. And Nittaya would never know that some actions, no matter how much you try to fix them, can't erase the bad intentions behind them.

...Including certain karmic debts that come back at lightning speed.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

Samut wasn't some Thai drama heroine who'd endure and prove himself with patience and virtue to win over the hero and supporting characters, especially since the hero was already in love with him. And the person who tried to sabotage him was someone he'd just started to feel sympathy for, freeing her from the clutches of a selfish man.

 

..Am I being punished for doing good?

...So this is what it feels like to get your hand bitten by the one you fed.

 

Samut gathered all the evidence and went straight to his boyfriend on the 18th floor. He laid out everything: being asked to stamp and file documents that hadn't actually been sent, the missing purchase order for Hat Yai, and the fine print conditions of his responsibilities. Wonchana reviewed the documents with a dark expression.

...Nothing upset him more than seeing Samut being targeted.

 

The vice president sighed deeply, then made a direct call to Puchong. The tall man gave instructions for a long while. Once he hung up, he softened his expression, leaned back against the desk, and reassured the smaller man beside him.

 

"O, don't worry. Nothing serious has happened yet. I've asked the manager to send the PO to Ocean Sea Marine Foods instead. As for the details behind the asterisk, I've instructed them to investigate further."

 

Seeing Samut’s furrowed brows, Wonchana smiled. "Come on, let's go for a run to shake off the stress."

 

"Why would she target me? If it weren't Ocean Sea Marine Foods, I wouldn't have known until it caused real damage," the smaller man muttered, still puzzled.

 

Wonchana pulled Samut into a comforting hug. "There won't be any damage. She probably has some kind of plan. By Monday, we'll know her reasons. Don't worry, I won't let anyone bully you."

 

"You're my superhero again." Samut wrapped his arms around the taller man's waist and buried his face in the warm embrace. The superhero smiled and tightened his hold.

 

"Then tonight, you can treat me to sushi," Wonchana teased. Samut tilted his head up, resting his chin on the broad chest, his lips curving into a bright smile. "I'll swipe the card, but you're the one paying. How's that treating you?"

 

"It counts if I say it does," the payer replied, unfazed. 

 

The debtor smiled and stood on tiptoe to 'pay off another instalment to his hero creditor, even though the principal amount remained unchanged.

 

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

 

After working up a sweat, the smaller man stepped off the treadmill, exhausted. His honorary trainer guided him through a cooldown routine.

 

"Wow, that was a great workout," Samut said after finishing the cooldown. The tall man glanced at the small white workout tank top, now soaked with sweat and clinging to Samut’s body, revealing glimpses of his fair skin. The damp fabric seemed to glow, accentuating his porcelain complexion.

 

"Go change, and let's grab something to eat," Wonchana suggested, silently telling himself...

...Next time, no more tank tops or white shirts.

 

Samut nodded, grabbing his water bottle and towel before taking the taller man's hand as they walked out. Just as they were leaving the room, a familiar man walked in.

 

"Oh, Mr Win, O, hello!" Wonchana and Samut greeted him back, and it was Samut who asked, "P'Shark, do you work out here, too?"

 

Jacques laughed good-naturedly. "Yes, I do. If I'm in Bangkok, I come here almost every day. If I'm travelling, I’ll run wherever I'm staying."

 

"We work out here regularly, too," Samut said.

 

"Really? I don't think I've ever seen you two here before," Jacques replied.

 

Noticing the way the half-Thai man looked at Samut, Wonchana quickly draped the towel over the smaller man's shoulders and wrapped an arm around him possessively. Then he answered on their behalf… "I used to work out at another branch, and O usually goes to do yoga," Wonchana replied smoothly.

 

The half-Thai man hastily averted his gaze from the smaller figure, awkwardly covering up with, "Oh, I see."

 

Samut, now draped in a towel and held protectively, glanced up at the taller man and began to piece things together. After a moment of thought, he added, "We usually come earlier, too, but we were a bit late today, so we ran into you, P'Shark."

 

"In that case, I'll have to come earlier next time," Jacques said with a smile, noticing how the large hand slid down to wrap possessively around the smaller man's waist.

...Ugh, couples are so annoying.

 

Ignoring the protective boyfriend, Jacques kept his composure and continued chatting as if oblivious. "Oh, by the way, I've finished editing the photos. I'll send you the link to download them."

 

Samut thanked him politely, and once the couple walked away, Jacques couldn't help but watch them with envy.

 

..How nice would it be to have someone to work out with?

 

Meanwhile, the smaller man walking away was grinning to himself. He had a hunch now-this shark seemed to be gay, too, and probably liked soft, petite types. But wasn't P'Honey more of the delicate type? Should he play matchmaker?

-Well, you never know until you try. But would this shark even like honey?

════[changbins_delulu_wife]════

Monday morning rolled around once again. The events of Friday afternoon had become the hot topic of gossip across the entire Atcharangkul company group. Several people had managed to record videos of the 'drama,' though none captured the entire incident from the beginning, as Sakawjai's footage did. Still, the peak moments were enough to make the videos go viral if they ever hit social media.

But in the end, not a single video leaked.

 

Thanks to a post from Mr Vice President, who had directed the 'performance,' immediately after the incident.

 

"I kindly ask everyone not to post videos of the commotion at the Atcharangkul Building, as it could negatively impact the company's image in many ways. That said, the behaviour in question was inappropriate, and I assure you that disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with company regulations. Additionally, anyone who insists on posting such videos may face consequences affecting their position and career. Regards, "

 

That was all it took for the Atcharangkul employees to decide that their stable jobs weren't worth trading for views that wouldn't generate any income.

..And so, Sirichok narrowly avoided becoming a notorious internet sensation.

 

Still, he didn't show up for work today, having called in sick to his supervisor. Meanwhile, Nittaya arrived early and immediately began searching for the purchase order file. No file? Where is the latest file?

 

She peeked into the manager's office but didn't see it. It wasn't on any of the other employees' desks either. Her anxiety grew, making it impossible to focus. Printing a new copy would require Puchong's signature, and she had no valid reason to ask him to sign it again.

 

If only she'd scanned it earlier. Most companies now use scanned purchase orders sent via email, except for those requiring original documents, which require a duplicate copy to be sent by mail. Ocean Sea Marine Foods didn't require duplicates. She'd have to wait for Samut to arrive and ask him where the file was.

 

As the start of the workday approached, Nittaya grew increasingly restless.

..Why isn't that kid here yet?

 

When work officially began, all the other employees were at their stations-except for Samut. Puchong entered his office but left again after just five minutes. Another hour passed, and the phone on Nittaya's desk rang.

 

"Hello, this is Nittaya from the procurement department speaking."

 

"Ms Nittaya, this is Jittree, the vice president's secretary. Please come to the meeting room on the 18th floor."

 

Nittaya's body went cold from head to toe. A trembling sensation with no apparent source overtook her. Her pale hand, gripping the phone, felt as icy as if it'd been dipped in polar waters. She hung up, then picked up her mobile phone, silenced it, and slipped it into her pocket. With the demeanour of a prisoner walking to their execution, she made her way to the 18th floor.

 

"You may go in, Ms Nittaya." Jittree gestured toward the meeting room adjacent to the vice president's office as soon as she saw her. After knocking and entering, Nittaya saw Wonchana seated at the head of the table in an elegant suit. Samut and Puchong sat to his left, while two middle-aged men and one woman sat to his right. She recognised one man as the HR manager of Sardina and the woman as Rujee, also from HR. The other man looked somewhat familiar, though she didn't know him.

 

Nittaya raised her hands in a respectful wai to everyone.

 

"Please have a seat, Ms Nittaya," Puchong said, motioning towards the chair at the opposite end of the table from Wonchana. She swallowed hard and sat down neatly. Puchong continued, his tone and choice of words formal.

 

"Ms Nittaya, you're likely familiar with Mr Vice President, Mr Samut, Mr Bodin, and Ms Rujee. This gentleman here is Mr Jet, the legal counsel for Atcharangkul Group."

 

Nittaya raised her hands in another wai, and her supervisor continued.

 

"To avoid wasting time, I'll get straight to the point. This meeting is to investigate the facts regarding the operations of Sardina's procurement department. The session will be recorded as evidence. I have several questions for you, Ms Nittaya. On Friday afternoon, I contacted Ocean Sea Marine Foods and found that they hadn't yet received the purchase order for frozen salmon from Sardina... Could you explain why the purchase order I signed and handed to you on Thursday morning hasn't yet reached Ocean Sea Marine Foods?"

 

Nittaya felt a chill run through her, yet her palms were damp with sweat. She hesitated, her mind racing.

 

..How did P'Pu find out so quickly? Is he colluding with Ocean Sea Marine Foods?

..And why is O here?

 

She weighed her options, considering whether to stick to her original plan of blaming Samut. But with him sitting right there, the facts had shifted so drastically that she was filled with doubt. Judging by the atmosphere, if she answered incorrectly, it'd be safe to say...Game over.

...How has it come to this?

 

Her father's words from her first day at work echoed in her mind. 'Remember, my dear, in the workplace, being highly skilled isn't as important as being honest, ethical, and responsible in your duties.'

 

Finally, Nittaya made her decision and opened her mouth to answer...