Her Inconvenient Boss | Chapter 5
Bangkok. Retracing to approximately a year and a half ago, when Unakarn had just secured a job while simultaneously pursuing her Master's degree.
A majestic high-rise stands tall near the heart of the city—the headquarters of Kent Industries. While its parent company is based in the United States, this subsidiary holds paramount importance as the current Big Boss resides primarily in Thailand.
Tycoon Saratch Siwaratpakdee, the former chairman, handed the reins of the empire over to his only son—or perhaps more accurately, his stepson from his blue-blooded wife—some seven or eight years ago.
Mom Ratchawong Warinrampai became a young widow after her American husband passed away. She later remarried the Tycoon, one of Thailand's wealthiest billionaires with southern roots, who had built a fortune through diverse business ventures. She entrusted him to manage her first husband's estate while her son was still young.
The couple had no children together, leaving Wasawatt Siwaratpakdee as the sole heir.
Unakarn looked up at the building of her first ever workplace with excitement after parking her car outside. Though she had been here thrice—to submit her application, take the exam, and for the interview—the thrill remained. Kent Industries was a leading regional powerhouse, a dream destination for fresh graduates in related fields. Yet, only the cream of the crop managed to secure a position due to the notoriously rigorous screening process.
Her chances would have been slim had she not known a close senior already working within the firm. Combined with a sudden vacancy in the department and her respectable GPA from a prestigious state university, the internal recommendation ensured her path was relatively smooth.
"Honestly, what are you standing there gaping for? You're blocking the way!"
Despite the woman's irritated voice being hushed, the new employee started and stepped back to clear the path. Instead, she collided with something firm behind her. A pair of arms reached out to steady her, belonging to a man in a Western suit who was...
Breathtakingly handsome!
He was the definition of what the younger generation and the queer community would call 'insanely hot,' 'devastatingly handsome,' or 'drop-dead gorgeous.' He possessed a smoldering, tactile appeal, yet carried an aura of such high-class luxury that he seemed utterly out of reach for any woman lacking supreme confidence.
"I... I'm sorry," Unakarn murmured as she looked up, only to find herself staring, spellbound.
"No problem." He quirked an eyebrow, seemingly amused by her reaction, and released her once she regained her balance. "Are you alright?"
"I'm... I'm perfectly fine."
"I haven't seen you before."
"It's my first day of work."
"Name?"
"What is this!" The same woman—whom Unakarn now recognized as a somewhat familiar face from television—interjected. This time, however, her tone softened into a coquettish drawl. "Why are you asking your new employee's name, Watt?"
"I enjoy knowing everyone who works for Kent Industries."
"You have tens of thousands of employees. How could you possibly remember them all?"
"If I've met someone once, I never forget, Bharatee."
His deep voice was steady as he answered. His sharp features seemed to harbor a trace of a smile, even though he wasn't smiling. For reasons unknown, Unakarn sensed a flicker of displeasure in him—one that the actress seemingly failed to notice. She stepped closer, resting a hand on his chest while casting him a sultry, longing look.
"To be in the memory of a Big Boss like you... if it were me, I'd never dream of resigning."
"Do not behave indecorously in my company."
"Oh!" The actress—whom Unakarn now identified as Bharatee Phiranya—gave a playful pout. "I was only joking. Let's go inside."
"You may wait in the lobby downstairs."
"But..."
"After you." He nodded toward the new employee after pressing his hand against the scanner by the staff-only side entrance. He gestured for her to enter first as the door swung open. "You still haven't told me your name."
"Unakarn (อุณากรรณ)."
"An unusual name."
"It's a flower. Specifically, the Khem Unakarn. In literature, it was the alias of Busaba from the story of Inao."
"Wasn't she a exceptionally beautiful woman?"
He looked curious, watching her with genuine interest—not a flirtatious or predatory gaze, yet it left Unakarn feeling weak in the knees as she answered with bashful softness.
"Yes. In literature, Busaba was the most beautiful woman in the land of Java. But my mother named me after the flower, consistent with her and my sisters."
"Then you should just be a Khem. No need to bring up Busaba." The ignored actress followed them in, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I was merely clarifying, as some may not be familiar with the Khem Unakarn."
"Probably because it's plain and unremarkable compared to other flowers... I'm just speaking from what I see, not insulting you."
The listener offered a smile, taking no offense. She had been surrounded by sisters who outshone her all her life. "I agree. If you'll excuse me, Mr. Chairman, Khun Bharatee."
"So you know who I am now."
"I believe any city girl who isn't completely out of touch would know you, sir. Especially one about to become your employee."
"Is that so?" Wasawatt glanced at his companion with a smirk.
"Indeed!" she snapped back, letting him know she was sulking.
"Wait here..." he told Bharatee before addressing the newcomer. "Please, take the elevator, Unakarn."
"I think..."
Unakarn stared at the executive elevator with wide eyes. She had been told that only the Big Boss, key executives, and his guests were permitted to use it. Yet, she found herself shrinking into the corner of the large, square cabin, which was scented with a fresh air freshener, as he held the door open for her.
"Which floor?"
"Eighteen. Thank you."
The heavy stainless-steel doors slid shut silently. No conversation followed, but the faint scent of masculine cologne and the tall figure standing less than two feet away sent Unakarn's heart into a frantic rhythm.
It was only natural for a new hire like her to recognize the top brass, even if she had no chance of working with them directly. Wasawatt's reputation as one of the most eligible bachelors was well-known.
In person, he was strikingly handsome with a clean, aristocratic air. His mixed-heritage features were more Western than they appeared in media photos. He was taller than she imagined, with sharp hazel eyes that showed none of the flirtatious glint reporters often teased him about.
Even his approachable demeanor, which likely turned playful with those close to him, carried a formidable weight. There was almost no trace of the profligate playboy the rumors described. Or perhaps, she simply hadn't the chance to see that side of him, not being among the women in his 'stock.'
Ding!
Her floor arrived first. She quickly offered a wai. "Thank you for the lift, sir."
"Welcome to Kent Industries, Unakarn."
The new employee remained lingering before the elevator until the doors fully closed. Only then did she raise her hand to press against her chest, which was still pounding so violently she feared he might have heard the thunderous beat of her heart echoing in her own ears.