Chapter: The Birthday Surprise
A few weeks passed.
The company continued growing, and everyone was busy with new projects.
But inside the company, one secret was being carefully planned.
A secret that even Kiefer didn't know about.
Rose was sitting in Lily's office with a serious expression.
Lily looked at her.
"Why are you so quiet?"
Rose placed her hand on her chin.
"I am thinking."
Lily became worried.
"That's dangerous."
Rose ignored her.
"Kiefer's birthday is coming."
Lily smiled.
"Yes."
"And every year he does the same thing."
"What?"
"He works."
Lily nodded.
"That is true."
Rose looked annoyed.
"He doesn't celebrate. He doesn't take a break. He doesn't even buy himself a gift."
Lily smiled.
"Because he always thinks about everyone else first."
Rose stood up.
"Exactly! Which is why this year will be different."
Lily already knew that expression.
"What are you planning?"
Rose smiled.
"A surprise party."
The entire company became part of the plan.
Employees decorated secret areas.
Teams prepared messages.
Everyone wanted to do something special for the CEO who had always treated them like family.
But there was one more person Rose wanted to invite.
Jay.
Jay received a message from Rose.
"Important mission. Do not tell Kiefer."
Jay laughed when she saw it.
"What is Rose planning now?"
When Jay arrived at the company, she saw everyone preparing.
She was surprised.
"You are doing all this for Kiefer?"
Lily smiled.
"Yes."
"But he is the CEO. He must have many people celebrating with him."
Lily shook her head.
"That's why we want this to be different."
"Different?"
"We want him to feel like he is celebrating with family."
Jay smiled.
She understood.
The next day was Kiefer's birthday.
But like always...
He came to work early.
Very early.
At 7 AM, he was already in his office.
He looked at his schedule.
Meetings.
Reports.
Presentations.
Everything was normal.
Or so he thought.
At noon, Rose entered his office.
"Kiefer."
He looked up.
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
Kiefer narrowed his eyes.
"Rose, when you say nothing, something is happening."
She smiled.
"Just come with me."
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Fine."
She walked away.
A few seconds later...
Kiefer sighed.
"That was suspicious."
And he followed.
Rose took him to the main hall.
The lights were off.
The room was silent.
Kiefer looked confused.
"What is this?"
Suddenly...
The lights turned on.
"Happy Birthday!"
Thousands of employees cheered.
Kiefer froze.
He looked around.
The entire company was there.
Employees.
Their families.
Lily.
Rose.
And Jay.
For a moment...
Kiefer didn't say anything.
He was completely surprised.
Rose smiled.
"Speechless? That's rare."
Kiefer looked at everyone.
All these people had taken time for him.
For someone who was always busy taking care of others.
An employee stepped forward.
"Mr. Waston, thank you for everything you do for us."
Another employee said:
"You are not just our CEO."
"You are family."
Kiefer looked away for a moment.
He was trying to hide his emotions.
Jay watched him quietly.
She had seen Kiefer solve huge problems.
She had seen him lead thousands of people.
But this was the first time she saw him without his CEO mask.
Just Kiefer.
A person who was touched by kindness.
She walked toward him.
"Happy birthday, Kiefer."
He looked at her.
"Thank you."
Jay smiled.
"I hope you remember today."
Kiefer looked around the room.
"I will."
Then he looked at her.
"Because this is one of the best gifts I have ever received."
Later, Rose and Lily watched from a distance.
Rose whispered:
"Did you see his face when Jay wished him?"
Lily smiled.
"Yes."
Rose grinned.
"I think our plan worked."
Lily laughed.
"You mean your plan."
"Exactly."
Kiefer suddenly appeared behind them.
"You two were planning something again?"
Rose and Lily froze.
"Uh..."
Kiefer looked at them.
Then he smiled.
"Thank you."
They were surprised.
Kiefer continued:
"Both of you."
Rose smiled.
"See? You do have feelings."
Kiefer rolled his eyes.
But he was smiling.
And everyone noticed.
Because today was not just Kiefer Waston's birthday.
It was the day the world's most serious CEO realized something important.
The greatest achievements in life were not companies.
Not money.
Not success.
It was the people who stood beside you.
And now...
Jay was becoming one of those people.