17 Next time, don’t allow others to bully you. You can bully anyone in team.

Sam took the front passenger seat and put a seatbelt around him. Cletan started driving the car towards the restaurant.

Sam put on his Bluetooth earpiece and dialled Christine's number. The call was quickly answered from another end.

"Hi, Christine... it's me, Sam. Now, tell me what do you want to discuss with me?"

" Hi, Sam... What is my departure date? Global travel team mentioned that if You can confirm the travel date then they will book air tickets immediately. Could you please tell me?"

"Book your flight for next Friday night. I am making arrangements for getting your laptop ready for you to use as soon as you report to this office. How are the other preparations coming along?"

"I will collect my forex currency tomorrow once Embassy stamps Business visa on my passport. The global travel team will book temporary accommodation for me for initial 7 days. I will go shopping over the weekend."

"That's great. I will message you a list that you can use as a reference while purchasing items."

"Thank you, Sam. I will take a look."

"About what happened to you this morning, I am already aware of it. You don't need to report to Ray. You go to the office only if you have any work related to your trip here. Don't show your face in project bay. I had already instructed Sean to not assign you any stories.

For the next few months, you will be taking up user stories from both yours and Cletan's bucket. We will bring in resource in months to take care of offshore work. We will see which module that can be given to that resource. You don't need to worry about it. Attend KT sessions with Cletan from your home. Start packing your bags. Go through all travel policies. You can bring in extra luggage and claim the amount from the project later."

"Don't forget to apply ointment to your injury. Is it still painful?"

"Not that painful anymore. I am applying it every few hours."

"Why did you allow her to slap you? Why did not you slap her after she slapped you?"

"I...." Christine did not know how to reply to Sam.

"Next time, don't allow others to bully you. You can bully anyone in the Team."

Boss, how can you say such a thing, Cletan thought in this mind. Christine's thoughts were in mess. What is this guy talking about? Is not he famous for talking "5 Sentences in every meeting"? Why is he talking so much today? She is not prepared for this at all.

"Are you still listening to me, Christine?"

"Yes, Sam. I will take care of myself."Christine regained her senses quickly. Looks like, This Male god has taken wrong medicine today.

"Is there anything else that you want to discuss with me before I hang up?"

"Nothing.Thank you, Sam."Christine wants to finish this call as quickly as possible.

" Hmm. This is my number. Please save it on your cellphone. Call me directly on this number if you want to talk to me. Now, let's close the call." He was in bad mood since morning but Now, after talking to his sweetheart, his mood has been significantly improved.

"Later, Eat whatever you want. It's my treat today. " Cletan got excited. He made a good decision to come to this restaurant for lunch. Wow, he can eat good food without paying money.

Christine would not stay in office after what Sam said. She packed her belongings to leave office immediately. She had planned to drop by Global travel team to give them departure date and would leave from there. She will not go to her mom's place but to her Rented apartment. She would start packing her bags. She needs to vacate her apartment this weekend. She will depart for country N from her parent's place.

Her roommates would find her replacement once she vacates her room. She had a good relationship with her roommates. As such, they would not meet each other unless Christine is working on the weekend and not visiting her parent's place. They all were working for different companies and work timings were different. Sandra had already expressed her opinion on this once. If Christine and her roommates had to face each other on daily basis, there would have been arguments for small chores too. However, Christine had agreed to whatever suggestions they had made, be it keeping Cook, Cleaner or taking turns to clean kitchen. There was never a disagreement so they did not fight. She was hardly staying at this rented place so there was no inconvenience for them.