After the meeting, Reza approached Evan in the pantry.
"You're getting busier these days," he said while pouring himself a coffee.
Evan smiled. "Nothing unusual. Just doing my job."
Reza let out a sigh. "We started at the same time, but now it feels like you've taken off so far ahead."
Evan didn't respond right away. He understood how Reza felt. If the roles were reversed, maybe he'd feel the same.
"Everyone has their own path," Evan said eventually. "I'm just trying to make the most of the opportunities I've been given."
Reza nodded slowly. "Yeah, I know. But still, sometimes it feels like you're more than just another staff member."
Evan offered a faint smile. Reza had no idea just how true that was.
A month after the evaluation of his first project, Evan was called into Johan's office.
"I want you to lead the restructuring of our regional distribution system," Johan said directly.
Evan was taken aback. This wasn't a small task. Overhauling the distribution system meant coordinating with multiple cross-division teams and possibly managing significant investment.
"Has this been approved by the board?" Evan asked cautiously.
Johan nodded. "Yes. I've already spoken with them. And I believe you're the right person for the job."
A warm feeling rose in Evan's chest. This was a bigger opportunity than he had imagined.
"Thank you for your trust. I'll start working on a strategy right away."
Johan nodded. "I want you to succeed. But remember, the bigger the responsibility, the heavier the pressure. Make sure you're ready."
"I am, sir," Evan replied with certainty.
With that, his path toward a higher position—perhaps even beyond where he once stood—became even clearer.
A few weeks later, Evan stood before the executive board, presenting his new strategy for the company's distribution overhaul.
"With our current distribution model, we're facing two major issues: high logistics costs and delayed deliveries in several regions," he began calmly.
He displayed a slide with a national distribution map, highlighting problem areas.
"I propose a more efficient regional hub system. Instead of relying solely on our central warehouse, we can build several strategic hubs in major cities. This would reduce transit times and optimize transport costs."
Some board members began murmuring in discussion. Mr. Rudi, who had previously been skeptical about the supplier pooling project, raised a hand.
"What about the initial cost? Building new hubs won't be cheap."
Evan was prepared. "That's true. There's an upfront investment. However, based on our simulations, operational savings over the next two years will far exceed that cost. Additionally, we can partner with third-party logistics providers to reduce infrastructure expenses."
Johan, seated to the right of the table, watched with a satisfied expression. "Interesting. I'd like to see more details on the cost-saving projections. But so far, your idea is solid."
Evan nodded. "I'll prepare a more detailed report and an implementation timeline."
Other board members began nodding in agreement. Evan knew this was a pivotal moment. If this project succeeded, he would be recognized not as the owner's son, but as a capable professional in his own right.
After the meeting, Reza caught up with Evan in the hallway.
"Are you seriously handling this?" he asked, half in disbelief.
Evan nodded. "Why not? I've studied the data. It's a big challenge, but I believe I can manage it."
Reza let out a short breath. "This kind of project is usually given to managers or higher. You've only been with the company for three years, Van."
Evan offered a small smile. "Three recorded years, yes."
Reza looked puzzled but eventually just shook his head. "You're different, that's for sure."
A month later, the first phase of the project began. Evan was hands-on, visiting warehouses and speaking directly with operational teams.
"We need to make sure this new system doesn't disrupt our existing operations," he said in a meeting with the distribution team. "I need your input on potential obstacles."
One of the logistics supervisors nodded. "Changing warehouse setups means new delivery routes. We'll need time to adjust."
Evan took notes. "Understood. We'll run route simulations before full implementation. I'll also propose additional budget for team training to ensure a smooth transition."
His decisiveness, coupled with his willingness to listen to ground-level feedback, earned him growing respect.
Johan, closely monitoring the project, became increasingly confident that Evan was the right person to handle such a large-scale initiative.
Two months after the project began, initial results were in.
Distribution efficiency had improved, delivery delays had dropped by 30%, and logistics costs were starting to decline.
The board held another evaluation meeting, and once again, Evan was at the center of attention.
"This project is performing better than we expected," one board member said. "I believe Evan should start being considered for even greater responsibilities."
Johan smiled faintly. "I was thinking the same."
Evan overheard the comment. He knew the path to a higher position was now wide open.
After the praise-filled evaluation meeting, Reza sat in his office, staring blankly at his laptop screen.
Back when they first joined, Reza felt he had a slight edge. Sure, Evan was the owner's son, but he was still new to the business world.
Now? Evan had risen rapidly, while Reza remained in the same place.
Evan entered the room without knocking. "Reza, have you seen the latest report? We need to sync data from the warehouse team."
Reza looked up, masking his frustration. "Yes. I'm working on it."
Evan nodded. "Good. Let me know if anything needs to be discussed."
As Evan walked out, Reza took a deep breath. He couldn't deny it—Evan was becoming a major presence in the company.
In his office, Johan reviewed the latest report on the new system's implementation.
"This kid…" he muttered, tapping his pen against the desk.
In a matter of months, Evan had proven himself to be far more than just a company heir. He had a real head for business.
Johan smiled to himself. "If he keeps this up, he might rise even faster than I thought."
He began typing an email to the other board members, proposing to assign Evan more strategic projects.
Despite being busy with the project, Evan still made time to check on the progress of the garden that Nadira was working on.
That afternoon, he stopped by the office garden site and found Nadira speaking with the workers.
"Nadira," he greeted.
She turned, raising an eyebrow. "Well, look who's here. Big boss still has time for a small project like this?" she teased.
Evan smiled. "Just wanted to see how it's going. And maybe… take a break from all those reports."
Nadira chuckled. "In that case, go sit over there. Watch and enjoy the view. Just don't ruin any plants this time."
Evan laughed. "Alright, alright. I remember the warning."
He stayed longer than he planned, enjoying the light conversation with Nadira.
Something inside him grew more certain—this garden wasn't the only thing he wanted to invest his time in. He wanted to know her better.