"Good day, sir. It is time to prepare for work,"Andrew stated.
"Seriously? I just went to sleep a few hours ago,"Jacob replied, glaring at the clock and attempting to lay back down.
"You have a scheduled meeting with the staff today, sir. It's time to get moving,"Liam informed him.
"Give me a few minutes, I'll be ready shortly."
"Your father called, sir. He is also on his way to the company,"Liam added.
"What?"Jacob's eyes widened in surprise as he quickly got out of bed.
"Should I get the car ready, sir?"
"What are you waiting for? I'll be out soon,"Jacob replied as he rushed to the bathroom.
"Prepare my attire. I'll be out shortly,"he instructed the attendant.
The sky darkened as a sudden gust of wind swept through, signaling an imminent rain shower. The city streets were bustling with people carrying black and transparent umbrellas, while the Skype officials drove by, greeted by the public.
"Have we reached an agreement with the other corporate entities?"Jacob inquired, reviewing his business plans for the day.
"Not yet, sir. They are requesting a higher discount,"Andrew responded.
"These struggling companies fail to seize opportunities when presented. Keep me informed of any developments by noon, or I will take charge,"Jacob asserted.
"Understood, sir,"they replied.
"What's on the agenda after the meeting today?"
"We have a meeting scheduled with Mrs. Smith at 11 am, and Mr. Jones, responsible for this week's distribution, has confirmed the requested goods for the marketing department. The estimated delivery cost amounts to approximately a million dollars."
"Very well. Andrew, please contact my personal secretary."
"Of course, sir. I will do so immediately,"Andrew replied, dialing the phone.
"What's causing this traffic jam?"Jacob muttered in frustration.
"Apologies, sir,"the driver responded. "We will be on the move shortly... Are we clear to proceed, officer?"The customs officer gestured in affirmation.
"Sir, she's on the line,"Andrew informed as he pressed the speaker button.
"Tiffany!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Connect me to the financial department. Arrange for a payment of one million dollars to be made to Sir Jones and ensure the goods are verified once more."
"Understood, sir. I will handle it,"she confirmed before ending the call.
The screech of the wide gate signaled their arrival, prompting Jacob to adjust his attire, pour himself a glass of wine, and take a sip. Meanwhile, Andrew and Liam readied their pistols, meticulously ensuring their cleanliness.
"Are we prepared to proceed?"Jacob inquired.
"Absolutely, sir,"they responded resolutely.
The doors swung open, and a gentleman extended an umbrella to assist Jacob as he entered the premises. A few steps ahead, he caught sight of Selene in the rain, struggling in unfamiliar high heels. A peculiar sensation crept over him, causing his pace to slow. Selene noticed him and came to a sudden halt.
Her mind wandered to scenes from action movies, envisioning the suspenseful moments where time seemed to slow down. She recalled the actors moving gracefully towards the climax, raindrops mingling with sweat in a cinematic dance.
"Why is this crossing my mind now... or... could it be the effects of alcohol?"She pondered silently, but unfortunately, Jacob, who stood about five feet away, overheard her musings.
"Alcohol?"Jacob echoed, gesturing for another umbrella to shield Selene from the downpour. "You seem quite disheveled for a newcomer on their first day at the office."
"Apologies, sir. I did not anticipate the sudden rain, especially since I reside on the outskirts of the city..."Selene responded, her gaze darting around as if seeking an escape.
"You have a sense of humor, Selene. Let us head inside before you catch a chill and fall ill,"Jacob remarked with a chuckle.
"Yes, sir."
Mrs. Gerard awaited them at the entrance, adorned in a form-fitting gown, exuding elegance with her high heels and meticulously painted features. Selene almost failed to recognize her, a sense of unease creeping over her. How should she react? It wasn't that she was disliked, but the situation was daunting. A moist palm brushed against hers – Jacob's. Why was he holding her hand like that? This could lead to serious trouble. She attempted to withdraw gently, but Jacob's grip remained firm as they approached his mother.
"You're tardy, my son,"Mrs. Gerard remarked, handing her umbrella to an attendant.
"I am always fashionably late, no matter how swiftly I rush here,"Jacob quipped.
"Such impertinence should not be directed at your father, you know,"she retorted.
"That's why I rely on you,"Jacob replied with a smile. "Mother, may I introduce..."
"We've crossed paths before,"Mrs. Gerard interjected, turning to Selene. "Isn't that right, Selene?"She offered a towel to Selene.
"Yes, madam. Thank you."This time, Selene managed to slip her hand free, bowing her head as she dried her face and hair.
"Ah, I see. Well, I shall leave you two to converse. I must depart before my absence provokes our father's wrath,"Jacob stated, hurrying off with his entourage.
"I heard you secured the position in the technological sector,"Madam Gerard remarked, deftly applying makeup while they strolled into the company.
"Yes, ma'am, they finalized it last night."
"Where do you reside?"
"I live at the far end of the city, Ma'am."
"I assume you haven't been provided with a company vehicle, considering you arrived here soaked."
She attempted to respond but remained silent.
"Regardless, you should obtain your vehicle today, if one is available."
"I would greatly appreciate that, ma'am."
Madam Gerard scrutinized her from head to toe, causing Selene to straighten up and strive for a more formal demeanor.
"See you around,"Madam Gerard said as she marched into the rain, shielded by numerous men, her elaborate outfit trailing behind her with an attendant attempting to keep it from getting drenched.
Selene adjusted her dress and inspected herself, dispelling any doubts of irregularity as she approached the receptionists, specifically seeking out the one she had encountered the day before, finding her to be more amiable and reserved.
"Good morning, miss,"she greeted, trying to recall the receptionist's name from their previous meeting, but Carol anticipated her struggle and provided her name.
"Carol... my name is Carol."
"Oh, yes, my apologies for forgetting your name so easily. I tend to get nervous at times, you know,"Selene chuckled nervously, while Carol nodded understandingly. "I was here with Sir Jacob yesterday, does that ring a bell?"
"Yes, of course, Selene, right?"
"Indeed, you have a sharp memory. You have been granted your request for the technological sector. Please give me a moment..."Carol said, focusing on her computer screen and adjusting her glasses.
Selene gazed around the room, appreciating the elegant surroundings more and more, clutching her handbag tightly and pondering the luxurious attires adorning the individuals bustling about the ornate space.
"Very well, Miss Selene,"Carol murmured, her gaze fixed on the computing device before her as if mining for information. She gestured to the adjacent female receptionist, signaling a message that Selene failed to decipher, prompting a nod in response. The other receptionist, a statuesque woman in her late twenties, bore a tattoo on her neck inscribed with the word "essence."Selene had always harbored reservations about individuals with tattoos, questioning their capacity for warmth, yet she pondered why this particular woman had chosen a role that demanded such receptiveness.
"Miss Selene, please proceed to the designated room for thorough verification before making your way to the technological sector. Your identity credentials in hard copy will be processed subsequently. Here is your identification card. You may utilize this temporary card to access the elevators,"Carol stated, her attention still engrossed by the device.
"Um..."Selene chuckled softly, her eyes darting around as if seeking someone. "Where exactly is the designated room, if I may inquire?"
"Oh, my apologies,"Carol responded, rummaging through a drawer behind her until she found a note. "Take this; it will guide you to your destination."
"Thank you for your assistance,"Selene expressed her gratitude, taking the note and swiftly making her way to a nearby couch. "Let's see... the reserved room..."Her fingers traced the words on the note as she treaded cautiously, vigilant for any hindrances. "Ah, found it!"
In her haste, she collided with a robust gentleman, nearly stumbling if not for his swift reflexes. "Are you unharmed, madam?"he inquired.
"Yes, thank you, sir,"she replied, stealing a brief glance at him, sensing a chill emanating from his touch upon impact. Dismissing the sensation, she persisted in locating her destination, acquainting herself with the entrances and exits. Shortly after, Laura entered through an elevator accompanied by several colleagues, all attired in matching blue blouses and snug skirts. Selene waved in Laura's direction, yet she remained engrossed in conversation, deliberating their tasks upon reaching their respective destinations.
Observing Laura engaged with her peers, Selene seized the opportunity to approach her, offering a nod and a smile. "Good morning, Laura."
"Ah, Selene, how are you faring today?"Laura inquired.
"Fairly well, I presume. The expanse of this company is truly overwhelming,"Selene remarked, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation.
"What's the matter? Have you not been granted approval yet?""I have,"she replied while struggling to retrieve the identification card handed to her. "I've been issued this temporary card; I just need to reach the designated room."
"Alright... Would you like me to accompany you? I can see some confusion on your face,"she chuckled.
"Oh, no, I'll manage on my own. I see you're quite busy at the moment... I wouldn't want to disrupt the flow. I understand the energy of a lively conversation among ladies."
"It's not like that, Selene. You're quite amusing, my friend. Um, if you're confident on your own, that's fine with me. Do you happen to have a pen?"
"Yes,"she reached into her handbag and handed one over. "Here you go."
"Thank you."Laura took the pen and inscribed a code on Selene's notepad.
"Will they not require the note anymore?"
"No, it's solely for guiding the workers. You can keep it,"she explained while writing. "Okay... here is my contact code. If you ever need any information, simply enter the code on a similar robot we saw yesterday, and you'll have online access to me. Understand?"
"Yes, confirmed."
"Good, Selene. See you around,"she waved before hurrying back to her colleagues, Selene reciprocating the gesture. "Alright, time to wrap things up."
Entering an elevator, she joined a few other workers, one of whom was the receptionist from the first floor. However, something felt peculiar to Selene. Elevators typically move up or down, but the sensation she experienced felt more akin to a moving train, twisting and turning at various points. The elevator halted, and a passenger disembarked. Glancing at the display, Selene realized they were already on the 104th floor.
"This place is indeed full of surprises,"she mused.
The elevator then proceeded to the next stop, the 110th floor—Selene's destination. The doors opened smoothly, prompting Selene to clutch her bag tightly as she exited, casting a sidelong glance at the receptionist before stepping out. As the doors closed for their next stop, she observed the reserved room filled with preoccupied workers undergoing verification procedures like herself.
Joining the queue, a tall man approached a towering pillar nearby and, using a microphone, called out, "I will repeat this codename for the second time. If you are the intended individual, please come forward."
"Code 109, featuring Stephen Gregor... please step forward."
"Code 109, featuring Stephen Gregor... please step forward".He repeated.
Code 99, featuring Selene javis
Code 105, featuring John Smith
As Selene stepped forward, she felt a rush of anticipation and nerves. The verification process seemed like a crucial step towards fully integrating into the company. The tall man at the pillar scanned her identification card and nodded, signaling for her to move to the next station.