Chereads / Into His Intoxicating Desires / Chapter 5 - Her Gaze

Chapter 5 - Her Gaze

Sebastian's PoV

The sleek glass doors of Steele Corporation's headquarters parted as I stepped into the expansive, modern lobby. A subtle hum of activity echoed through the air, indicating the pulsating energy of a thriving corporate hub. I approached the reception desk where a friendly face greeted me.

"Good morning, Mr. Steele. Welcome to Steele Corporation. The PR Team is expecting you on the 12th floor," the receptionist said with a warm smile.

"Thank you," I replied, reciprocating the smile before making my way to the elevator.

As the elevator doors glided open on the 12th floor, I was met with an open-concept office space adorned with panoramic windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The PR Team's collaborative atmosphere hummed with creative energy.

I made my way towards the team, and curious glances and welcoming smiles greeted me. Standing at the heart of the room, I cleared my throat to address the team.

"Good morning, everyone. I'm Sebastian Steele, your new PR Team leader. I'm thrilled to be part of this dynamic team, and I look forward to getting to know each of you and working together to achieve great things for Steele Corporation."

A ripple of nods and smiles passed through the team, a response that reassured me of their readiness for collaboration.

"Let's start by introducing ourselves. I'd like to know each of you better, both professionally and personally. As each and everyone of you know, I am the second son of the CEO but please treat me as a colleague." I continued, opening the floor for the team to share their experiences and aspirations.

The room buzzed with conversations as team members began introducing themselves. From seasoned veterans to enthusiastic newcomers, each person brought a unique perspective and skill set to the table. The diversity of backgrounds and talents within the team sparked a sense of excitement for the collaborative journey ahead.

First to enter was Lucas, the seasoned PR strategist with a confident stride and a warm smile. He extended a hand, introducing himself with a firm handshake and a brief overview of his expertise in media relations and crisis management.

Next came Maya, the creative force behind the team's visual content. With a portfolio of stunning designs in hand, she greeted me with a shy smile, eager to share her passion for branding and storytelling.

As the introductions continued, I met each team member with genuine interest, from Mark, the social media guru with a knack for engagement, to Sarah, the meticulous researcher with an eye for detail.

Finally, Danna, the newest addition to the team and apparently, my appointed secretary. Despite her nerves, Danna greeted me with a warm smile, ready to dive into her role and contribute to the team's success.

As the introductions unfolded, I sensed a shared dedication to excellence and a genuine enthusiasm for the work that lay ahead. The initial exchange of ideas laid the foundation for a cohesive team, ready to navigate the intricate world of public relations under my leadership.

With introductions now complete, I surveyed the team gathered before me, sensing an aura of optimism and camaraderie permeating the atmosphere. As the newly appointed PR Team leader at Steele Corporation, I felt the first chapter of my journey unfolding, ripe with collaborative potential and poised to shape the narrative of our collective efforts.

"After lunch, let's convene for a proper meeting. Miss Danna, could I have a word with you? I'd like to collaborate on drafting an agenda for this afternoon," I proposed, addressing Danna, who would serve as my secretary. Unlike Lily, the girl I had encountered earlier by the elevator, Danna brought a different energy to the team dynamic. Nevertheless, I anticipated our collaboration with enthusiasm, eager to harness her skills and expertise in our shared endeavors.

"I'll have that agenda ready within the hour. Just send me your thoughts," Danna replied, her efficiency and readiness to contribute evident in her response.

"Thank you, Danna," I acknowledged with gratitude as she departed, leaving me momentarily alone to contemplate the tasks and opportunities that lay ahead.

I immediately did all the paperworks as I have so not so much time to patronize myself. By next year, I shall be doing international stuffs and make that ugly asshole proud.

Lost in the flurry of papers spread across my desk, I scarcely noticed the passage of time. Minutes blurred into hours as I delved deeper into the intricacies of our upcoming PR campaign, my focus locked on the task at hand. It wasn't until a soft knock echoed through the office that I was roused from my reverie.

"Come in, what is it?" I called out, glancing up from my paperwork to find Danna standing at the threshold, a concerned expression etched across her features. Was there an issue with the task I had assigned her? I wondered, momentarily puzzled by her unexpected appearance.

"It's already 12 o'clock, sir. Time for lunch," Danna informed me with a gentle smile, her voice a soothing melody amidst the quiet hum of the office. With a nod of understanding, she turned to leave, leaving me to contemplate her words as she disappeared from view.

As the realization dawned upon me, I cast a glance at the clock mounted on the wall, its hands ticking steadily towards the lunch hour. A pang of hunger gnawed at my stomach, reminding me of the passing time and the need for sustenance. With a sigh, I closed the file before me, setting aside my work in favor of a much-needed break.

Stepping out from behind my desk, I stretched my limbs and let out a contented sigh, relishing the brief respite from the demands of the day. The prospect of lunch beckoned, promising a welcome reprieve from the intensity of the morning's tasks.

Cafeteria...hmmm I wonder which way is it?

"Sir!" I turned to find the PR team waiting outside the elevator, their eager expressions a stark contrast to my own bemused demeanor. "Going for lunch?" Mark asked, his tone laced with a hint of curiosity.

"Yeah, I do not know the way to the cafeteria. Silly of me," I chuckled lightly, attempting to brush off the embarrassment of my unfamiliarity with the office layout.

"Aren't you the 2nd son? Why don't you know the cafeteria? And why are you going to the cafeteria?" Mark persisted, his probing questions dripping with a hint of condescension. I couldn't help but feel a flicker of irritation at his audacity. People like him, born into privilege and entitlement, always seemed to let their arrogance overshadow basic human decency.

Suppressing the urge to roll my eyes, I offered a tight-lipped smirk. I certainly didn't need someone with his attitude on my team. "Well, we have a lot of companies, so memorizing each blueprint would be troublesome," I retorted, my tone tinged with sarcasm. "And why can't I go to the cafeteria in the company my father built? If I order food, it will just waste my time waiting when I can eat in 5 minutes time."

As the elevator doors opened, Mark seemed ready to speak, but I swiftly stepped inside, cutting off any further conversation. With a vow to address his behavior later, I pressed the button on the cafeteria floor, eager to put distance between us.

In the bustling cafeteria, I spotted a familiar face engaged in conversation. Was it Lily? I moved closer, curious to confirm her identity.

"Are you vegetarian, sir?" Danna's voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention away from the mystery of Lily's identity.

"No, I'm not. Though I have a well-balanced diet, I just can't seem to grow any muscles from the proteins I get in vegetables," I replied with a chuckle, loading up my plate with a generous serving of meat.

As I joined the team at the table, I noticed Mark sitting at the end, his gaze fixed downward, seemingly unable to meet my eyes. I couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind, but I pushed the thought aside as my attention was once again drawn to Lily.

Our eyes met briefly, and I felt a shiver run down my spine at the intensity of her gaze. Despite my history with ex-girlfriends, there was something about Lily's stare that left me feeling oddly unsettled, from the nape of my neck down to my core.

As Lily abruptly left, my plate remained untouched, unlike the rest of the team, who were nearly finished with their meals. The lunch hour passed quickly, and soon it was time to return to work. My unfinished plate was a reminder of the unanswered questions swirling in my mind.

As the day came to an end, I packed up my belongings and headed home, the events of lunch still lingering in my thoughts. Despite the unease I felt, I pushed it aside, focusing on the tasks at hand and leaving the mysteries of the cafeteria behind me.