Heart thumping with expectation, Sophie Carter stood in front of Black Enterprises' slick, tall structure. Ready to enter a world she had only imagined, she straightened her jacket and inhaled deeply. Her first day as the new marketing executive, a role she had fought so hard to obtain, was today.
Inside, with its marble flooring and soaring glass walls, the foyer was a monument to power and wealth. Sophie went up to the reception counter, where a put together woman grinned professionally to welcome her.
Here at Black Enterprises, Ms. Carter, welcome. Giving her a visitor's pass, the receptionist stated, "Mr. Black is expecting you."
Sophie felt her pulse pick up. That first day, meeting Ethan Black was exciting and terrifying at the same time. She practised her introduction, keen to make a good impression, as the elevator took her to the executive floor.
The doors opened to show a roomy workspace with a broad vista of New York City from floor to ceiling windows. A voice blasted into the room, giving Sophie no time to process it.
Sophie Carter, you arrived on time. I like timeliness.
Turning, she saw the mysterious CEO, Ethan Black, seated behind his desk. Tall, dark-haired, and with piercing blue eyes that seemed to stare straight through her, he was every bit as stunning as his reputation indicated.
Giving her hand, Sophie remarked, "Mr. Black, it's an honor to meet you."
Shaking it hard, Ethan said. Phone me, Ethan. When it doesn't compromise professionalism, we like informality here.
A spark at his touch caused Sophie to nod. Ethan, I appreciate the chance. Writing for Black Enterprises excites me.
There was a sharp look from Ethan. I looked over your portfolio. Really excellent effort. Nothing less than that is what I anticipate here. Getting our new product range onto the market is your first responsibility. My right hand guy, Marcus, and you will collaborate closely.
Marcus walked into the room as if on cue. He exuded confidence almost to the point of conceit and was well-dressed.
Our new marketing executive, Sophie Carter, is here, Marcus, Ethan remarked.
Marcus cast a doubtful and curious look at Sophie. Thanks for coming along, Sophie. Maybe you're up for a challenge.
I like difficulties, Sophie said, looking up at him.
All well, Ethan said. Marcus is going to tour you around. I have to be in this meeting.
Sophie was left wondering whether Ethan was hiding something from her as he exited the room. Marcus showed her about the large workplace, pointing out important spots and introducing her to other team members. But he had a chilly, almost aggressive manner.
What then is the Ethan story? Walking along, Sophie inquired in passing.
Marcus looked at her, his face a blank. "Ethan is a man of privacy. Most wise to stay out of his personal life.
Even so, Sophie nodded, her interest aroused. Ethan Black was obviously more than first appearances.
Sophie threw herself into her new position as the day went on, keen to show her worth. She lingered late, writing plans and reading over market studies. She chose to end the evening long after sunset.
Gathering her belongings, she headed for the elevator when she noticed a glimmer of light coming from Ethan's office. The sound of voices murmured softly through the slightly open door. She walked slowly up, peeking through the opening, unable to resist.
Ethan was arguing furiously with Marcus inside. Marcus replied, clearly frustrated, "We can't keep this under wraps forever."
Ethan said in a chilly tone, "We don't have a choice." All we have constructed will fall apart if this comes out.
Heart rate accelerated in Sophie. Hiding what? To attempt to hear more of the talk, she stepped closer.
You have to believe me on this, Marcus said. "The board is dubious already. Our time is running out.
A phone ringing interrupted Ethan in his answer. With questions racing through her head, Sophie backed away fast. What constituted a threat to Black Enterprises?
She almost hit Anna, another executive she had met earlier, as she ran to the elevator.
"Whoa, Sophie! OK, you? Steadying her, Anna inquired.
Sophie forced a grin and added, "Yeah, sorry, just in a rush.
Ann scowled. Aware. There are mysteries in this place.
The warning shivered Sophie to her core. Thanking Anna, she eventually arrived at the elevator, her head whirring with all she had heard.
Sophie was keen to get back into her job when she arrived early the following morning. Marcus showed there, looking more focused than usual, just as she had barely settled at her desk.
Ethan wants to see you in his office, he stated firmly.
Twisted in her tummy was Sophie. Had they realised she was listening in? Calmly, she trailed Marcus to Ethan's office.
Standing beside the window, Ethan peered out at the city. His face inscrutable, he turned as they walked in.
I need your judgment on an issue, Sophie," he said. It's important that whatever comes up stays inside these walls.
Heart hammering, Sophie nodded. Ethan, of course. Is anything wrong?
Before going any more, Ethan glanced at Marcus. "We could have a leak. There is someone within giving our rivals information. Helping me find the source is what I need.
It surprised Sophie to get the request. How come me?
"Because you're new here," Marcus said. It's not like you participate in the current office politics. Eyes that are new are what we need."
Sophie gave this some thinking. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate her abilities and commitment as well as a great responsibility. "I'll do it," she resolutely said. We begin where?
Give her a file, Ethan said. This has our suspected list of individuals. With these names, start, but be covert. Should news spread, everything may be in jeopardy.
Thoughts racing, Sophie grabbed the file. She felt as she was leaving the workplace that she was being pulled into something far more than a straightforward leak.
Sophie painstakingly went over the material over the following four days, quietly watching her coworkers. Against the warning signs, she felt herself pulled more and more to Ethan. Unspoken tension pervaded their brief exchanges, and she was unable to resist the developing desire.
A mysterious message on her phone one evening while she was browsing through the file in the stillness of her flat said, "Stop digging if you value your life."
Cold rushed through Sophie. Somebody knew she was looking into it. She looked about the room fast, the shadows growing darker by the minute. Resolved not to be scared, she sent Ethan the message.
Calling her into his office the following day was Ethan. We must discuss, he remarked in a serious tone.
Showing him the message, Sophie said, "I got a threat last night."
Ethan's jaw locked. We are almost there, this shows. That also indicates that you are in risk, though. Watchfulness is required.
Excitement and dread mixed together, Sophie nodded. She was resolved to see this through even if the stakes were bigger than she had thought.
Sophie remained back late one night, desperate to locate a lead, to go through more data. There was commotion outside her office while she worked. Heart thumping, she slipped to the door and peered into the poorly lighted hallway.
It startled her to see Marcus going through her desk. Mind racing, Sophie thought. For what purpose was he there? Walking back, she unintentionally knocked down a light. Through the office reverberated the ruckus.
Sharply raising his head, Marcus met Sophie's gaze. How are you here, he asked?
Hard swallowing, Sophie. I could ask the same question.
Marcus curved into a smile that stopped short of his eyes. Just checking to be sure everything is in order. You ought not to be here by yourself.
Sophie put up a brave front. That will stick in my mind. Good night, Marcus.
Sophie's thoughts raced as he turned to go. Marcus was concealing what, really. And just how far did this conspiracy extend?
Sophie met Ethan the following morning in a quiet café, out of sight of onlookers. Urgently whispering, "I think Marcus is involved," she said. I saw him rummaging around my desk.
Eyes of Ethan grew black. As much has been suspected by me. We must go sensibly. Marcus is risky, if he is our mole.
Feeling the weight of the circumstances, Sophie nodded. They discussed what to do next and decided to set Marcus up to be caught in the act.
Sophie stayed late that evening once more, posing as a worker. A phoney file with misleading information intended to entice Marcus had been put on her desk. Her nerves were fraying as the hours passed.
It was footsteps at last. Watching as Marcus walked into her office and began going through the file, she held her breath. While Ethan was waiting close by, she texted him.
Ethan and a security squad stormed into the office in a few minutes. "Caught in the act," Ethan remarked icily.
Marcus lifted his eyes, disbelief and rage on his face. "You'll regret this, Ethan."
Sophie had both lingering terror and relief as he was led out. She understood the fight was far from finished even if the immediate threat had passed.
Ethan summoned a meeting of the whole firm the next day to discuss the matter. "We've found the leak's source and acted appropriately," he said. "I want to thank bravery and dedication of Sophie Carter."