As Charlotte wandered through the bustling streets of Meadow Brooke, she let out a deep sigh, her eyes fixed on her phone's screen as it buzzed with non-stop notifications from her work group chat. She had opted for a brief walk instead of a quick cab ride back to the office, unsure of how to address Natalie and Rachel's messages.
"Natalie's probably thrilled and anxious, while Rachel's being her usual doubtful self," she thought, pausing at the crosswalk as she waited for the light to change. Just then, her phone rang, with Natalie's name flashing on the screen. Initially tempted to ignore it, Charlotte reconsidered and stepped away from the crosswalk, retreating to the sidewalk to answer the call.
"Hey Nat, - Rachel was right, it was a mistake from the company. I'm truly sorry," She blurted out before Natalie could speak.
"Oh!" Natalie sounded disappointed, that Charlotte could sense her dismay.
"I'm not coming into the office, so please pass the update along to Rachel," Charlotte added.
Natalie's tone immediately change to comfort, "Charlie, we anticipated this might happen, so don't be too hard on yourself. It's not the end of the world. Another opportunity will come."
Charlotte's eyes drifted downward, her chest sagging as she thought of Natalie's impending sympathy. The joy of her friend's gentle touch and soothing voice flashed in her mind, but her gaze remained fixed on the ground, as if the weight of her mistakes was crushing her.
Her thoughts meandered back to the fateful day she'd signed the loan papers, the pen scratching out her signature with a sense of finality. The image of her boyfriend's charming smile and persuasive eyes lingered, followed by the clear reality of his abandonment – no calls, no messages, just an eerie silence and now because of that huge mistake, her small company will go under soon.
"Ugh, I need to go back to the office," she muttered, raising her hand for a taxi.
As she slid into the cab, her fingers instinctively reached for her wallet, only to find nothing. Her heart sank. She patted her pockets, her movements growing more frantic. The cab driver watched in the rearview mirror as Charlotte's face contorted in distress.
"Sorry, I... uh... forgot something," she stammered, before telling him to drive away.
She smacked her forehead, the sting a fitting accompaniment to her spiraling anxiety. "No, no, no... not at that company... please," she whispered, as if the universe might listen.
*****
ELITE GROUP HEADQUARTERS
VICE PRESIDENT OFFICE
Sebastian's eyebrows arched as the intern explained what had occurred with Charlotte. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as a small smile played on his lips. "So, her company... and Jessica's... got a little mixed up, huh?" he confirmed with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, Vice president, but I swear it was a mistake." The intern's face reddened as she explained with sagged shoulders and Sebastian's smile grew, his eyes shining with humor. "Pretty Rose, you've managed to top yourself this time," he said, shaking his head in wonder. "I mean, that's... quite a mistake."
"I'm sorry, Vice President... I mean, Mr. Sebastian. Mr. Hugh has already reprimanded us, Miss Grace and I..." Her legs trembled visibly, as if the weight of potential termination threatened to collapse her at any moment.
Sebastian's deep chuckle filled the room, and he rose from his seat. His hand extended, and he offered the intern a gentle, reassuring pat on the back. "Even Sunflower was involved, I presume?" he asked, his tone light and teasing.
The intern's gaze lifted, her eyes meeting Sebastian's as she awaited her fate. He offered another gentle pat on the back, his expression soothing. "Don't worry, I'll take care of Mr. Hugh. You just need to do one thing for me."
The intern's voice trembled as she asked, "What, sir?"
Sebastian smiled broadly and leaned in to whisper in her ear. The intern's face slowly lit up. "Consider it done, sir," she nodded, smiling.
As they talked, a knock on the door interrupted them and the intern gasped when she saw who was standing there.
"P-Presi...dent," she stuttered, her eyes wide as if she had seen a ghost.
Sebastian's smile vanished as his elder brother, Daniel, entered the office.
"Daniel..." His voice trailed off as his brother's attention remained fixed on the young woman.
Daniel's piercing gaze settled on the intern, his expression icy. "Are you one of his flings?" He asked, his tone dripping with distaste.
The intern's eyes widened, as she stuttered, "Uh! No..."
Sebastian swiftly intervened, positioning himself between the intern and his brother's frosty stare. "Shouldn't the President of a Company be familiar with his staff?" he asked, his voice toned with a chill.
The intern, still glued to the floor, introduced herself, her voice shaking. "I-I'm Taylor Smith, the new intern in the Corporate Events Department, under Miss Grace Owens."
Daniel's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he clicked his tongue and adjusted his tie. "Is that so? Sorry I didn't recognize you," he said, his smile a thin, insincere line. "Leave us, please."
"Yes sir." Taylor hastily nodded and left them alone.
Sebastian let out a deep sigh, raking his hand through his silver hair as he returned to his seat. "What brings you here, Daniel?" he asked, visibly warily.
Daniel wandered around the room, his finger tracing the edges of the awards on the cabinet. "Oh, nothing in particular," he replied with feigned indifference tone. He paused, his eyes piercing onto Sebastian. "I just wanted to discuss about last night's dinner we had with the Mayor's wife."
Sebastian knitted his brows together as his eyes narrowed. "And what about it?" he asked with a knowing tone.
Daniel scoffed, "Brother, it seems you've conveniently forgotten our little agreement from years ago." He took a step closer, his hands settling on Sebastian's shoulders like a weight. "Perhaps that's why you felt the need to dazzle the Mayor's wife with your exceptional intelligence."
Sebastian's jaw clenched, his teeth grinding in an effort to contain his rising anger. "I didn't do anything like that," he shot back..
Shrugging sarcastically, Daniel said, "If you say so, dear brother. I merely wanted to...remind you, in case you'd forgotten. We all make mistakes, after all." His hands slid off Sebastian's shoulders and he settled into the chair across from Sebastian, "I'll let this little slip-up slide, considering the rumors I've been hearing about you around the office are music to my ears." he added with a smirk.
Sebastian's hands clenched into fists, his glare burning with intensity as he silently willed his brother to leave. As if in answer, Daniel stood, strolling towards the door with an air of nonchalance. But he paused, his hand on the doorknob, and turned back to Sebastian.
"Oh, and dear brother, Father wants you to oversee the gala party. Remember our little agreement...do your worst." With a parting scoff, he left the office, leaving Sebastian seething in anger.
Slamming his fist on the table, he paused to calm himself. Taking note of what his brother said, he began to formulate a plan. His scowl gradually gave way to a cheeky smile. "Oh, they're going to regret giving me this job," he sneered.
*****
Taylor paced back and forth in the reception, anxiously waiting for Charlotte to arrive and collect her wallet. This was her only hope - if Charlotte met with the vice president, he could put in a good word for her with Mr. Hugh and save her job.
"Ashley, are you certain she hasn't shown up yet?" Taylor asked impatiently as she eyes scanned the revolving door frantically.
The receptionist let out a patient sigh. "I've told you, Taylor, she hasn't come back. I would've noticed if she had."
Just then, Taylor's gaze landed on a familiar figure coming from the revolving door. "Here she is!" she exclaimed with relief all over her face as she rushed to greet Charlotte.
****
Charlotte's eyebrows creased together in confusion as she followed Taylor into the elevator. She couldn't understand why she had to return to the office for her purse when the intern could have simply handed it to her or left it with the receptionist. Her confusion deepened when Taylor pressed a different floor number in the elevator.
"Where are we headed, exactly?" she asked as her curiosity got the better of her.
Taylor offered a gentle smile replying "To retrieve your wallet, just like I mentioned earlier."
As the elevator doors opened, Taylor led Charlotte to a grand office, stopping in front of a large glass door.
"We're here," Taylor informed with a smile. "This is where you'll get your wallet." And Charlotte's gaze narrowed, her eyes scrutinizing Taylor before shifting to the door, where a plaque read "The Vice President office". Her frown deepened, "Excuse me?" she intoned, furrowing her brows.
"Give me a minute while I let the Vice president know you're here," Taylor smiled, walking into the office.
Charlotte's thoughts raced as her mind filled up with questions. What was going on? Was she going to get her contract back? Why would the vice president have her wallet?
"Come in," Taylor called out, her voice muffled by the door.
Charlotte pushed open the door, taking in the office as Taylor gestured to the figure behind the desk and as her gaze landed on him, her heart sank. It was the stranger from earlier!
"Shit." She cursed inwardly, instinctively lowering her eyes.