Elena sat at her office in the Voss Enterprises office, sketching the rearmost advances for the Voss Tower. Her fritters moved fleetly, bringing the vision to life on paper. The buzz of exertion around her faded into the background as she concentrated on perfecting every detail.
A knock on her door broke her attention. She looked up to see David standing there, a mischievous grin on his face.
" Mind if I intrude on the genius at work? " he asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Elena smiled, setting her pencil down. " Not at each, David. What's up? "
" I just wanted to see how you 're settling in, " he said, walking into the room. " And perhaps offer a bit of advice. You know, from one Voss stager to the newbie. "
" I 'm all cognizant, " Elena replied, waving for him to take a seat. " I could use all the advice I can get. "
David chortled and sat down. " First piece of advice is always to have a planB. Alexander is notorious for changing his mind at the last nanosecond. "
Elena raised an eyebrow. " That sounds. Grueling. "
" It can be, " David admitted. " But it's also what makes working then so instigative. Nothing is ever set in the gravestone. "
" I 'll keep that in mind, " Elena said, jotting down a note. " Any other tips? "
" Watch out for office politics, " David continued, his tone turning serious. " Especially with Lydia. She's brilliant at her job, but she also loves to stir the pot. "
" I noticed, " Elena said wryly. " Thanks for the heads-up. "
David leaned back, a thoughtful expression on his face. " You're doing great, Elena. Just stay focused and don't let anyone — especially Alexander — blackjack you. "
" I won't, " Elena said forcefully. " This design means everything to me. I won't let anything or anyone ail it. "
" Good, " David said, smiling again. " That's the spirit. "
Later that day, Elena was deep in discussion with Mason in the engineering lab. The two were huddled over a set of arrangements, agitating the structural challenges of the Voss Tower.
" I 'm concerned about the wind loads at this height, " Mason said, pointing to a section of the design. " We need to make sure the structure can repel extreme conditions. "
Elena jounced, considering his point. " We could support the core and use advanced dampening systems to reduce sway. It might increase the budget slightly, but it's worth it for safety. "
" Agreed, " Mason said, scribbling notes in the perimeters. " I'll run the figures and get back to you with a revised plan. "
" Thanks, Mason, " Elena said, appreciating his thoroughness. " We need to get this right. "
As they were belting up, Claire walked in, her expression tense.
" Elena, can I've a word? " she asked, her voice cropped.
" Of course, " Elena replied, following her into the hallway.
Claire turned to face her, her eyes sharp. " I've heard rumours that Alexander is planning some significant changes to the design. Have you been informed? "
Elena shook her head, feeling a stitch of anxiety. " No, I haven't. What kind of changes? "
" Not sure yet, " Claire admitted. " But it's not unusual for him. He's always looking for ways to push boundaries, indeed if it means throwing us a curveball at the last nanosecond. "
" Thanks for the warning, " Elena said, trying to keep her voice steady. " I'll be ready for whatever he throws at us. "
" Good, " Claire said, her tone softening slightly. " You're doing a great job, Elena. Just keep your head about you. "
" I will, " Elena promised, her mind formerly contending with possible contingencies.
That evening, Elena set up herself back in Alexander's office. The megacity lights twinkled outside the bottom-to-ceiling windows, casting a serene gleam over the room.
" Please, have a seat, " Alexander said, waving to the president opposite his office. " I wanted to bandy some ideas for the Voss Tower. "
Elena sat down, her palpitation quickening. " Of course. I'm eager to hear about your studies. "
Alexander leaned forward, his eyes violent. " I've been asking about how we can make this design truly revolutionary. Not just in terms of design, but in how it impacts the community and the terrain. "
" That's exactly what I want too, " Elena said, feeling a swell of excitement. " What did you have in mind? "
" I 'm considering incorporating further green spaces and public areas into the structure, " Alexander said courteously. " commodity that makes it a destination for people, not just another office palace. "
" That's a fantastic idea, " Elena said, formerly imagining the possibilities. " We could produce rooftop auditoriums, open forecourts, and community spaces that blend seamlessly with the megacity. "
" Precisely, " Alexander said, a smile breaking through his usual stern address. " But it'll bear revamping some of the current plans. Are you up for the challenge? "
" Absolutely, " Elena said without hesitation. " I'll get started on the variations right down. "
" Excellent, " Alexander said, his eyes flashing with blessing. " I knew I made the right choice with you, Elena. "
She felt a flush of pride but also a pain of query. There was a commodity about Alexander's praise that felt both exhilarating and dangerous.
As she rose to leave, Alexander's voice stopped her. " One further thing, Elena. "
" Yes? " she asked, turning back to face him.
" There's a feast coming this week at the Metropolitan Museum. It's a significant event for Voss Enterprises. I'd like you to attend as my guest. "
Elena's eyes widened in surprise. " Me? But why? "
" Because you 're a crucial part of this design, " Alexander said easily. " And because I believe it's time for you to see another side of Voss Enterprises. The side that makes it the hustler it is. "
Elena dithered, her mind racing. This was an unanticipated assignment, one that could open doors but also one that came with unknown pitfalls.
" I 'd be recognized, " she eventually said, her voice steady. " Thank you, Alexander. "
" Good, " he said, a satisfied look on his face. " I'll have the details transferred to you. And Elena. "
" Yes? "
" Be ready for anything, " he said, his eyes glinting with an undecipherable expression.
As Elena left his office, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being drawn deeper into a web of conspiracy. The Voss Tower design was more than just a career-defining occasion — it was a test of her resoluteness and her capability to navigate the complex world of Alexander Voss.