Never in my wildest dreams did I think my first day at Prospera Corporation would be so memorable, much less transformative. It began like any other day in a new job: with eager anticipation, a dapper new suit, and a million questions rushing through my head. But nothing could have prepared me for what was to happen in the next few hours.
My heart was racing every second of the 40-story elevator ride, which seemed to go on forever. Stories about the CEO, Amelia Marco, who was renowned for her cold personality and her ambition, had been told to me. She was regarded as a natural force by many, someone whose words could launch or destroy careers. At least not on my first day, I had no intention of walking in her path. But as it happened, fate had other ideas.
I was immediately hit by the buzz of activity as soon as the elevator doors opened and I emerged into the sleek, contemporary office area. Each person was deeply engaged in their work, and they all moved with purpose. I pushed the feeling that I was a little fish in a very big pond aside by reminding myself that I was here for a purpose. My goal was to establish my worth.
With my eyes racing around the immaculate setting, I headed to the HR department to finish off some paperwork. Abstract art graced the walls, and the furniture was simple but tasteful. I was excited to be involved because everything about the facility shouted success.
The HR representative, a woman by the name of Karen, smiled sympathetically at me as I completed completing the final form. With a comforting tone, she said, "You'll do fine, Lucas." "Just work hard, keep your head down, and avoid getting on Ms. Marco's bad side."
I tried to ignore the rising uneasiness in my stomach as I nodded. "Karen, thank you. I will remember that.
I was shown to my new office, which was a modest but cozy area on the same floor as the executive offices, once I had finished my papers. Though I was unsure of why I had been positioned so close to the top brass, I wasn't going to second-guess my good fortune. Perhaps it was a hint that they thought I had something.
I felt a sense of satisfaction as I got situated, setting up my desk and getting to know the business's procedures. This represented a new beginning for me, an opportunity to establish a name for myself in a place that had long felt like home. I had traded in my chaotic and uncertain existence for the security and opportunity that Prospera Corporation offered. Alternatively, I believed.
My attention was focused and I completed the chores given to me quickly throughout the first several hours. I was lost in my work, barely realizing the time, until I was startled out of my reverie by a loud bang on my door.
I said, trying to sound as calm as I could, "Come in."
The door opened, and a tall, immaculately attired guy entered. Leo Jaxon, the department leader, had a dominating presence, and I knew him right away. Though I hadn't anticipated seeing him so quickly, I had heard his name referenced in the company's hierarchy.
"You mean Lucas Mark, right?" he inquired in a silky, commanding voice.
I got up to shake his hand and said, "Yes, sir."
Leo held me tightly while he looked at me observantly. Welcome to the group, buddy. I wanted to check in with you to see how you were adjusting.
"Mr. Jaxon, thank you. I said, trying to sound confident, "I think I'm starting to get the swing of things.
His look was indiscernible as he nodded. Well done. Lucas, you have a lot ahead of you. Make no excuses.
I stood there feeling both relieved and nervous as he turned and walked away. My phone buzzed with a notice just as I was starting to digest the encounter. It was a personal email from Amelia Marco.
The subject line, Urgent - Report to the CEO's Office Immediately," made my heart skip a beat.
I was in shock as I gazed at the television. The CEO wants to see me, but why? What is the reason for the urgency? While I got my jacket and left my office, my thoughts were racing, and my footfall echoed in the quiet hallway.
It seemed strange to stroll to Amelia's workplace. Though I ignored the feeling, I couldn't get rid of the terrible feeling that something wasn't right. I would deal with it, whatever it was. I was compelled to.
Upon arriving at the pair of doors that led to Amelia's workspace, I paused briefly to compose myself. She was a threat, and I was advised to keep my head down to avoid her fury. But now it was the woman herself calling out to me. It was too late to turn back.
"Come in," a voice from within said as I knocked once.
I inhaled deeply before pushing the door open and entering. The office was as bit as spectacular as I had expected, with floor-to-ceiling windows providing an amazing view of the city and sleek, contemporary furniture reflecting the same elegance seen throughout the building. However, I wasn't focused on the office. Amelia was the one.
With her back to me and her eyes fixed on the skyline, she stood beside her desk. Her shoulders were tight and her stance stiff. My heart raced even faster because of something about her position.
"Miss Marco, please?" I spoke, my tone revealing the nervousness I was trying to cover up.
Her gradual turnaround surprised me with how different she looked from the mental picture I had of her. Indeed, her features were keen, her blue eyes piercing, and she was stunningly gorgeous. But there was more going on there, something I couldn't quite locate beneath the surface. Dread? Feeling nervous? Whatever it was, it was a far cry from the brutal CEO I had been told so much about.
"Mr. Mark," she began, maintaining a steady tone but adding a hint of urgency. "I require your assistance."
I was surprised at the words. Assistance? As a menial intern, what possible assistance could she require from me? She staggered and clutched her chest as though in pain before I could reply.
I leaped forward without hesitation, reaching her as she was about to pass out. As I dropped her to the ground and felt her rubbing and shaking her body against mine, a wave of panic shot through me. She was breathing in short spurts and had clammy, chilly skin.
"Miss Marco, hello!" With a terrified voice, I cried out. What's going on? What is incorrect?
Her eyes fluttered open, but they were filled with a glassy, terrified sheen and were not focused. She whispered, "Poison," somehow. "Philtre..."
My spine tingled at the word. Irritation? Had there been an attempt on her life? As I attempted to comprehend what was happening, my thoughts raced. There was no time to hesitate or to reflect. I needed to take action.
I said, my voice firm and determined, "I'm going to help you." However, I ask that you trust me.
With a feeble nod, she struggled to remain conscious and tightened her hold on my arm. I have to go fast, I realized. Her symptoms, breathing difficulties, chilly sweats, and an abrupt onset of weakness, were all indicative of a fast-acting toxin. And as far as I could tell, there was only one method to counteract it.
I considered my options for a nanosecond before choosing. Embarrassment and second-guessing were not an option. She would die if I did nothing.
I apologized to Ms. Marco in a whisper, and then I took the necessary action with a resolve I wasn't aware I had.
Firstly, I locked her office door to avoid any interruptions, removed her clothes because she was already unconscious at the moment, and removed my clothes to enable direct body contact with the CEO.
The minutes that followed were a blur. I had to will myself to focus despite the overwhelming sensation of her body pressing against mine and the sound of her frantic gasps in my ear. It was my duty to rescue her. All other things were irrelevant.
After what seemed like a lifetime, her breathing finally stabilized and the effects of the poison started to wear off. With my heart hammering in my chest, I withdrew and peered down at her. She had a drawn face and looked pale, although she was still alive.
With a barely audible voice, she said, "Thank you."
Too trembling to talk, I nodded. I had not anticipated my initial meeting with the CEO to proceed in this manner. However, as I sat there, my mind racing, it became evident that whatever had just occurred was just the start.