Elena was dwarfed by Zhang Industries' foyer, which exuded a quiet strength of authority and ambition. She took a deep breath, bracing herself as she walked across the glossy flooring, head held high. Ten years ago, she walked into this foyer with nervous excitement, wearing a borrowed suit and armed only with college certificates and hopes. Today, she went in with something far more valuable: a decade of hard-earned experience and memories of her own shattered life.
She was halfway to the elevator when a hand lightly touched her arm. She became startled and locked eyes with Samuel's troubled expression.
"Sis, you appear to have seen a ghost," he said softly, analyzing her expression as if deciphering a hidden message on her face.
"Extra like I'm one," she said, tweaking the neck of her blazer. He didn't recognize, couldn't fathom how his sister had become both new and vintage, here and now and no more, from a lifestyle he didn't want to believe.
Samuel tilted his head, his brows knitting together. "You ok?"
She forced a modest smile. "Just nerves." Take into account the first big interview.
"right." He chuckled and gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "but don't worry; you've were given this."
She gave a controlled nod, hoping he'd accept her assurances, and went into the elevator. The doors slid shut, trapping her in a silence that seemed almost sacred. Elena closed her eyes as the floor ticked, recalling the lessons, struggles, and scars of the previous decade. She suddenly had a goal, a purpose. Nowadays was more than just an interview; it was the beginning of her restoring what she had lost.
When the elevator doors opened, the room felt as if it had altered, darker nonetheless, burdened down with memories. She stepped out, her shoes clicking and her chin stuck up excessively. However, her coronary heart lurched.Ryan Matthews stood ready at the convention room door, reviewing a few paperwork.
Ryan had no recollection of their life together, of the love and agony they had endured. To him, she became just another applicant.
"Elena Zhang?" He extended a hand, and the softness of his voice sent shivers down her spine.
She forced herself to grab his hand, gripping it with firm confidence. "sure, that's me."
His look passed over her, his expression enigmatic, and he led her into the convention room, giving her a seat. She sat and smoothed her skirt, refusing to let her anxieties show. In this existence, she was no longer the girl who had become lost in his shadow. This time, she was prepared and ready to take command of her personal future.
Ryan took a seat across from her, his eyes calm and observant. He hadn't changed his confident, enigmatic expression, the sharp glance that had once warmed her heart.
"Let's dive right in," he began, clicking a pen and maintaining a businesslike tone. "tell me why you're interested in this function at Zhang Industries."
She almost giggled at the sliced up 2D. involved? If only he understood how her past had led her here, and how his treachery had destroyed every other ambition she'd ever acknowledged. Instead, she gave a tranquil nod.
"I believe I can make a real difference here," she said, addressing his gaze directly. "My experience and perception could assist Zhang Industries extend in methods that are both modern and resilient." Her remarks were direct, and her tone assured.
Ryan's brow rose. "You seem positive of your self."
"Confidence is essential," she stated softly, her eyes steady, "especially in a competitive environment like this."
He leaned in again, crossing his fingers across his chest and observing her with a slight grin. "We don't get many applicants who are as forceful as you. "It's new. He stopped and then looked down at her résumé, his attitude changing to one of small amazement. "You labored at Jefferson & Lee?"
"Briefly," she said, her face expressionless. "however the experience gave me perception into group dynamics and green management."
Ryan nodded, though his gaze appeared to linger on her for longer than he had intended. "superb." He cleared his throat and leaned forward. "Zhang Industries seeks visionaries, those eager to disrupt their way of life. "How do you approach challenges that require innovation?"
The query appeared benign, but she understood the enticement behind it: he'd once tested her ambition, drawing her deeper into his world with ambiguous promises and open-ended inquiries. However, this time she gained control.
"I'm looking for answers that respect the integrity of the challenge," she said firmly. "Alternatives are necessary, but not at the expense of our core values." "I've learned that long-term fulfillment is dependent on balance." She noticed his brow quirk just barely, and for a brief moment, she worried she'd upset him.
He scrawled something on her record before looking up, his gaze moving to her ring finger—a brief, momentary glance that revealed his interest despite its lack of substance.
"Exciting," he murmured, his voice softening just slightly. "It's now not often we discover someone so grounded."
The air between them tightened, a silent exchange that felt like it carried all of the unspoken words of a life they'd never experienced in this timeline. Her jaw stiffened, but her eyes remained fixed on his.
After another round of inquiries, he put the report down and folded his hands. "Thank you, Elena." We'll be in touch shortly."
She stood and shook his hand one last time. This was her opportunity to make the trip she had never taken before, to go with her head held high and on her own terms.
"Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Matthews," she murmured, keeping her tone respectful but uninterested. "I stay up for hearing from you."
However, as she turned to leave, his voice interrupted her. "Ms. Zhang."
She returned her gaze, trying not to show her surprise. He paused, his gaze running across her face. For a brief moment, she felt the weight of their past, but he had no idea what he was looking at.
"Have we met before?" he inquired, his brow furrowing slightly, as if looking for an answer that was simply beyond his reach.
Her heart skipped a beat, and he or she forced herself to remain cool and act innocent. "No, Mr. Matthews," she responded, her voice firm. "I don't accept as true with we have."
He nodded, but his frown persisted, interest remaining in his gaze as she became and walked away, her heart thudding in her chest. She didn't look lower back, instead letting the door close behind her with a finality that felt like breaking free.
As she passed across the foyer, her phone vibrated. She pulled it out and looked at the display. A communication from her uncle, Wei:
"Elena, the beyond will test you. accept as true for only yourself."
As she slid the phone back into her pocket, she felt a sense of calm flood over her. She peered across the foyer, an unexpected sense of vulnerability creeping up her spine. It was almost as if unseen eyes followed her every move.
However, she drove the sensation apart, hurried for the exit. She had survived worse. This was just the beginning of her trip, and she would not let fear keep her back anymore.
As she stepped outside into the cold city air, the bustle of Seattle enveloped her, familiar but unaffected by the pain of her past. The sound of her smartphone humming brought her lower body back to the prevailing position. She looked down at the screen, which had an unknown range.
She hesitated and took up, a feeling of fear coming in.
"Elena Zhang," a deep voice crackled through the road, clear and unnerving. "I understand what you're seeking to do."
Her pulse accelerated as she tightened her grip on the phone. "who's this?"
A silky snort resonated, chilling her to the core. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in your picks, Ms. Zhang. Exercise caution. Sometimes, second probabilities include strings."
The road became impassable, and she stood there, her heart beating, staring at her mirrored image behind the glass door. Was It Wei? Or someone else? A warning, or something darker?
One thing was clear: she was no longer simply playing with her own existence. There were forces she didn't recognize, perils hiding in the shadows of this new timeline. and he or she changed into one of their points of interest.
Elena took a deep breath and looked up, her mirrored image a reminder of her clearing up. She had no idea who was on the other end of the phone or what th
ey wanted, but she did know one thing for certain.
This time, she wouldn't be out maneuvered.