The drive back home was a silent one for Selena and Adam. Although there was the occasional stealing of glances, all Adam did was smile. He seemed calm and Selena hoped he would start a conversation because she was anything but calm. Adam noticed her quivering hands and his expression softened a bit.
"So, how was your first day?" Adam asked, finally breaking the silence.
Selena shifted in her seat, feeling a rush of nerves. "It was... overwhelming, to say the least. But everyone was incredibly welcoming, especially after... well, you know."
Adam nodded, his eyes flickering with understanding. "I'm glad to hear that. And don't worry about Martha and the others. They can be a bit... enthusiastic at times, but they mean well."
"I'm sure they do," Selena replied. "So, are you always this chivalrous?" she teased, almost regretting it as soon as the words left her mouth.
"Well, only when pretty ladies are involved, of course," Adam played along.
"Oh, so I'm pretty? Let me guess, this charade is for you to get to know my house."
"Well, if I'm to believe everything you've said since we've met, you did say you were pretty, so yes."
"I did not," Selena chuckled.
"Oh, she must be pretty then," Adam mimicked Selena's voice.
"Well?"
"Yeah, I think you're beautiful," Adam said, leaving Selena speechless for a while.
"You don't look bad yourself," Selena replied.
"I don't look bad? Are you serious now?"
"I'm kidding. Of course, you don't need to be told that you might just be Mr Most Eligible Bachelor."
"I have heard that one quite a lot, to be honest," Adam replied.
"Sure you have."
"Looks like we're here," Adam said as they got to Selena's house. "And by the way, this is not a ploy to get to know where you live. And in case you'd like to know where I live too, you're welcome," Adam added as Selena got out of the car.
"Dinner first would be nice," Selena smiled.
"Duly noted."
As Selena got to the entrance of her house, she stared as Adam's car left, revelling in the ecstatic events that had occurred that day. She wasn't sure what to make of the whole thing, but one thing was for sure, her time at Rockwood Industries was off to a flying start.
As she entered her room, she met a mess of clothes lying everywhere. Pissed at the state of her room, she began cleaning as Alice walked in.
"Yeah, sorry about this. We were in a hurry and I was hoping to get back before you did," Alice said.
"It's fine," Selena replied with a smile on her face.
Alice, however, couldn't tell what to make of her smile. Was it a happy smile, or an 'I'll murder you in your sleep smile'? "You're not mad?" she asked, in an attempt to discern the situation.
"Not at all. I doubt I could be mad all day. Today was amazing!" Selena yelled.
"Really?"
"Okay, I take that back. This is not a challenge to try to make me mad."
"That's not what I meant silly. It's not often you come back this happy. So, tell me all about it."
"You definitely might want to sit down."
***
Adam stared out the window of his car, lost in thought. Selena was certainly an interesting character, but his discussion with Sanders bothered him. Why was he so worried about a harmless lady?
"Are we heading for the city, sir?" Adam's driver asked.
"So it would seem. How could you tell?" Adam asked.
"I received a call from one of the teams to relay an urgent message. But you had been so busy that I had been unable to. And then the girl…"
"What's the message?"
"There is a chance that the codes are beginning to resurface."
"The codes? Aren't they just a meet to keep the families in line?"
"Pardon me to say this, but I lost my left eye to one of them," the driver said beneath his dark shades. "They are a formidable force," he added.
"Has any banners been raised?" Adam asked.
"Two sir. There's a chance that others might follow."
"The Altons?"
"One of them sir."
"I guess I have no choice then. Call a meeting of the families."
***
As Adam's car sped towards the city, the tension in the air was palpable, giving him a surprising sense of calm. They approached a grand hotel that from the outside, was nothing more than a luxury hotel. At the entrance, a grand staircase ascended towards the ornate double doors, their polished brass handles gleaming in the ambient light. Flanked by towering columns adorned with intricate carvings and decorative flourishes, the entrance exuded an aura of regal splendour, beckoning guests to step inside and leave the chaos of the outside world behind.
Above the doors, a grand marquee bore the hotel's name in shimmering gold lettering, casting a warm glow upon the scene below. The air was alive with anticipation as guests arrived in a steady stream, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors as they made their way towards the entrance. Adam walked through the aisle as he nodded to reciprocate the greetings of many. But his destination was special.
Adam was led to an underground facility, one which was hidden from all except those who were welcome. As he moved down the elevator, Adam's thoughts turned to the impending meeting of the families. It was a rare occasion, one reserved for moments of utmost importance and urgency, and Adam hated having to be in their midst. Adam met company as he walked across a large table to take his seat and the very top. His face was grim, unlike the expression that he wore most of the time.
"I can't see Alex here. He's late," Adam said.
"My apologies on his behalf. He received the call late. But he will be joining us shortly," a lady replied.
"That's fine. Let us commence."