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I felt the looks and heard the conversations as we passed down the lengthy hallways.
Some people speculated that I slept with him in exchange for the job, while others claimed that I was some sort of hidden heiress who was there to woo him.
Honest to goodness, hearing the many murmurs was truly comical.
As the door to their department smashed against the wall, Lorenzo opened it hastily.
Some of the team members could be seen circling to see who made a mistake today.
He yelled out icily, "Attention," and before we knew it, he had everyone's attention.
He addressed the crowd in a chilly tone, saying, "You all have a new member for your department. Chief I have talked to you about her and you understand her talent level. To the rest of you she will be joining you all.
They all nodded in agreement, not daring to object to his command.
He sternly glared at them and stated, "Now, this is Bella. She was tested by some of the top people around here and has a lot of capability. Welcome her like you do the rest."
He signaled for me to take a seat at an empty desk that was close to the chief after they all nodded their heads in agreement.
He told me to move aside, so I did. He nodded in agreement with me before leaving the room.
-----
Everyone was extremely cautious around me for the remainder of the day, up until lunch. I received several strange looks because it was plainly questionable that someone like Lorenzo would merely hand pick a member.
I gradually began to get to know more people, and I even became friendly with Ava and her boyfriend Lucas, who was also employed here.
----
Before I knew it, the day was coming to a conclusion, and it was time for us to compile our daily reports and give them to Lorenzo.
I leave the department after seeing everyone finish their job and ride the elevator to the fifty-fifth level.
This time, the terror isn't as strong as it was when I first entered his office.
I hear "Enter" after the three knocks. He sees me as I cautiously open the door, and his expression softens a little.
I'm standing at the door and he asks, "Need something Ms. Bella?"
I respond in a somewhat businesslike tone, "I have the daily reports for you, Mr. Marco." He furrows his brow in response to my formality but makes a move for them to enter and hand me the reports.
He peruses them for a moment or two, nods in agreement, and places the reports in a folder.
He says "Good work" for the first time ever, which causes me to blink in a state of perplexity about what to say next.
My phone starts to ring as I'm ready to start speaking. He glances at my pocket before turning to face me.
I say, "I'm sorry. I have to take this," not really caring that I was acting very unprofessionally.
I take a little distance to answer the phone.
The male voice on the other end says, "Hello.
I offer with just a hint of irritation, "Yes. I am a little busy right now. What do you need?"
He ignores my prior question and asks, "Are we still meeting up after."
He hums in response, and I retort, "Yes we are. Same café."
He hurriedly says "I'll see you then" and hangs up.
I put my phone back in my pocket and turn around to walk back inside the office a few feet when I immediately run into Lorenzo.
He lifted his brow as he stood there motionless.
He stated firmly, "You are dismissed, Ms. Bella; we will talk about this later. " He then slammed the door in my face.
They were rooted to the spot, looking like the biggest fools.
+++++
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QOTD: Sweet or sour candies