Maxwell Dillon had always been overlooked.
At Osborn Industries, he was just an anonymous engineer, working behind the scenes on projects that others took credit for. His bosses barely acknowledged him. His colleagues ignored him.
And now, in this elevator ride, it was happening again.
Moments ago, Gwen Stacy had been talking and laughing with him.
But?
Since the moment Soren Macaluso stepped into the elevator, it was as if Maxwell didn't exist.
Gwen's bright blue eyes never left Soren. Her smile, her enthusiasm, her admiration, all directed at him.
He was nobody.
And he hated it.
Gwen's voice was sweet, almost reverent. "Mr. Macaluso, what brings you to Osborn today?"
"Last time you saved my father, I never got a chance to properly thank you." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Maxwell clenched his fists, gripping his blueprints tighter.
Soren remained casual. "I came looking for rare medicinal materials. You know how it is, being a doctor means always needing new supplies."
Gwen's admiration deepened.
"A genius doctor like you, Mr. Macaluso, must be one of the most respectable people in the world!"
Maxwell could almost hear the adoration dripping from her voice.
Soren chuckled. "Miss Gwen, you flatter me. But how's your father doing these days?"
"He's doing great!" Gwen nodded eagerly. "He always talks about you. Says he never got a proper chance to thank you for saving him. You should really come over sometime… our family would love to have you as a guest."
"I'd be honored," Soren replied with a polite smile.
And just like that, Gwen beamed, looking as if she had won the lottery.
Maxwell, on the other hand, felt a twist of frustration in his gut.
The elevator slowed to a stop, arriving at Maxwell's floor. Maxwell forced a polite smile and turned to Gwen.
"Miss Gwen, it was nice talking with you. Hopefully, we can chat again sometime."
Gwen barely acknowledged him. She gave a small nod, but her eyes never left Soren.
Maxwell hesitated, waiting... hoping, for something.
Maybe a friendly farewell.
Maybe a small smile.
Maybe even just eye contact.
Nothing.
To Gwen, he was background noise.
Soren, however, was the center of her universe.
Maxwell stepped out of the elevator, his heart pounding.
Why did this always happen?
Why was he always ignored?
Why did people only notice him when they needed something from him?
As the elevator doors began to close, Maxwell stole one last glance inside.
Gwen and Soren were still talking, still smiling, still completely unaware of him.
A flicker of hate burned in Maxwell's chest.
And for the first time, when Maxwell looked at Soren Macaluso…
There was a flash of hostility in his gaze.
Back inside the elevator, Gwen gave Soren one final smile as they reached her floor.
"Mr. Macaluso, please don't forget about my invitation. My father would be thrilled to see you!"
"I'll be sure to stop by." Soren assured her.
With that, Gwen stepped out, casting him one last glance before the doors slid shut.
As the elevator doors slid shut behind Gwen, Osborn's secretary turned to Soren with a knowing smile.
"Mr. Macaluso, I didn't know you were acquainted with Miss Gwen. She's only been working here for a short while, but she already has quite a few admirers."
Soren raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Oh, yes." The secretary chuckled. "Many young men are vying for her attention. But you, Sir, young, wealthy, and a medical genius? I doubt Miss Gwen could ever refuse you."
Soren sighed, shaking his head with a helpless smile.
"I only know her because I saved her father's life. That's all."
The secretary let out a soft "Psst" and grinned, clearly not buying his nonchalance.
As the elevator reached the top floor, the secretary led Soren toward Osborn's office. But on the way, they passed a large office where a group of rough-looking individuals sat. Unlike the usual employees in Osborn Industries, these people carried an air of rugged experience and danger.
Soren paused, glancing inside.
"Who are they?"
The secretary followed his gaze. "Ah, them? They're the expedition team Mr. Osborn hired. They're searching for the legendary flower."
Soren's brows furrowed. "Legendary flower?"
The secretary nodded. "Yes, the Blood Orchid. A plant said to have extraordinary properties. Its dormancy period lasts seven years, and it only blooms for half a year. Extremely rare. Mr. Osborn believes it has the potential to revolutionize medicine and extend human life."
Soren's mind clicked.
Blood Orchid… Borneo… anacondas…
If his memory was right, this was the same flower from the Anaconda disaster, a plant rumored to enhance cell regeneration and longevity. But the real danger wasn't the orchid itself… it was what ate it.
Mutant anacondas.
Deadly. Fast. Nearly unstoppable.
If this flower truly held such properties, then it could be the key ingredient for two of his most ambitious medical projects:
Life-Extending Serum and Healing Potion
That was worth the risk.
Without hesitation, Soren stepped into the room.
The group of adventurers turned to look at him, some shifting uneasily. A few whispered among themselves.
One man, broad-shouldered and scarred, raised an eyebrow. "Who's this kid?"
The secretary cleared his throat and spoke with authority.
"This is Mr. Macaluso, the second-largest shareholder of Osborn Industries."
A hush fell over the room.
Then, one of them, a woman at the front of the group… she was striking.
Warm, wheat-colored skin.
Sharp, delicate facial features.
A strong, graceful figure.
Hair tied back in a practical ponytail.
"Hello, I'm Shan." She introduced herself with a small smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Macaluso."
Soren smiled back, nodding in approval. "Likewise, Miss Shan."
She studied him for a moment, then said, "You seem different from the usual corporate types. What brings you here?"
"I just happened to hear about your expedition and got curious. Blood Orchids are fascinating. I hope your mission goes smoothly." Soren chuckled.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a sleek black business card and handed it to her.
"This is my business card."
Shan took the card, glanced at it, then her eyes widened slightly.
"Wait a minute… Macaluso… Are you the same Macaluso from Everlife Medical Center? The miracle doctor everyone's been talking about?"
Soren smiled. "Guilty as charged."
"A doctor who's also a major shareholder in Osborn? Interesting combination." She let out a low whistle.
Soren leaned in slightly, lowering his voice.
"I'm just a doctor, Miss Shan."
She raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to him than he let on.
Then, before stepping back, Soren added in a soft whisper, so only she could hear.
"By the way, if you ever find yourself in danger… crush that business card. You might be surprised by what happens next."
Shan's eyes flickered with curiosity and intrigue.
She twirled the business card between her fingers, staring at Soren.
"I'll keep that in mind, Mr. Macaluso."
As Soren left the room, he could still feel Shan's gaze lingering on him.
He didn't look back.
Because soon enough, their paths would cross again.
And when they did…
The jungle wouldn't be the only thing trying to kill her.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
Fellow Phantoms and aspiring Phantoms to be, if you seek to access advanced parts of this story procced to my shadowy realm of p@treon.
PhantomDream