Everything going smoothly over there?" Liam asked, adjusting his cufflinks. "The interns resume today. Orientation's happening, and the higher-ups will be present. Do what you need to do and get the hell outta here."
"Everything's ready, sir," a staff member replied.
"Good."
A few hours later—
"You're welcome," the secretary said politely. "You're all expected to be in the hall."
Hall?
Adrian paused, surprised. The company had a hall—not "This smells like a good life," he muttered.
"Does it?"
Adrian turned. Another intern stood beside him.
"My bad," the man said. "I'm Johnson Reed." He extended his hand.
"Adrian Donovan," Adrian replied, shaking it. "Pleasure's mine."
"You think there are more interns?"
"There should be. Maybe."
"We'll see."
They entered the hall and noticed two female interns seated ahead.
"Oh," Johnson muttered.
"Well… hello," Adrian added.
"Hey," Nadia replied casually.
The other woman had earbuds in, completely unaware of their presence.
"Mr… Jordan," the secretary said sharply, checking an ID card. "You're late."
"My bad," he replied calmly. "Traffic."
"You woke up late, boy."
Jordan suppressed a smile.
She handed him his ID. "Go straight, turn left. You'll find the hall."
"Hall?" he repeated. "Alright. Thank you."
Jordan entered the hall, scanned the room, and quietly chose a seat at the back.
Minutes later, Liam stepped forward, engaging the interns just as the higher-ups arrived.
Damian and Mariah entered first. Then Richard followed.
Leonard sat quietly, observing—until his gaze locked on an older woman with piercing grey eyes and sharp curves. For a brief moment, he forgot to blink.
Click.
He composed himself.
"Oh, now she's here," Mariah muttered.
"Hmph," Damian scoffed.
"You kept us waiting," Richard said smoothly.
Vivienne glanced at him—no anger, no warmth. Just cold silence.
Liam lifted the microphone.
"Welcome to Echelon Dynamics," he began. "I'll start by introducing myself. I'm Liam Robinson, Human Resources Affairs Manager."
Applause.
"Our IT Operations Manager—Sarah Thompson."
Sarah stood and waved. More applause.
"At the high table, Board Director of Operations and Legacy Assets—Damian Cross."
Damian waved.
"Board Director of PR and Share Operations—Mariah Cross."
She smiled thinly.
"Board Director of Strategic Partnerships and Legal Influence—Richard Hale."
Richard offered a charming smile.
"And lastly," Liam paused, smiling, "our CEO and Chairwoman—Vivienne Cross."
"OMG, she's so pretty," Nadia whispered.
"Damn," Johnson muttered.
"She looks so good," Adrian added.
Vivienne stepped forward and took the microphone, welcoming and motivating them.
"I trust my colleagues chose wisely," she said. "The U.S. government has awarded us a project on predictive analysis for natural disasters and energy waste reduction."
A murmur spread through the room.
"I want to spice things up," she continued. "You'll each prepare a presentation—something intriguing, something valuable. If it convinces us, you'll represent Echelon Dynamics at New York City's Tech Summit."
The interns stiffened.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she finished. "Don't blow it."
Applause erupted.
"What the hell?" Damian snapped once they left. "Is she insane?"
"She made that decision without telling us," Mariah hissed.
"Relax," Richard said with a smirk. "It was smart."
"How?"
"The media asked about employment opportunities. An intern representing the company paints her as visionary. It keeps Echelon in good standing."
Damian exhaled. "Oh."
"She's smart," Richard added. "Always has been."
"You know her well," Mariah said.
"You have no idea."
Vivienne moved quickly down the hallway—too quickly.
Her heel caught.
She stumbled.
"Easy, ma'am."
Strong hands steadied her.
She looked up.
Ice-blue eyes. A sharp jawline. Controlled calm.
For a split second, her breath hitched.
"Oh—thanks," she said, unsettled.
"You're welcome, ma'am."
"You're one of the interns?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Have a good day."
"You too, ma'am."
She walked away.
And for the first time that day—
Vivienne Cross did not look back.