Chapter 4 - Who Knows?
943 Words
The Ellsworth Group headquarters felt incredibly intimidating in the morning, especially for a newcomer like Launa. Inside the vast, modern lobby, a cold wave of professionalism hung heavy in the air; everyone seemed to move with clockwork precision. At the security barrier, employees lined up neatly before a row of smart gates, waiting their turn to scan their access cards so the automatic glass panels would slide open.
Launa stood near the administrative reception desk, nervously smoothing down her skirt. Today was her first day, and she needed to pick up a temporary pass before she was allowed to head upstairs.
The receptionist behind the counter greeted Launa the second she made it to the front of the line. "Morning! How can I help you today? Who are you here to see, or which department are you with?" the clerk asked, offering some warm small talk to break Launa’s visible tension.
Launa offered a polite smile, trying her best to mask her nerves. "Morning, Ma'am. My name is Launa. I’m... the new intern starting today, assigned to the Operations division," Launa explained, keeping her tone as respectful as possible.
"Oh, the new intern! No wonder you look so fresh-faced," the receptionist praised warmly, her fingers already flying across the keyboard. "Just a sec, let me print out your intern ID."
But before the clerk could even hand over the card, a sudden hush washed over the busy lobby. The casual chatter of the employees instantly died down, replaced by the crisp, commanding sound of approaching footsteps.
Launa instinctively turned her head, curious about the sudden shift in energy. Right at that exact second, time seemed to stretch as a man walked straight through the center of the lobby.
He didn't slow his pace for a split second. Exactly one meter before he reached the security gates, a piece of tech magic happened. Without him needing to pull out a badge or touch a single thing, the smart sensors embedded in the ceiling blinked rapidly.
Bzzzt…
Simultaneously, the entire row of automatic gates swung wide open. It was as if the heavy glass barriers themselves were bowing in deep respect, clearing a wide, empty path specifically for him.
Launa stood frozen, her eyes wide, barely daring to blink as she witnessed the scene unfold. The sheer aura and power this stranger radiated was on a completely different level.
"He must be the CEO," Launa murmured, her voice a soft whisper of pure awe, easily swallowed up by the morning rush.
"Miss? Miss Launa?" The receptionist’s voice snapped her out of the trance. Launa jolted. "Ah, yes, Ma'am?"
The clerk slid a plastic card across the counter. "Here’s your intern ID. You can head through the smart gates over there, then go straight toward the elevators on your right. Your division is up on the twelfth floor."
"Alright, thank you so much, Ma'am!" Launa said quickly, grabbing the card before rushing toward the gates.
Launa finally made it through after tapping her brand-new ID against the scanner. But the second she stepped inside, she froze, a little overwhelmed.
Stretched out in front of her was a massive corridor lined with a dizzying number of elevators and almost every single one was swarmed by employees.
Scanning the area, she looked for a line that wasn't totally packed. Luckily, she spotted one with zero queue right next to where the man from earlier was standing. Feeling a stroke of good luck, she braced herself and headed over. She took slow, quiet steps, keeping her distance as she stood right behind his broad shoulders.
The man, whose eyes had been glued to the elevator floor indicator, suddenly noticed someone stepping into his personal space. Sensing an unfamiliar presence, he slowly turned around.
Their eyes locked.
Startled by the sudden eye contact, Launa instantly ducked her head, completely panicked, pretending to be deeply fascinated by the tips of her shoes.
He didn't bother returning the look with a smile, his expression remained completely blank. His eyes briefly darted down to the white intern badge hanging around her neck before he broke the silence.
"New here?" he asked out of nowhere, his voice deep and cuttingly cold.
Launa fumbled, totally caught off guard that he was actually talking to her. "Y-yes, Sir..." she stammered, her innocence on full display. "I’m... I’m the new intern starting today."
He didn't bother responding to her explanation. Arms crossed arrogantly over his chest, he just tilted his chin up slightly, pointing carelessly toward the swarmed elevators across the hall.
"Employee elevators are over there," he said flatly, his tone dripping with a condescending edge. "This one is strictly for executive board members and VIPs."
Hearing that, Launa blinked. She instinctively slapped her forehead, mentally cursing her own stupidity. Her face instantly flushed a deep, burning crimson.
No wonder everyone over there was staring at me! her mind screamed in frustration. She had barely even started her job, and she was already making a total fool of herself.
"Ah! I-I'm so sorry, Sir! I really had no idea. Please accept my deepest apologies!" Launa panicked, the words tumbling out.
After bowing repeatedly, Launa pivoted on her heel and practically bolted toward the other elevators, leaving him behind. He watched her retreat with a flat, unreadable expression.
"Ugh... so stupid," Launa muttered to herself, hiding her face as she waited for the crowded lift. "It's literally first thing in the morning and I've already humiliated myself."
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- Writer
