Beneath The Quiet Moon

Chapter 7 — Dravyen Holdings

A soft knock echoed through the thin wooden door. Still groggy, Valerie shuffled to answer it. No one was there. Only a plain white envelope sat on the floor.

She picked it up, tearing it open, her heart sank.

EVICTION NOTICE

She had two days left. Just two. Her savings were almost gone.

Valerie slumped onto the edge of her bed, tightly gripping the letter. Her eyes flicked toward the elegant card on the nightstand.

Alexander Drayven.

CEO. Drayven Holdings.

Her pulse quickened.

Curious..and desperate..Valerie packed a small bag with her essentials. She couldn’t shake the question running through her mind: what job could he possibly offer a high school drop out..

She glanced again at the sleek black business card lying on the table. Drayven Holdings.

Valerie braided her hair neatly, tying it back with the only black ribbon she owned. She picked up her lip gloss, rubbing it gently over her already chapped lips looking at the mirror

she gave herself a final glance.

She slipped the card into her pocket and stepped out the door.

****

Valerie gasped as she stood before the towering structure.

The glass skyscraper shimmered under the afternoon sun, reflecting the clouds like a mirror. The name Drayven Holdings was boldly etched in sleek black lettering across a granite slab near the entrance, guarded by a polished water feature that trickled quietly in the background.

Tall glass doors slid open silently as luxury cars pulled in and out of the pristine driveway. The lobby inside, visible through the clear walls, glowed with golden light. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and marble floors stretched endlessly beneath suited professionals moving with quiet purpose. It didn’t look like a place for someone like her.

Yet… she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Valerie walked in and offered the receptionist a polite smile. “Hey…”

The receptionist barely glanced at her, her manicured fingers still tapping across the keyboard. “Appointments only,” she muttered flatly.

“Uhh”

Before she could press further, a uniformed security guard approached her, his expression firm but not unkind. “Good afternoon, ma’am. May I ask the purpose of your visit?”

“I’m Valerie Jordan,” she said, nervously clutching her purse. “I’m here to see Mr Alexander Drayven.”

The man raised a brow. “Mr. Drayven owns this company. He doesn’t usually meet visitors directly. You’d have to go through his assistant.”

“Please,” Valerie said quickly. “Can you at least tell him I came?”

The guard hesitated, glancing toward the receptionist, who didn’t bother looking up. Valerie sighed and reached into her pocket. “Do you have a phone?”

“Yes, miss.” He handed it over.

Valerie smiled gratefully, pulled Alexander’s card from her pocket, and dialed the number.

***

Alexander picked up his phone, eyes narrowing at the unknown number. He answered.

“Mr. Alexander…”

Her voice..soft, uncertain drifted through the speaker. He straightened slightly.

“It’s Valerie,” she continued. “I’m at your company… she goes on to briefly explain everything..

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “Give him the phone,” he said.

....

“Yes, sir,” the security replied after taking the phone. He looked at Valerie, now suddenly more respectful. “Apologies, Miss Jordan. Please follow me.”

He led her through the sleek marble halls to the receptionist's desk. The secretary, already briefed, didn’t hesitate.

“This way, Miss Jordan,” she said, standing and guiding her toward the elevator.

As the doors slid shut behind them, Valerie took a deep breath.