VEINS OF SILENCE

VEINS OF SILENCE > Part 8

Continuation...

The second day of their promotion went smoothly. Celeste and Adrian worked side by side, moving through each task with quiet efficiency. Adrian couldn’t help but be drawn to her—her focus, her precision, the effortless way she handled every challenge. He found himself stealing glances, silently fascinated by her poise and quiet confidence, though he kept his growing admiration carefully to himself.

Celeste, meanwhile, felt the absence of Ivy more than she expected. Her friend had always been a calming presence, a constant source of support. Now, separated by different departments, Celeste missed the quiet reassurance of Ivy’s nearby desk. The thought of her friend lingered in her mind throughout the day, a gentle reminder of the bond they shared despite the distance.

Across the room, Bianca lounged with calculated ease, cleverly using her companion, Reign, as her personal aide—ready to carry out her every command without hesitation. Her sharp, assessing gaze occasionally flicked toward Celeste, a subtle reminder that the Crown Clique’s influence still cast a shadow over the department.

Despite the tension radiating from the corner, Adrian stayed quietly attentive to Celeste, offering small, thoughtful gestures whenever she needed them. She noticed but remained focused, letting her work speak for itself. The unspoken admiration lingered between them—Adrian quietly captivated by her competence, Celeste appreciating a dependable partner—while the office hummed with the silent rivalries and subtle dynamics of promotion day.

By lunchtime, Celeste and Ivy finally crossed paths again. The moment they saw each other, their faces lit up with genuine joy, a shared happiness that had been missing since the department shuffle.

“Celeste! I missed you!” Ivy exclaimed, rushing to her side.

“I missed you too, Ivy,” Celeste replied, a soft smile spreading across her face.

They quickly fell into easy conversation, catching up on the morning’s work and sharing little laughs over small office mishaps.

Joining them at the table were Adrian and Ryan. Adrian kept a quiet, observant presence beside Celeste, occasionally offering a thoughtful comment or passing her a napkin, while Ryan, with his sharp intellect hidden behind a slightly broody exterior, chimed in with clever observations that had everyone smiling.

From a distance, Julian noticed the small group, observing Celeste with a faint smile. He couldn’t help but notice Adrian’s gentle, gentlemanly demeanor—subtle yet unmistakable in the way he treated Celeste with care and respect. Julian felt a fleeting urge to approach, perhaps to join the conversation, but thought better of it. Shaking his head softly, he quietly left, leaving the four interns to their shared laughter and camaraderie.

_____

CEO Office – Horizon Tower

Julian stepped into the office, casual but observant. Caspian, as usual, was buried in paperwork, meticulously going through every detail of the ongoing innovation contest. The quiet tension in the room pressed down like a living thing.

“Any news?” Caspian asked without looking up, his voice calm yet commanding.

Julian leaned against the doorframe, one hand in his pocket, eyes scanning the room. “The atmosphere in your company… it seems surprisingly upbeat.”

Caspian gave a slow nod. “Good to hear.”

Julian’s lips curved into a small smirk. “Seems like the presentations haven’t caused you a headache… yet.”

Caspian finally lifted his gaze, sharp and measured. “That doesn’t mean I can afford carelessness. Plenty of companies are chasing the same opportunities—internationally, no less.”

Julian’s eyes flickered, caught on something familiar. “She reminds me of Arthur,” he murmured under his breath.

Caspian’s expression darkened slightly, a shadow passing over his sharp features. “I still have work to do. You should leave.”

Julian raised a brow but obeyed, turning toward the door.

Before stepping out completely, Caspian’s voice stopped him. “I leave tomorrow. You’ll handle things here. Make sure everything is secure—for the innovation contest.”

Julian nodded, giving a sharp hand signal. “Understood.”

He left quietly, leaving Caspian alone with the scattered papers. The hum of the office, the weight of responsibility, and the unspoken tension of the contest filled the room, every second heavy with focus and anticipation.

The company was busier than ever. The CEO, along with several executives, was out of town attending the Global Innovation Contest. Despite their absence, the Leadership Development Department remained swamped, and the interns were constantly overloaded with tasks. As usual, Celeste and Adrian handled everything efficiently. Their quiet celebration of their success, however, only fueled Bianca’s irritation and envy.

---

Cafeteria

Adrian invited Celeste for a quick coffee break in the building’s cafeteria. Since her work was finished and she had nothing else pressing, Celeste agreed, and the two left together.

Meanwhile, Bianca, sensing an opportunity, devised a devious plan. She instructed Reign to delete all of Celeste’s completed tasks from the office computers, waiting until no one could see to carry out their scheme.

Adrian: “What would you like? My treat.”

Celeste: (shakes her head politely, as usual)

Adrian: (suddenly remembering) “Wait… I don’t think I’ve congratulated you yet.”

Celeste: “Huh?”

Adrian: “For the Global Innovation Contest… I know your presentation was the one selected for Horizon.”

Celeste: (startled, slightly flustered, since only Ivy, Ms. Alcaraz, the CEO, and a few others knew) “How… how did you know?”

Adrian: “Sorry, I overheard you talking with Ivy.”

Celeste: (wants to explain but doesn’t know what to say)

Adrian: “Don’t worry… I won’t tell anyone.” (signs silently to reassure her)

Celeste: “Ms. Alcaraz told me to stay quiet… to avoid any trouble.”

Adrian: “Even if you don’t say a word, I already know how your team operates.” (hinting at the “crown clique”)

Adrian: “Honestly… I’m really impressed. With so many hardworking and talented employees here, no one could match your ideas. How did you do it? You must be used to navigating business moves.”

Celeste: (silent, reflecting on the past, then quietly) “I owe a lot to my brother. He’s taught me so much, and I’m really grateful.”

Adrian: “Your brother? That explains a lot.” (smiles) “Which company does he work for?”

Celeste: (silent again, a hint of sadness visible on her face)

Adrian noticed her expression and decided to change the topic.

The two eventually left the cafeteria. As Celeste stood up, Adrian lingered for a moment, wondering why she had reacted so quietly when talking about her brother.

---

Back at the Office

When they returned, Celeste and Adrian saw the office computers powered on. They had made sure to turn them off before leaving earlier. Adrian quickly checked their files—and discovered everything had been deleted.

He was furious, and Celeste could hardly believe it. Both immediately suspected Bianca. Adrian went straight to confront her.

Adrian: “Reign, who did this?” (Celeste tries to stop him)

Reign: (remains silent)

Bianca: (smirking) “What are you talking about?”

Adrian: “Don’t play games. I know it was you.”

Bianca: “OMG, are you accusing me of doing something wrong?”

Celeste: (interjecting) “Enough, Adrian. We won’t gain anything by arguing.”

Bianca: “Then tell your little hero here, Celeste. You’re just ruining my day.”

Adrian wanted to respond but paused, thinking of Celeste.

Meanwhile, Bianca whispered to Reign:

Bianca: “In a minute, the boss will be back. Who do you think’s getting fired?” (smiles wickedly)

Celeste and Adrian exchanged worried glances, both knowing they were in deep trouble if they couldn’t fix this before their boss returned.

Global Innovation Contest

The atmosphere was tense as the results of the Global Innovation Contest were announced. The competition had been incredibly close, and nobody expected Horizon to come in second. Being the most famous and dominant company, everyone assumed Horizon would take the top spot.

Caspian could hardly believe it. He was impressed, however, by Damian Corporation, especially their new CEO, Victor Damian, who had outperformed Horizon. Caspian knew that if Horizon hadn’t been so busy, their presentation could have been flawless. Still, he didn’t regret anything—he hadn’t expected that Celeste’s brilliant idea could be outdone, and it had become a major talking point on social media and in the news.

The surprise defeat sparked curiosity about Damian Corporation’s new CEO. Everyone wondered how this relatively unknown company had beaten Horizon. When Caspian’s father, the Chairman, heard the news, he was furious—not only had Horizon lost, but he was especially angry at Caspian for letting it happen.

Back at Horizon

Employees’ faces reflected worry and anxiety, yet Caspian appeared calm, as if nothing had happened. Deep down, however, he was speculating about the future. In his office, the exhaustion was visible on his face when Julian entered, feigning casualness.

Julian: Don’t hide your reaction from me. I know you too well.

Caspian: (taking a deep breath) Damian is strong… and determined.

It was clear Caspian was concerned about Horizon’s future. The company had never had a real competitor; they were always at the top.

Julian: Seems like someone might finally match Horizon. (teasing) But still, the other competitor is just starting. Horizon is at the peak.

Caspian: Exactly. You can’t be reckless. Even at the top, if someone wants to rise, they can pull you down.

Julian: So… what’s your plan now?

Caspian remained silent, deep in thought. Suddenly, the Chairman stormed in, furious, accompanied by the Vice Chairman.

Chairman: Didn’t you think about the company’s reputation? That was weak and embarrassing! We’re all over the news!

Julian: (calmly) With respect, sir… the contest isn’t over yet. Damian Corporation is just starting—they’re nowhere near our level.

Mr. Cruz (VP Chairman): This contest isn’t just for show. It’s global. We’re the talk of the world.

Chairman: (furious, voice shaking, almost yelling) How dare you embarrass the family company!

Julian: Sir…

Chairman: Don’t you dare defend him! Know your place, Julian!

Unable to hold back any longer, Caspian finally spoke, his voice loud and full of emotion:

Caspian: What gives you the right to humiliate my employees?! You think it’s easy to carry this company on your shoulders? Do you even see the sacrifices made to keep Horizon on top?

Chairman: You are ungrateful!

Caspian: (fighting back tears and anger, unleashing long-suppressed frustrations) Do you know what your leadership cost this company? Horizon almost fell under your guidance, and if it weren’t for me, we wouldn’t even be here. I’ve rebuilt what you nearly destroyed, and now you have the audacity to shame me and my team in front of everyone?

The Chairman’s anger doubled, his voice booming so loudly that assistants and staff outside the office whispered nervously, fearing the confrontation.

Caspian turned on his heel and left without listening to his father. Julian followed closely behind.

The incident quickly became the talk of the company, leaving everyone shaken and whispering about the confrontation.

To be Continued...