FIRST DAY, FIRST CLASH
437 Words
EPISODE 6
Eve stood in front of the OrionTech building, staring up at its towering glass walls. The city reflected in the windows looked small, distant—like she was stepping into another world. She straightened her blazer, smoothed her hair, and reminded herself: she had earned this. Every sleepless night, every code written, every café shift—it had led here.
The receptionist led her to the floor, where sleek offices stretched endlessly. The air smelled faintly of electronics and polished wood. Everything screamed power, precision, control.
“Orientation will start shortly,” the receptionist said politely, handing her a security badge. “Please take a seat.”
Eve nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beat of her heart.
Minutes passed. The hum of activity was drowned out by a single sound: footsteps.
Measured. Heavy. Intentional.
Eve froze.
The door opened.
He stepped in.
Tall. Broad. Perfectly sculpted. Eyes colder than steel. Alexander Voss.
The office seemed to shrink. Chairs straightened. Conversations halted. He didn’t need to speak; his presence alone demanded attention.
His gaze landed on Eve.
Cold. Sharp. Assessing.
“Ms. Carter,” he said, voice low and controlled. “Follow me.”
Eve’s pulse quickened. She nodded and followed him down a glass corridor. Every step echoed like a warning.
In his office, he didn’t offer a chair. He leaned against his desk, arms crossed, studying her like she was a puzzle he didn’t want to solve.
“You’re here to work,” he said bluntly. “Not to make friends. Not to be liked. Do not disappoint me.”
Eve met his gaze steadily. “I’m here to earn my place, sir. That’s all.”
A flicker of something passed through his eyes—surprise? irritation?—but it disappeared as quickly as it came.
“You start Monday,” he said finally. “Probationary period. One mistake, and you’re gone.”
Eve nodded calmly. “Understood.”
He didn’t smile. He didn’t soften. He simply watched as she left.
But as the door closed behind her, Alexander’s eyes lingered on the empty office.
Something about her unsettled him.
She wasn’t afraid.
She didn’t beg.
She didn’t flinch.
And for the first time in years… he noticed.
Down the hall, Eve paused, pressing a hand to her chest as her heart raced. She didn’t know why he was so cold, why his daughter’s eyes had seemed to measure her, why the air around him felt dangerous.
All she knew was this:
Her life at OrionTech had begun.
And already, it was far more complicated than she ever imagined.
- Writer
