Getting an email from TRIX was the greatest delight for Jessica.
The TRIX company was one with a lot of prestige and reputation as it stands as a world class firm.
Update on acquiring a job in the company reached Mr Troy and other trusted board members of the agency.
Her reports were slated to be given at the end of each working day.
Bright and early this day, Jessica got all ready for her new place of work. Definitely, she has been on several detective cases but not one she had to disguise for.
This was a new turn!
“Taxi!” She boarded.
She got in and pondered on how this phase of her life was going to turn out; if she was going to get her case closed up or if it was going to be like the others. Then her mind drifted to Olivia.
“Oh good Lord!” She said and heaved quietly, then the driver spoke.
"A great day, isn't it ma'am?". The driver asked, noticing she was drawn away from the world.
"Very well, it is". Jessica responded, collecting herself back and forcing a smile out from the thoughts of Olivia.
The car went silent for the rest of the short trip until they arrived at TRIX.
"We've arrived ma'am." The driver said as he made a stop at the nearest parking space to TRIX.
She made her pay and carefully got down to gather herself.
“Here we go Jess!” She mouthed quietly to herself.
Swiftly, she made her way towards the entrance.
"Welcome to Trix. A division of Tezera and inex. We serve at the best. Kindly find your way to the reception for inquiries". The micro speaker at the entrance subtly made the brief welcome.
Jessica walked straight to the reception as it was not so difficult to locate from the entrance. She sat quietly as the receptionist was busy with another visitor.
The building was highly maintained and luxurious. It had detail and everyone making a first entrance would give similar comments. Paying attention to the structure and color, she fed her eyes with its grace.
Just then, the elevator clicked open and a young lady came out walking towards the reception with her hips swinging from side to side. She had very bright skin and she looked like one that took her job almost too seriously.
Soon, she halted in front of Jessica.
“You must be Jessica.” The woman said firmly.
“Um, yes, I am.” Jessica responded.
“The CEO has been expecting you. Come with me.” She said firmly, turning immediately towards the elevator and Jessica quickly followed suit.
They both walked to the elevator and up they went; the 94 layered building, a journey!
There in the elevator, the young lady engaged Jessica.
“You're welcome to TRIX Jessica. I'm Miss Bethany. Beth.” Miss Beth says.
“... I'm Jessica.”
“Oh no… You already know that.”
“I'm sorry”
Jessica rushed these words out like she was nervous with how stern Miss Beth spoke.
But Miss Beth didn't reply after that.
Rude?
The elevator clicked open at the top floor, highest of all the buildings that could be sighted from there.
Miss Beth led the way out, walking towards a security guarded door. There, Miss Beth gave her security pass and they both gained access in.
They walked past artifacts and offices until they came across a see-through glass conference room. In the room was a man who exuded confidence.
Engrossed in a phone call, with a broad and imposing figure that could easily intimidate anyone, yet incredibly attractive. With an effortless stride, he walked around the room, running his hand through his hair, which was neatly packed in a bun. Though he was barely smiling while on the call, his demeanor oozed assurance.
Miss Beth made a signal pass and the man went off the phone while Miss Beth and Jessica made their way in.
“Is all well?. You didn't look too good on the phone.” Miss Beth asked with a glimpse of concern.
“She cares?” Jessica thought.
“It's nothing to worry about Beth.” The man said as he walked towards one of the conference chairs to sit.
“Jessica Willows?” He said with an assuring voice like he knew her already.
“Yes sir.” Jessica responded.
The man and Miss Beth looked at each other after Jessica affirmed her name.
Creepy!
“I'm Liam Thorne, son of Philip Thorne and CEO of TRIX.” The man said.
“Pleased to meet you sir.” Jessica said, wondering how he was the CEO.
Up until that morning, it read on the Internet that the active CEO was Philip Thorne, his father.
Even the agency knew that!
For a family that didn't even have a lot to show on the media, how could the only thing they knew be inauthentic?
“You may sit please.” Liam offered.
Jessica took her seat while Miss Beth just stood firm.
“From your application, it's obvious you got the information of Philip Thorne being the CEO. Well, that's changed. And it remains so only within the organization.” Liam said.
“What does he mean within the organization?” Jessica questioned quietly in her thoughts.
“Your job here is one that must be attended to effectively. I hope to see you deliver.” he said and Jessica concurred with a nod.
“That's all for now. Miss Beth would see you to your office.” Liam added.
Miss Beth ushered Jessica out and straight to her new office; cozy and luxurious for a secretary. While settling in her new desk, Miss Beth spoke.
“See Mr Liam in 30 minutes.” She said and left the office.
Jessica just nodded and took her seat right after, admiring her space.
The thought of her finding the pieces to solving her case crawled in. She questioned everything the agency claimed to know about this family if they didn't even know the CEO.
Thirty minutes later, she arrives at the conference room where Liam was still seated.
“You asked to see me sir.” Jessica said as she entered.
“Yes. Have your seat.” He offered her again. He covered the lid of his laptop and looked at her brightly.
For a moment Jessica felt uncomfortable with his stare, then he spoke up.
“Who are you?” He asked.
Jessica's heart skipped as she heard him ask.
Did he know who she was?
Was this why he locked eyes with Miss Beth the moment she affirmed her name?
“.. I'm… I'm Jessica.” She says almost losing confidence.
He scoffed.
“I know that. Tell me more!” He said with his gaze fixed on her.His phone rang!The person on the other end spoke and all he said was “Give me a minute. I'd be there.”“I'm needed immediately. Come!” He said standing up. Jessica thanked her stars that she hadn't answered because her confidence was already ripped off.They journeyed quietly in the elevator till the ground floor and upon opening, a woman who looked very important stood while Miss Beth engaged her in a conversation.Her ambience could be felt. She was heavily surrounded by her guards.Liam walked straight to the woman and they turned to face each other. “Hello son!” The woman said audibly.“Hello mom. Good to have you back!” Liam responded in the same pitch and hugged her.“That's interesting. His mom!” Jessica thought. They spoke inaudibly for the rest of the conversation and Jessica stood, observing all she could from the body movement and descriptions.Soon, Liam signaled her to join in their midst. He introduced
Liam heaved a sigh of relief and smiled briefly.He carefully studied her body language, in search of her uncertainties and discomfort from all she had found out but he was pleased she had agreed to it.Well then," Liam said in a carefully measured tone, "I look forward to the journey ahead.""As well, I," Jessica replied, trying to compose herself. The conversation had been a whirlwind, and the weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a lead cloak.“— As for the secretary position," Liam continued, his voice taking on a lighter tone, "that can be considered filled. The company could really use a secretary after all.”Jessica blinked, completely thrown off guard, “I thought I was yet to be assessed for the position.”“Well, let's call it an unorthodox assessment. I'm the CEO and I say you're hired.” Liam responds calmly.“Oh. Yes…. Alright then” she had mindlessly forgotten he had the power of who comes in and goes out. It was a blatant abuse of power, yet she couldn't d
The day has been a whole lot and this young detective was all exhausted from the whole drama of it. Reports were to be given back to the agency on the close of every working day. There was a separate phone allocated for that purpose and it was securely placed in one of Jessica's bed drawers. Mr Troy and the rest of the board has been eager to hear the updates from her first day of work as an undercover detective. It was a new dive in Jessica's years of being a detective but she had something to prove and they hoped it better be positive. She picks up the phone immediately she gets in her room and gets on the call with the required persons to hear her report. “How was your first day there, Jessica?” Mr Troy asked in a concerned voice. “ Good sir.”“Your update.” Another voice, one of the high members in the agency, spoke audibly.Jessica was held stuck on what to say for a moment. The part where Liam had asked for her trust to keep the secret of the company safe popped into her th
Jessica hurriedly gets down from the cab and runs straight into the company. Every worker on that floor looked fully settled in for the day but there she was, running the hallway, through the reception and straight into the elevator. Panting heavily with her head bent down, hands on her knee and her handbag falling slightly off her shoulders, she cursed again under her breath.“Screw you Olivia!”The elevator clicked open at her floor and she ran out, noticing every see-through office was empty, but as she walked past the conference room, she found all the board staff there, organized and well seated. At that moment, everyone turned to notice her and she just stood still in awe. Not what she was expecting and not knowing whether to join in or just walk away!She definitely wasn't looking composed. Her hair looked all messy from the hurry of the morning and she wasn't her best physically, her face looked tired as well.Liam, seated at the head of the conference table made a signal to
**JESSICA'S HOMEAnn stood outside Jessica's apartment, tapping her foot impatiently. When the door finally swung open, she was met with a stoic Jessica, a stark contrast to the animated woman who usually greeted her."Hey, girl. Are you alright? " Ann asked with concern, filling her voice as she followed Jessica inside. “You look pale. Did a cabinet fall on you or do you require some manly touch?” Ann asks, teasing.Jessica managed a weak smile, the humor failing to reach her eyes. "Something like that," she mumbled as they walked in.“But seriously, are you fine?” concerned once again."Yeah, I am," Jessica replied, her voice flat. Maybe a little too flat. "Just feel hungry, that's all." Ann dropped her bag on the couch with a thud, the sound echoing in the silent apartment.Ann wasn't buying it. Jessica might be able to fool an unsuspecting victim, but her best friend knew her far too well. "Uh-huh," she said skeptically, "and what kind of ravenous beast are you craving tonight?”
Leaning through the lavish office windows, sunlight created lengthy shadows that covered Liam's desk. Jessica sat rigidly upright on the edge of the visitor's chair opposite him. A tightness sprang through the air, unrelated to the pile of financial records she held before her.Liam, looking unusually stressed, was ruffling his hair, tampering with the normal flawless swoop. He said, "These quarterly reports are a nightmare," as he furtively skimmed the pages.Jessica, couldn't help but point out, “I think handling them in batches would really help."Liam winced. “Oh brother!”Then he added, “Don't mind me. My father used to handle all this stuff. Unfortunately, his… absence has left a bit of a void."Jessica couldn't deny a sliver of sympathy. Despite her initial suspicions about Liam, a glimpse of vulnerability softened his polished exterior. She focused on the reports, trying to ignore the way his blue eyes crinkled at the corners when he concentrated. Her gaze suddenly fixed on a
The update for the night was indeed worth something: a valid lead on Liam. Jessica wasn't sure why she thought to hold back on her findings from the agency for a while. Was it some kind of doubt she wanted to clear out? She later ended up delivering the pictures that had shown the discreet dealings.“You've done well, Jessica,” one of the board members had said.“We need more like this. Gain his trust as we mentioned before. He needs to open up about the family business to you,” another voice said.“... Well done, Jessica. Keep a low profile in all you try to do,” Mr. Troy finally added.Fulfilling! That was the feeling of the night. Mr. Troy and other board members were indeed impressed.But after the call, the thought of Liam crept into her mind again. He wasn't sure of what had happened in the office while he was gone, but he looked worried, or rather concerned for her.“Why does that feel like something?” she asked herself as she laid to rest for the night.And the sudden pang
The party buzzed with electric energy. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow on the elegantly dressed crowd, their laughter and chatter filling the lavish room. The strong smell of alcohol and sweet wine filled the air.Intense and intimate gathering.The men in their fine tucks and the ladies in their lovely flowing dresses. The TRIX must be very much delighted for a job well done.Jessica arrived at the venue, in her flowing black dress, nothing too complicated.Feeling out of place in the midst of all the personalities, she clutched on a glass of champagne, taking little sips from time to time as she wandered her eyes through the gathering. Some men spoke in foreign languages, others spoke in English, in hushed and loud tones, it was a ground for any.Spotting Liam across the room, she heaved, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. She noticed carefully how he looked. He was always the hulk kind with the masterpiece of masculinity but tonight showed more than that. His masc