First day at the office

Sebastain's POV:

*sigh*

So here I am. Let's get to work.

I walked into the office and masked my emotions, showing only what I want others to see. A charming, playful and self-centered guy. Well, these are my best qualities.

The sleek, modern office of Arcadia stood there, tall... strong...

The elevator doors slide open, and I step into the 30th floor like I own the place. Which, let's be honest, I might as well. Arcadia Corporation's executive floor is all glass walls, polished floors, and that faint smell of expensive coffee. My kind of playground...

I adjusted my cufflinks, the ones I picked specifically because they scream, I'm here to make an impression, and stride toward the reception desk. The receptionist-Amelia, according to her name tag-looks up and gives me a smile. Cute. Very cute. But not my type. Too.. earnest.

"Morning," I say, leaning casually on the desk. "Sebastain. Mr. Blackwood's new assistant. You can call me the guy who's about to make the place a lot more interesting."

She laughs, and I can already tell she's charmed. Good. That's step one. Charm everyone, make them think I'm just here to be the office golden boy. Meanwhile, I'm already scanning the room, taking mental notes. Security cameras in the corners, keycard access on the doors, and a group of women by the coffee machine who keep glancing my way. Perfect.

I head over to the coffee machine, because why not? The women are on mid-conversation, but they pause when I approach. I can feel their eyes on me. Yeah, I am very handsome. I know the effect I have.

"Well, well," I say, Flashing my most disarming grin. "If it isn't the most talented team in Arcadia. Mind if I join the party?"

One of them- dark hair, sharp eyes- smirks. "Depends. Are you here to work or just to distract us?"

I clutched my chest like she's wounded me. "Distract? Never. I'm here to enhance your day. Besides, I make the best coffee in the building. Let me prove it."

I grab a cup and start making a latte, because why not show off a little? The foam heart on top is a nice touch, and they all laugh. Mission accomplished. I've got them smiling, relaxed. People talk more when they're relaxed.

"Okay, you're good," one of them says. "But don't think this gets you out of doing actual work."

I grin. "Work? Oh, I'll handle that too. Just watch me."

My office is exactly what I expected-sleek, modern, with a view of the city that's probably worth more than my annual salary(of this company). The desk is piled with files, and there's a note from Mr. Blackwood: Review these reports and prepare a summary for the board meeting tomorrow.

Well, he is testing me now. Otherwise, he would have called me into his office. Just like his right-hand man- Liam Sinclair.

I sit down, my playful demeanor slipping away as I focus. The files are dense, full of financial jargon and projections, but I skim through them like they're a novel. It's easy. Too easy. Within an hour, I've got a summary ready, complete with strategic recommendations that'll make Blackwood look like a genius.

But that's not why I'm here.

I open my laptop, my fingers flying across the keyboard. The company's internal network is robust, but I've got tools-both digital and mental-to bypass most of it. I plant a small device into the USB port, something that'll let me access restricted files without setting off any alarms. It's risky, but hey, no one ever got anywhere by playing it safe.

As I work, I keep an ear out for footsteps, for anyone who might walk in. But the door stays shut, and I'm alone with my thoughts. And my mission.

Later, I'm in the break room, leaning against the counter with a cup of black coffee in hand. The employees here are chatty, which is exactly what I need. I've already got them laughing, thanks to a few well-timed jokes and that charm I've perfected over the years.

Now, I am sure, they know nothing about their boss. About what that person is. In their eyes he is a genius and capable leader who was able to become the CEO of this company at the age of nineteen, and brought the company into the great heights due to his wits. Not gonna lie, he treats his employees really well in this company. Legally... The perfect facade...

"So, Sebastain," one of them says, "what's your secret? You've been here less than a day, and half the office already loves you."

I smirk. "It's a gift. But don't worry, I'm happy to share the spotlight. Just don't tell Mr. Blackwood I'm the real star of the show."

They laugh, and I use the moment to steer the conversation. "Speaking of Mr. Blackwood, have you heard about the Elysium project? Rumor is, it's going to change everything."

One of them-a guy with glasses and a nervous energy-leans in. "Oh, it's top secret. But let's just say it's the future of AI. Even we don't know much about it."

I nod, filing that away. Elysium. The name alone sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie. And if the rumors are true, it's exactly what I'm here to find.

Back in my office, I review the data I've collected. It's not much--not yet--but it's a start. My phone buzzes with a message from Aurelia: Progress?

I type back: On track. Elysium is the key. More soon.

I lean back in my chair, staring out at the city lights. Day one is a success. I've charmed my colleagues, impressed my boss, and taken the first steps toward my real mission. But as I sit there, a flicker of doubt creeps in. How far am I willing to go to uncover Arcadia's secrets?

I shake it off. Doubt is for people who don't know how to play the game. And I'm here to win.

For now, though, I'll keep playing the part of the charming, talented assistant. Because that's who they think I am. And as long as they believe it, I've got them right where I want them.


Author's POV:

There is an unassuming warehouse on the outskirts of the city. TO the untrained eye, it looks like a derelict storage facility, but beneath its rusted exterior lies "The Vault"--a state-of-the-art spy headquarters. Sebastain strides through the hidden entrance, his cool demeanor intact, but there is a sharpness in his eyes now, a calculated edge that wasn't visible in his office at Arcadia Corporation.

The interior of the Vault is sleek and high-tech, with holographic screens projecting data streams, and agents working at terminals. Sebastian's assistant, Lena, a sharp-witted woman in her late 20s with a no-nonsense attitude, meets him at the door.

Lena crossed her arms, raised her eyebrow and said, "Took you long enough. Did you stop to flirt with someone on the way here?"

Sebastain grinned and replied, "Lena, darling, you know I can't help myself. But don't worry, you're still my favourite."

Lena rolled her eyes and started walking ahead, "Charming as always. The team's waiting for your update. Try to keep it professional, boss." Her voice echoed down the hallway.

Sebastian smirks and follows her deeper into the base. Agents nod respectfully as he passes, some calling out greetings.

A tech specialist named Marcus greets him. "Boss, good to see you. We've got some new intel on Arcadia's security protocols. They've upgraded their firewalls, but we're already working on a bypass."

Sebastain paused his steps and tilted his head towards Marcus. Marcus was a head taller than him, but his aura far more exceeded the Marcus's. Sebastian seems more petite and fragile among his groups... maybe because of the things he had faced before, that affected his health. "Good. Keep me posted. And Marcus--don't let them trace it back to us. I don't need Arcadia's goons knocking on our door."

"Understood." Marcus nodded.

Sebastain continues walking, stopping at a large holographic table where a group of agents is gathered. Lena hands him a tablet with the latest updates.

"Alright, listen up. Arcadia's Elysium project is even bigger than we thought. It's not just an AI---it's a paradigm shift. If they pull this off, they'll control everything from global markets to military strategy. We need to stay ahead of them." Sebastian said addressing the group.

Jax, field operative, said, " Any idea how close they are to completion?"

Sebastian: Too close for comfort. But they've got a weak spot--their lead developer, Dr. Evelyn Cross. She's brilliant, but she's also isolated. If we can get to her, we can get to Elysium.

" And by "get to her," he means manipulate her. Subtly, of course. Lena said interjecting.

Sebastain smirked. Subtly is my middle name, Lena.

A hacker named Reha said, "Speaking of subtle, boss, we've been monitoring Arcadia's internal communications. There's chatter about a board meeting next week. High-level stuff. If we can get you in the room, you might be able to access their mainframe."

"Perfect. Make it happen. And Rhea--keep digging. I want to know everything they're hiding."

"You got it." Reha said grinning.

Sebastian steps away from the group, heading toward his private office. Lena follows, closing the door behind them. The office is sleek and minimalist, with a wall of monitors displaying live feeds from various operations around the world. Sebastian sits at his desk, leaning back in his chair with a contemplative expression.

" You're playing a dangerous game, Sebastian. Arcadia's not just some corporate giant-they've got resources, connections, and a lot to lose if they find out what you're up to." Lena suggested.

Sebastian leaned forward and said to Lena, "That's what makes it fun, Lena. Besides, you know me--I don't lose."

Lena raised her eyebrows again and said, "Overconfidence is a weakness, boss. And you've got a lot riding on this."

Sebastian smirked. "True. But I've also got the best team in the business. And you. What could go wrong?"

"Famous last words. Just don't get cocky. We're not just up against Arcadia--we're up against Elysium. And if that thing is as powerful as we think, it could outsmart us before we even know what hit us." Lena said sighing.

"I have built this vault just for this. I am not backing out now." Sebastian mumbled to himself.

Lena didn't understand what he was saying and asked, "What?"

Sebastian pulled himself back and get close to her, tracing his fingers on Lena's cheeks. "I said, my charm works on everyone but not you. Am I not handsome enough? Am I not charming?" Sebastian said as if he is questioning his own existence.

Lena was unfazed. She put her both hands on Sebastian's shoulder and said, "Maybe because I know who you are... and I am already 29. You are just 22. I am not into younger men." With this she flipped her hair back and turned around in her heels.

Sebastian just chuckled behind her.

ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ

word count: 1981

date: feb, 2025

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