My ands trembled as I held my phone, reading the message again:
'Soon you'll regret working at Ylvis Corporation.'
I showed it to my colleague, Ryan, who frowned:
"Aubrey, this is creepy. Should we tell Director Ming or security?"
I hesitated, thinking of the bloody-handed man:
"No… not yet. I need to know more about this company first."
Ryan nodded, but looked concerned:
"Be careful, okay? This doesn't feel right."
I forced a smile, trying to reassure him:
"I will, thanks for worrying me, Ryan! "
While chitchatting with Director Ming, someone burst in –
one of the staff, sweat dripping down his face:
"Mr. Steve, the system dropped. It's glitching. "
He spoke urgently, panic evident in his voice.
Steve seemed unfazed by the problem:
"Fix it yourself. This is your area, so better know some solution! "
His tone was calm, but something was off.
This problem seemed intentional…
No matter how you hide it, I will uncover the truth.
The staff member stepped forward:
"But Mr. Steve, according to Roque, you commanded him
to operate the system as soon as possible. Why don't you care? "
He shouted, accusation in his voice.
Steve's eyes narrowed slightly:
"Are you blaming me? "
"No—It's just that you"
"What happened?" Director Ming said as she arrived.
The man was about to spoke but cut off bby Steve— wrong move.
"It's just a small problem Director. Nothing serious. " Steve stated with a smile plastered on his face.
"This isn't just small Mr Steve." man said while his tone raise, "Director Ming, the system is glitching. it drop beyond the stabilization."
Director Ming face frowned, furious. "What? Steve, mind to explain about this? "
"I didn't want you to know about this until it has been resolved. I know you have a lot of things to do and this matter should not interfere the—"
"Shut up you dumbass. You all know that this system was our company's core yet you want to take it small matter? "
Director Ming's gaze turned to mine:
"Aubrey, you're my only hope for this. Can you handle
this 'accident' for me? "
Accident? It seemed intentional…
My gaze shifted to Steve, furious, as he gave me a
'don't interfere' look.
He was obvious. What a fool.
I smiled sweetly:
"If that's what you want
Steve blurted out of control:
"She cannot Director, she's just a nobody newbie here. How come you trusted her to fix this mess? "
Director Ming's eyes narrowed, voice icy:
"Are you questioning my capabilities to trust people, Steve?"
Steve paled, taking a step back:
"No! I mean, yes Director but—"
Director Ming raised her hand, silencing him:
"Aubrey, go with Roque. Fix this issue immediately."
I nodded, turning to leave with the staff member who arrived first.
Steve called out:
"Director, I—"
Director Ming's firm tone cut him off:
Steve, come with me. We need to talk.
The door closed behind them. Roque and I exchanged glances:
He led me to the server room, explaining:
"Steve pushed the system launch despite my warnings.
Now it's overheating and crashing."
My eyes widened:
"Why would he do that? Doesn't he know the risks?"
Roque leaned in closer:
"Rumors say Steve wants Director Ming's position.
This might be his sabotage attempt."
My mind raced. No wonder Director Ming trusted me over him…
Now I am pretty sure, That's what I've thought. In times of crises, you should shift the blame on the person who was found in the actual scene. What a common scheme.
"Let me handle this, and can you buy some snacks? "
He agreed. Leaving me alone in this place.
Director Ming entered along with Roque, grabbing my foods.
"Take this! " he left after Director Ming asking him to leave.
Director Ming approached me with a paper bag:
"How was it? "
She asked, eyes sparkling with warmth.
I smiled, taking the bag:
"Perfect timing, Director. Thank you."
Inside, my favorite – spaghetti and cold coffee.
"I asked Faye about your favorite food. She suggested this.
A small payment for taking my request."
I took a bite, savoring the taste, then examined her carefully:
"How important is Ylvis Corporation to you, Director Ming? "
Director Ming's expression turned solemn, eyes clouding:
"It's been my life since my wife left me.
She started this company… I couldn't lose the only memory she left."
My heart swelled with emotion. What a beautiful love story.
I wished my parents had a love like that…
Director Ming noticed my gaze drifting:
"Hey, you okay?"
I nodded, clearing my thoughts:
"Yeah… anyway, "
I stood up, stretching my shoulders:
"The system is fixed, but I need to tell you something…
It wasn't an accident, Director Ming. This was intentional sabotage."
Director Ming looked stunned:
"How can you say that? "
She walked to the window, staring at the view outside.
I followed her gaze for a moment before explaining:
"Virus isn't normal to erupt and damage systems accidentally…
unless someone intentionally sabotaged it, Director."
I took a sip of the coffee she brought, leaning against the wall:
"It's normal to trust people who seem honest,
but sometimes honesty isn't always the truth."
Director Ming turned to face me, expression unreadable.
I finished my coffee, thanking her for the snack:
"I'll leave you to your thoughts, Director.
I have work to finish before heading home."
As I walked out, the hallway fell silent – employees stared at me.
But I didn't care. All I wanted was peace –
at least here at work, besides Faye's place.
My colleague, Ryan, approached me:
"How's it going? You've been with Director Ming awhile."
I adjusted my tone, realizing Director Ming and Ryan weren't the same person:
"Doing fine, no serious damage found."
My voice was firm. I expected him to be scared by my tone,
but instead he smiled widely:
"That's great! Director Ming trusts you quickly. You must be exceptional."
I shrugged and focused on my monitor.
Exactly 7:00 pm – time to head home. Waiting for my booked cab…
This job would be perfect if I had my own car.
Suddenly, a vehicle approached –
not my cab. Before I could react, strong hands pulled me inside!
Before I could scream, a cloth covered my mouth.
My body was dragged deeper into the vehicle.
A voice laughed low and menacingly:
"Boss won again!"
My heart raced wildly. I struggled to break free:
"Who are you?! What are you doing to me?!"
The laughter stopped. A low voice replied:
"Someone who knows your worth, Lysandra Moore.
You're coming with us. Boss has plans for you."
The vehicle sped up, and everything blurred outside.
My phone fell from my pocket – screen cracked, dead.
Darkness slowly doomed me.
My body went limp, surrendering to the kidnappers.
Suddenly, a bright light flashed –
the vehicle door slammed open!
A figure pulled me out into fresh air:
"Aubrey, you're safe now."
I tried to speak, but my voice barely whispered:
"H-how…?"