Chapter 118
The next morning, Allison casually entered the Carisma company building. Her phone buzzed immediately; a message from Kellan: "Miss Clarke, you don't have a helper today." Allison didn't want an assistant; it would attract unwanted attention. She preferred working alone. After sending a reply, she proceeded deeper into the building.
The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant. Carisma Company, bolstered by the Lloyd Group's backing, had expanded exponentially, occupying an entire skyscraper. Unlike a typical corporate office, the atmosphere wasn't rigid or stuffy. Laboratories were interspersed throughout the building, and two floors were dedicated to employee lounges and break rooms.
However, as she approached the office area, she noticed an anomaly in the company data. "Someone's hacking," she muttered, frowning. Computer screens flashed with cryptic codes, but support staff were absent, and, strangely, the network's security alarms hadn't triggered. Her instincts were correct: someone was manipulating the system.
Without hesitation, she sat down and began working. "An illegal intrusion…it's been a long time since I've seen something like this," she murmured. This was not how she envisioned her first day.
Kellan had assured her the lab was hers, with full access to all equipment. The other technicians stared in surprise at her sudden arrival. They knew a new boss was coming—apparently, it was her. While aware of the situation, their resentment was palpable.
Thea Reid discreetly glanced at Marc Ward, the senior technician, a likely candidate for promotion. Seeing a stranger claim what he considered his due only fueled his bitterness. Swallowing his frustration, Marc approached Allison, his sarcasm barely concealed. "So you're Miss Clarke. Trying to make a splash on your first day, I see."
Allison didn't look up when Marc's voice broke her concentration. "You're dealing with perfume in the lab. What's with all this typing?" she retorted. "I haven't time for trivialities. This isn't amateur work; it has all the hallmarks of Dark Web hackers."
Given Carisma's high market value, numerous competitors were circling, hoping to steal her coveted perfume formulas. If she didn't stop the intrusion soon, the hackers would breach the firewall and access Carisma's data. Before the Lloyd Group's cybersecurity team could intervene, it would be too late. She wouldn't let valuable data fall into the wrong hands.
Ignoring Marc's continued comments, she replied, "If you know who I am, you should know not to get in my way."
Marc's eyes narrowed in surprise, his irritation flaring. In the lab, the other technicians exchanged amused glances and whispered amongst themselves. "You're awfully enthusiastic, but it's not like it's our company, right? If things go wrong, it'll be your fault, not ours."
"Miss Clarke, don't misunderstand," Thea interjected softly, her tone laced with venom. "It's not that we disrespect you, but true talent speaks for itself. And when someone's here only because of connections…" she trailed off. "...well, don't expect us to be silent. No offense intended, of course."
Their words were sharp. They'd envisioned a battle-hardened leader; instead, they found a woman in her twenties, calm and seemingly easy to manipulate. But Allison wouldn't be underestimated.
"If you're aware of your rudeness, perhaps you should be quiet," she said. "If you can't solve the problem, at least don't make it worse. It's common decency…or is that concept beyond your grasp?"
She realized their resentment was rooted in her appointment. Their sarcastic comments made that clear. "The company is under cyberattack. I'm handling it. Leave me alone."
Their expressions hardened, but they didn't dare argue. They left, jaws clenched, exchanging silent glances. Once outside, they gathered by the window, watching her like hawks. The murmurs resumed. "Fix the system? What a circus act!" "Exactly! She's supposed to be making perfumes, not typing." "What a joke!"
Thea smiled. "What's her story?" Marc interrupted, mockingly. "The real problem is how it got in. Pretending to be busy…how ridiculous. She should be mixing scents, not playing computer heroine. She's trying to be important." "If we don't nip this in the bud," another technician murmured, "she'll be making all the decisions!"
The group exchanged glances, nodding silently. Finally, Marc spoke calmly but firmly. "No representatives from rival companies are visiting today. It would be a shame if they didn't meet our new leader." The group smiled slyly.
Office politics thrived. To them, a new leader meant the erosion of their carefully established power. Allison's Perfumery Contest win didn't give her the right to disrupt their hierarchy. No one would allow their interests to be trampled without a fight. Marc wasn't just a superior technician; he was the unspoken leader of his faction, and he wouldn't let a stranger undermine his authority.