Ambergris Locakboxes Traveled Salt Routes by Hugh Calder 28

Chapter Twenty–Eight: Her New Beginning.

Coralreach Tech Company was popularly known as Quantum Arc Complex.

It stood tall in the heart of the city like a promise of the future. The building was made almost entirely of glass, rising proudly into the sky.

At the top, a giant curved screen wrapped around the building, constantly displaying moving images–lines of codes, glowing circuits, artificial intelligence visuals, and bold words about innovation and progress.

It was impossible to ignore.

People often stopped outside just to stare at it.

Cassienne stood in front of the building for a brief moment, her eyes lifting to admire the screen above. She took a deep breath.

This is it, she thought. My new beginning.

With calm and deliberate steps, she walked into the building, welcoming her new workplace silently in her heart.

It was still early in the morning. At the time she got there. Employees were just arriving, some were holding coffee cups, others chatting softly as they walked. Conversations filled the air. But the moment Cassienne stepped inside, heads turned.

She felt it immediately–the shift in attention, the sudden silence that followed her steps. She kept her face calm, her shoulders straight, and walked toward the elevators like she belonged there. Well, she did.

She joined the queue of workers waiting for the elevator. There was another elevator on the far side, but the queue there was longer, so she stayed where she was.

As she stood there, she noticed the glances directed on her. Some were quick, and some were too curious. But others were filled with admiration.

For a moment, doubt crept into her mind.

Is my outfit too much? Or too little?

Today, she had made a conscious decision to step out of the shell she had lived in for years.

She wore beige tailored pants that fit her perfectly, paired with an emerald silk shirt tucked neatly into her pants. The color brought out her skin tone beautifully.

Her long dark hair flowed down her back in soft waves, reaching her waist. Her heels were elegant and confident, clicking lightly against the polished floor.

She didn’t look loud. No. She looked powerful.

The way she stood–calm, composed, and confident–made people look twice. Everything about her spoke of quiet strength and grace.

“Wow… who is that beautiful woman?” a young lady whispered to her colleague.

“I’ve never seen her before,” another replied. “Maybe she’s new. I heard the PR department hired fresh staff.”

“That department always hires the best–looking people,” another woman added.

“Well, I’m jealous,” someone else said softly. “She’s so beautiful.”

Chapter Twenty–Eight Hor New Beginning

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“Look at her skin,” another voice murmured. “She must be from a very rich family.”

Cassienne heard everything. Their complaints made her heart skip a beat.

For the first time in her life, people were speaking kindly about her–even if they didn’t know she could hear them. These weren’t whispers of pity or mockery. These were words of admiration.

She felt something warm spread through her chest and she smiled inwardly.

This is new, she thought. And it feels good.

The elevator doors finally opened with a soft ding. To her surprise, the people in front of her stepped aside, creating space for her to enter first.

She blinked, slightly stunned. She never believed that kind of polite gesture.

“Thank you,” she said softly and stepped inside.

Then the others followed in.

She stood quietly, her hands resting lightly in front of her, while the elevator doors closed.

Was this just good manners, or was it respect? She still wondered.

A tall man with short brown hair turned to her. “Ma’am, what floor are you heading to?”

The question was directed only at her.

“The development floor,” she replied calmly, and the elevator went quiet.

Murmurs followed almost immediately.

“The development floor?”

“Maybe she’s here to see the CEO.”

“I heard the CEO loves beautiful women,” another whispered. “She might be one of them.”

The tone wasn’t exactly kind, but Cassienne didn’t take it badly at all. In fact she liked it. Instead, she smiled.

faintly.

If they think I’m worthy enough to be noticed by the CEO, she thought, then that’s not a bad thing at all.

The man nodded and pressed the top floor button.

The elevator moved smoothly upward.

When it finally stopped, the doors opened again.

“Ma’am,” the man said politely, “this is your floor.”

“Thank you so much,” Cassienne replied with a smile.

She stepped out, then suddenly turned back toward the women who had been whispering since the ground floor.

“Hi,” she said warmly. “My name is Cassienne Rhodes.”

They stiffened immediately. Their faces flushed.

“I’m not the CEO’s woman,” she continued calmly. “I’m the new Director of Engineering.”

Chapter Twenty–Eight Her New Beginning

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Their eyes widened in shock. ‘Director of engineering?‘

“But thank you for the lovely comments,” Cassienne added with a gentle smile. “I truly loved them. It’s a pleasure meeting you all.”

The elevator doors closed behind her.

Inside the elevator, mouths hung open..

But outside, Cassienne walked forward, her heart beating fast–not with fear, but with excitement.

She was already liking this place.

At Auralink, she had been invisible, insignificant and always ignored.

But here, before she even officially resumed work, she was already seen, and appreciated.

She stepped into the large development hall that was occupied by developers deeply focused on their screens. The room was noisy with keyboard clicks and low discussions–until she walked in.

The noise faded and they all stood up as if to welcome her, followed by another silence.

All eyes turned toward her.

“Good morning, everyone,” Cassienne greeted warmly, unfazed by the attention.

One by one, they returned her greeting with a gentle smile.

Suddenly, a tall, beautiful red–haired woman in a deep blue suit stepped forward confidently. Her lips were also covered in red lipstick.

“Hi,” she said with a professional smile. “I’m Natalie, but you can call me Nate. I’m the Development Manager. It’s a pleasure meeting you.”

Cassienne shook her hand. “Nice to meet you too.”

“Since you’ll be joining the team,” Nate continued, “I’d like to assign your tasks for today. You can take this desk

The door behind them suddenly opened.

“Oh my God, Cass! Where have you been?”

Daisy’s voice rang through the hall as she rushed out of Merrick’s office.

Cassienne turned, smiling at her.

Before she could say a word, Daisy pulled her into a tight hug.

“We were worried sick!” Daisy said. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Cassienne replied softly. “I’m okay now. I’m so sorry I caused you to worry about me.”

“Can we get to work now?” Nate frowned.

Daisy raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“I’m talking to my friend,” Daisy added firmly.

“And that friend “Nate said coldly, stepping closer, “will be working under me I have tasks for her

Daisy Durst Boro laughter. Before she could respond, footsteps echoed through the hall.

Derrone rushed back to their desks

Corren Thornock walked in. He is tall, confident and powerful

He looked like someone pulled straight from a business magazine–khaki pants, a white polo shirt stretched over his toned frame. Dark glasses covered his eyes. His presence alone commanded respect.

He stopped when he saw Cassienne, and be removed his glassets

“Cass, “he said, smiling, “You’re here?”

“Yes, Mr Thornwyck, “Cassienne replied with a smile. “I just arrived.

Corren nodded and turned to the team.

“Listen up, everyone,” Corren said. “This is Miss Cassienne Rhodes, your new Director of Engineering,”

Gasps filled the room immediately. Shock crossed their faces Wow, that was huge.

“She’s your new boss,” he continued. “I expect full cooperation.”

And all of a sudden, applause broke out. It caused Cassienne’s chest to tighten with emotion.

“Nate,” Corren added, “you’ll be reporting directly to Miss Rhodes from now on

Nate’s face flushed red. She felt like she had been slapped hard across the face, But she quickly put herself in order.

She stepped forward quickly. “W–Welcome, ma’am.”

Cassienne simply smiled.

In her thoughts, she knew she had come to the right place.

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