Chapter 118:The Allure of Power

Hazel sat quietly in the orientation room, her fingers gently tracing the edge of the folder on her lap. The room gradually filled with new employees, each one carrying the nervous energy that comes with starting a new chapter in life. Conversations buzzed softly around her as people found their seats, but Hazel remained silent, her mind racing with thoughts and plans. The orientation began with the usual formalities. A senior HR representative stepped up to the front of the room, offering a warm welcome to everyone. Hazel listened attentively as the woman went over the company’s history, values, and the responsibilities they were all about to take on. The orientation was as standard as they come—introductions, guidelines, and an overview of the company’s expectations. Yet, while others around her might have been overwhelmed or anxious, Hazel was calm, even calculating. Her mind was partially elsewhere, focused on the real reason she was here: to execute her plan and get closer to Al