29 Resumption tension

“I would be resuming work today, aunt Celia,” Flora said as she stepped out on Monday morning. She never thought she'd meet Axel so quickly. If she had known, she wouldn't have pretended to be with him to push Sean away. Her agreement with the Eisen Group was easy, just to make three jewelry designs a month and get paid without going to an office. But when Oli Group took over, everything changed. Now, she had to go to the office three times a month, but she didn't know what she was supposed to do there. “See you soon.” Aunt Celia said from inside the room. “Hope you had breakfast?” “I will.” Flora answered briefly and left the suite. The change left her baffled and annoyed. She pondered quitting when her contract ran its course. Working for Oli under the old Eisen deal didn’t sit right. Signing a six-year contract seemed straightforward, but now she felt tethered to an unclear situation. It was frustrating. Faced with ambiguity, she mulled over her options. She decided to probe further, wanting to understand Oli Group's motives. They were new in the jewelry game, making their acquisition of Eisen all the more curious. Arriving at Oli Group's impressive building, Flora pondered her place in capitalism. The receptionist’s surprise upon meeting her hinted at a special arrangement. Suspense lingered as she awaited Mr. Davy’s arrival. As Flora headed towards the Oli Group, curiosity gripped her. She reached for her phone and dialed Kelvin. "I did some digging on Oli Group. Guess what? Axel is after me and probably my art." Kelvin's voice crackled through the phone, sharp and unnerving. "Axel? The one you used to ward off Presley?" Flora's frown deepened. "Yep, the very same." Her mind raced with questions about Oli Group's sudden foray into jewelry. The thought gnawed at her curiosity. As the call ended, Flora's thoughts swirled with a mix of unease and intrigue. The revelation about Axel leading Oli Group piqued her interest, intensifying the enigma surrounding her workplace. With each step closer to the company's entrance, the mysteries deepened, leaving her eager to uncover the truth behind the unexpected marriage of Oli and Eisen Groups. Kelvin's frustration simmered as Flora's nonchalant demeanor clashed with his concerns. "You're walking right into his sights! ..." His voice trailed off, laden with worry. Flora sighed, exasperated by his panic. "Stop inflating your role. You can't protect me, even without Axel." The weight of her words sank in, leaving Kelvin crestfallen. "So, what's the plan? Are you letting Axel uncover you?" Silence lingered between them as Flora pondered her strategy. She knew the stakes but remained steadfast in her confidence. With a resolute tone, she replied, "I'll handle it. He won't suspect me." Kelvin grappled with conflicting emotions. He wanted to help, but his hands were tied, especially with Axel involved. Flora's calm assurance clashed with his concern, leaving him anxious about her safety as she ventured into the unknown territory of the Oli Group. He felt helpless, realizing Flora held the key to evade Axel. "It's all on you now. I didn't lead you to Axel. There's no point worrying. You're the one who has to fix this." She remained optimistic, believing Axel wouldn't suspect her. She recalled their last encounter and deemed it unlikely. Kelvin chuckled at her confidence. "He's been hunting for you. No way he won't suspect. He's dug into everything." With a calm demeanor, Flora countered, "People miss what's right in front of them. I crossed paths with him before, diverted his attention. He never suspected I would be Flora his highly sought staff" As she neared Oli Group's towering building, she contemplated her safety. Her faith in avoiding Axel was unwavering, despite Kelvin's concerns. Yet, uncertainty lingered as she awaited her fate at the company's entrance. "Should I do more?" Kelvin pondered. "Maybe spread false info, distract Axel." Flora, worried about Axel's relentless pursuit, emphasized caution. "Even if he doesn't suspect me, being careful helps. What if he decides to dig into me? I do not need me past or my children being the talk of the organization or the city" Her concern wasn't just for herself; it extended to her kids. She wouldn't fear anything if she were alone. Kelvin agreed with caution, realizing that knowing too much might invite trouble. He opted to keep a low profile to ensure his safety. Arriving at Oli Group’s grand entrance, Flora gazed up at the towering skyscraper. Thoughts swirled in her mind. "This is capitalism, huh? So much profit. When will it be my turn to own such a building?" Her musings were fleeting, just a passing thought. Her cab halted, signaling her arrival. She observed the opulence of the company, contemplating her place in the grand scheme of things. Yet, amidst her curiosity, the looming threat of Axel lingered, a shadow over her aspirations. She steeled herself, preparing to face the unknown within the walls of the Oli Group. Flora went through the Oli Group's lobby, seeking the elusive design department. Approaching the reception, uncertainty clouded her expression as she wasn’t sure who she should look for. Neither did the person who texted her yesterday. "Can I help you, miss?" The poised receptionist inquired, captivated by Flora's presence. With a cautious smile, Flora replied, "I'm here for work. I am heading to the design department." Confusion flickered across the receptionist's face. "Design department? I'm not aware of one here." Flora's heart sank. The person who contacted her hadn't provided any specific directions either. Feeling lost, she glanced around the polished lobby, searching for a clue. "I'm sorry, I don't have that information," the receptionist apologized. Flora's eyebrows furrowed in frustration. She pondered her next move, realizing she lacked crucial details about her new workplace. Uncertainty crept in, casting a shadow over her initial excitement about starting work at Oli Group. She stood in the grand foyer, puzzled and uncertain of her next step. Flora’s confusion peaked, but a sudden realization jolted her. "Are you Flora?" The receptionist's hesitant inquiry stirred a glimmer of recognition in Flora's mind. Sensing a peculiar shift in the receptionist's tone, Flora nodded. She discerned a peculiar air around her, as if her arrival wasn't just ordinary. The receptionist, excusing herself, stepped away to make a call. Flora sensed an air of urgency mingled with curiosity. While waiting, she noticed the receptionist sneaking occasional glances her way. There was a sense of apprehension, as if the receptionist feared she might vanish into thin air. Her thoughts whirled. The oddity of the situation puzzled her. She wondered who had orchestrated this mysterious arrangement and why it seemed as though her arrival was anticipated. The air of secrecy left her feeling both intrigued and apprehensive, standing amidst the plush surroundings of the Oli Group's lobby, awaiting the next turn of events. She chuckled inwardly at the peculiar scenario unfolding at Oli Group. "What's up with these folks? Quite interesting," she mused to herself, finding amusement in the mysterious circumstances. The receptionist concluded her phone call and returned with a warm smile. "Please wait over there, Flora. Mr. Davy will be down soon to escort you upstairs." Flora complied, taking a seat as instructed. The waiting game began, and a sense of anticipation mingled with her curiosity about Mr. Davy and the impending meeting. She observed the bustling lobby, feeling both intrigued and perplexed by the events surrounding her unexpected rendezvous at the company.