Chapter 187 Aryan Sharma Dilemma… Again - First half
"Who are you?" inquired the Witch of Sloth, her voice tinged with curiosity. The location was near the research area, and if this man held significance within the field of research and invention, she believed she should have known him. Her question emerged with the possibility that he might be a new addition to the team.
Aryan blinked in mild astonishment. This was the first time anyone had asked him about his identity within the company. While he was indeed a recent addition, he had already spent several weeks functioning as the CEO.
In Aryan's perspective, this company bore the brightest prospects for the future. His role as CEO had granted him access to a trove of classified information, leading him to realize the remarkable advancements in the company's electricity production technology. The technology not only ensured zero carbon emissions and pollution but also generated a staggering amount of electricity comparable to that of a standard nuclear power plant.
For a company of this caliber, Aryan expected the cream of the crop among employees and researchers, individuals who would be proactive in their contributions. Remembering the face and name of their CEO should have been a simple task, given the significance of the role. This was the level of dedication he anticipated from the employees.
However, what he encountered today shattered his expectations. Before him sat a young person, scarcely older than seventeen, dozing off on a wheelchair, venturing into restricted areas like the research facility. The sight was too much to bear. Whoever the parent of this child was, a stern warning was in order.
Inwardly, Aryan's expression contorted, a mixture of frustration and disappointment painted across his features as though he had inadvertently bitten into an unwelcome fly.
"Who are your parents?" Aryan asked with evident annoyance.
Upon hearing the question, Sloth pondered for a moment. She had been adopted by Envy after gaining her Witch powers. This meant that Envy was her parent, but lately, Envy seemed to be following Daniel around more often. Did this mean that Daniel could also be considered her parent? It was a puzzling thought. However, she needed to refer to Envy by her real name rather than her Witch title.
"Um… Isabella Kingsley and… Daniel Emberweave? I think?" Sloth replied in her drowsy state.
Aryan's frown deepened upon hearing her answer. He couldn't care less about who Isabella Kingsley was, but he recognized Daniel Emberweave as the company's founder and his employer. He assumed that Sloth was just trying to play some sort of game with him. Who would believe such a story?
"Don't play games, girl. It's not funny," Aryan reprimanded firmly.
"I'm not… When it comes to the concept of parents, those two names are as close as it gets for me," Sloth stated in a matter-of-fact tone, considering it a fact.
Hearing her response, Aryan snorted and nodded slightly. He then directed nearby researchers and employees to escort Sloth to the nursery department located on the company's G floor.
—
The moment Sloth opened her eyes from her short doze, she found herself seated in a cozy and vibrant nursery department. The surroundings were alive with color and activity, creating an atmosphere that was both comforting and lively.
A chorus of children's laughter filled the air as they played with an assortment of toys scattered around the room. Stuffed animals of various sizes adorned shelves and corners, their friendly faces seemingly inviting Sloth to join in the fun. A collection of colorful board games lay on a low table, their boxes showing images of adventures and challenges that awaited young players.
The nursery exuded an inviting warmth, with soft cushions and bean bags arranged in a semi-circle, creating a gathering space for story time or simply relaxing. The walls were adorned with vibrant artwork, likely the creations of the little artists who frequented the room. A colorful rug covered the floor, providing a soft and safe space for crawling toddlers.
The atmosphere was not complete without a table spread with an array of cookies, snacks, and refreshments. An employee had thoughtfully provided treats for both the young visitors and Sloth herself, creating an atmosphere of shared delight and camaraderie.
Sloth took in the cheerful scene with a contented smile. In her eyes, this unexpected turn of events was more than acceptable—it was a happy accident. She felt no urgency to leave the cozy sanctuary; instead, she looked forward to sharing some downtime with the children, watching cartoons, and drifting into another comfortable doze.
— 4 hours later —
Inside the expansive conference room of the research facility, a diverse assembly of researchers and employees from every corner of the company had congregated. With an air of anticipation, they settled into their seats, filling the room that resembled a grand lecture hall. Rows of chairs stretched before a substantial podium at the front. The atmosphere buzzed with curiosity, marked by hushed exchanges and speculations as they awaited the commencement of the meeting.
At the podium, Daniel stood, his visage etched with a blend of annoyance and mounting frustration. His gaze habitually darted to his wristwatch, the passage of each minute seeming to accentuate his impatience. The appointed time for the gathering had long elapsed, and yet the newly appointed research department director remained conspicuously absent.
Whispers spread like wildfire among the occupants of the room. Researchers leaned in towards their peers, exchanging conjectures in subdued tones.
"I heard the new director is a heavyweight from another company."
"Yeah, someone mentioned they're a trailblazer in energy research."
"Why the delay? It's hardly a promising start."
As the speculative discussions continued to ripple, Aryan Sharma, the CEO, made his entrance into the room. His presence invoked hushed murmurs and discreet pointing. Taking his place at the front, he bore an expression woven with both curiosity and a trace of irritation at the protracted wait.
Daniel, now anxiously glancing at his watch every few minutes, fretted. He had verified with Maria that Sloth had arrived at the company hours earlier. He exchanged a concerned look with Aryan, whose countenance was now etched with impatience and exasperation.
"Mr. Sharma, please keep the researchers engaged. I need to check on our new director. There might be an issue." Daniel's words were laced with concern as he addressed Aryan.
"Certainly, Mr. Emberweave," Aryan readily accepted the directive, moving to converse with the researchers and lighten the atmosphere.
With that, Daniel stepped away and made a call to the base, his worry palpable in his voice.
"Yes, my lord. How may I assist you?" Maria's melodious voice greeted him over the phone.
"Maria, could you verify Sloth's current whereabouts? She's considerably late. I fear something might have happened," Daniel requested.
"Of course, please wait a moment," Maria replied before rapidly accessing the live data on Sloth's status.
"She's already within the company premises, and her heart rate appears steady. It seems she's dozing off again," Maria reported, a hint of amusement in her tone.
Sighing audibly, Daniel inquired, "Where is she? I explicitly told her that she could doze off in the conference room while waiting for the meeting."
"Well... I believe she's at the company nursery," Maria responded.
"Nursery!? Who took her there? I had arranged for her wheelchair to bring her here, at the very least in front of the research facility in this building," Daniel probed further.
Maria delved into the surveillance system integrated into Sloth's wheelchair and quickly unearthed the reason. A soft, amused giggle escaped her before she relayed the details to Daniel, revealing the minor miscommunication between Aryan and the new research director.
Daniel promptly walked to the backstage area, motioning for Aryan to join him as he displayed his powerplant presentation advertisement to the researchers who were waiting in the conference room.
"Yes, Mr. Emberweave?" Aryan inquired, his curiosity piqued at why his boss had summoned him to the backstage.
"Mr. Sharma, I need you to promptly retrieve my research director from the nursery," Daniel's command was issued with a serious tone, devoid of any hint of amusement.
"Pardon me, Mr. Emberweave, but I'm not quite grasping your intent," Aryan replied, still struggling to comprehend Daniel's meaning.
Without delay, Daniel played the recorded conversation between Aryan and Sloth. The conversation, captured by the recorder within Sloth's wheelchair, unfolded for Aryan's understanding.
"She's the adopted daughter of Isabella Kingsley, the Duchess of Somerset. Here's her profile," Daniel stated matter-of-factly, before forwarding a confidential email containing Sloth's profile to Aryan. Aryan's face grew increasingly pallid as he absorbed the revelation.
Aryan didn't even bother to check the profile; without waiting for Daniel's next instruction, he promptly dashed from the backstage toward the VIP elevator that would carry him to the ground floor where the nursery was situated. His position and reputation within the company were at stake! Who could have fathomed that the child in question was the new research director? She looked no older than 17 years old!
As the elevator touched the ground floor, he bolted out of it and dashed toward the nursery with every ounce of speed his legs could muster.
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