A Rescued Life

It was hard to breathe, the weight of everything that had just happened pressing down on me like a thick blanket. My pulse was still pounding from the thrill as I sat there on Amelia Marco's office floor. Trying to make sense of it all, my mind was racing. There was a time when Prospera Corporation was just a huge corporate machine, and I was only an intern. The CEO was saved from a potentially fatal poisoning by holding her in my arms the next day. 

I was overcome with a mixture of feelings as I stared down at Amelia, who was still shaking from the poison's aftereffects. These feelings included fear, perplexity, and an intense sense of duty. I was aware of how serious the situation was. I had been the only one to help Amelia when she had almost died. But suppose I hadn't been there? A shudder ran down my spine at the thought.

Her motions were sluggish and wobbly as she attempted to sit up. I stepped quickly to assist her, offering her gentle support while she tried to gather herself. Her breathing was short and her skin was still icy to the touch, but there was a glimmer of resolve in her eyes. 

"Are you okay?" With a gentler tone than usual and obvious worry, I asked.

She was far from fine even if she nodded. "I... I think so," she muttered, her voice rough and muffled. "Lucas, thank you. You have my entire life in debt."

It was strange to hear those remarks from the CEO who was seen as distant and unapproachable. Never in a million years did I think our paths would cross again, much less that she would be thanking me for saving her. I just nodded, giving her a sliver of a smile, not sure how to answer.

I continued, attempting to sound as composed as I could, "We need to get you to a hospital." I was still reeling inside from the shock of what had just occurred. 

"No," she curtly said, her voice becoming slightly louder. "There is no hospital. Nobody else is allowed to be involved in this. Not quite yet.

Her statements perplexed me. It was obvious that this was a severe problem requiring medical treatment and, most likely, police participation. But I could see the dread just beneath the surface, the determination in her eyes. I could only speculate as to why she didn't want anyone to find out what had transpired.

"Then what do we do?" With the ramifications swirling through my head, I inquired. Given her refusal to visit a hospital, what course of action were we to take? 

"Help me to my desk," she said, her voice becoming more steady. "There's something I need to do."

I gave it some thought before nodding and gently assisting her in standing up. We moved to her desk, her weight heavily resting on me. She didn't seem quite as strong as I had thought, and I couldn't help but note how frail she appeared. She appeared vulnerable as though the poison had removed all of her barriers.

After sitting down, she inhaled deeply a couple of times before opening a desk drawer. She took out a sleek little box and gave it to me.

She said, "There is an antidote inside." "I always carry it in case I need it. Not that I ever imagined I'd need it, but... Her voice faded, and she shook her head, as though attempting to dispel the poison's residual effects. "You'll need to administer it."

I was at a loss for what to do as I gazed at the box in my hands. I had no medical background and no prior experience with anything similar. However, she trusted me to assist her, and there was nobody else in the area. I had to make it up to her.

I said, "Okay," and opened the package to discover a syringe and a tiny vial. I forced myself to concentrate even though my hands were shaking as I was getting ready to inject. This was no moment to ponder over decisions.

As she described what I needed to do, Amelia steadied her voice and led me through the procedure. She was tired, as I could see by the look in her eyes, but she managed to maintain her composure with the help of her determination. I inhaled deeply, giving the antidote, and hoped it would take effect.

Nothing happened during a few nervous moments. Anxiously, I observed her, watching for any indication that the counteract was working. Then, gradually, her breathing evened out and color returned to her cheeks. I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding as relief swept over me like a wave.

I exclaimed, my voice full of relief mixed with amazement, "It's working." "You're going to be okay."

With a feeble nod, Amelia reclined in her chair and briefly closed her eyes. She uttered, hardly raising her voice beyond a whisper, "Thank you, Lucas." "You've done more for me than you'll ever know."

I had no idea what to say. Everything about it was so bizarre, so unlike anything I could have imagined. But one thing was certain, Amelia was at the core of something really bad that was going on here.

She glanced up at me with a solemn gaze as she regained her strength. "This room cannot contain what transpired here today," she firmly stated. "Are you understanding? Nobody could be aware of this."

My mind whirled with inquiries as I scowled. However, why? Do you not think it is appropriate to report someone who is attempting to harm you? Obtain assistance?"

She gave a head shake. "Lucas, I don't know who I can trust at this time. This was no haphazard deed. It was exact and calculated. This was done by someone with access to the building and a high level of expertise. They'll attack again if I appear weak, and I might not be as fortunate the next time.

My spine tingles after hearing her words. It was terrifying to think that someone in the company could have been the mastermind behind the attack. This was a world of corporate power maneuvers, covert threats, and hazardous games that I had never experienced. However, I was now involved, like it or not.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked in a firm voice. After what had transpired, I was unable to leave this.

Amelia took time to study me as if determining whether or not she could trust me. After that, she gave a nod. "I need your eyes and ears to be awake for the time being. You get in touch with me right away if you see anything strange or out of the ordinary. You don't mention any of this to anyone, no matter what happens. Could you carry that out?"

With a nod. "I can."

She responded, "Good," with a note of relief in her voice. Lucas, you have my utmost confidence. Greater than you think."

My mind was racing with ideas and feelings as I walked out of her office. My purpose in joining Prospera Corporation was to start over and demonstrate to myself that I could be successful in the business world. But I was involved in something far riskier than I had thought at this point.

I was unaware of the extent of the scheme or what was ahead. But I knew for sure that I was working for the CEO now, and I couldn't go back.