CHAPTER:5

Chapter : 5

"Nala"

( Amazing workplace , Hardwork on Max case)

As I gazed out the window, I couldn't help but feel a pang of longing. Couples strolled hand-in-hand, children laughed with their parents, and friends shared joyful moments. I yearned for that kind of love and connection. Why couldn't I have a family like theirs, a best friend to share weekends with, a life free from turmoil?

My reverie was shattered by the sound of my name. "Nala, Nala!"

I turned to find Lenny's concerned eyes locked onto mine. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," I replied coolly, attempting to deflect his concern. "Are we here?"

Lenny nodded. "Yes, we are."

Stepping out of the car, I was struck by the desolate landscape. Shattered buildings and rubble stretched as far as the eye could see. The silence was haunting, a stark contrast to the vibrant life I'd witnessed moments before.

As we walked, the only sound was the crunch of gravel beneath our feet. We approached a dilapidated structure, its walls cracked and worn.

"Do we really have to come here?" I asked Lenny, my curiosity laced with trepidation. "Does anyone even live in this ravaged place?"

Lenny's smile hinted at secrets within. "Once you enter, you'll understand."

His enigmatic response only deepened my Questions

As we stepped into the battered building, the elevator's precarious state made my heart sink. Lenny's insistence that we use it only heightened my apprehension. The doors creaked shut, enveloping us in a claustrophobic space.

My doubts swirled, but when the doors slid open, a dazzling expanse of white light greeted us. The walls, painted a sleek black, seemed to glow in contrast. A row of black doors, likely locked, stretched before us.

I stood transfixed, Lenny's voice breaking the spell. "How's it? Do you like it?" His goofy grin only added to my bewilderment.

I played it cool, tempering my awe. "It's not that great, but it's workable."

Lenny's curiosity got the better of him. "Really? What don't you like?"

"Everything," I replied bluntly. "It feels like a cage. Why are the rooms locked? It's as if you're expecting someone to escape."

Lenny chuckled. "That won't happen. We have measures in place – electric shocks for unauthorized exits, CCTV surveillance, and personnel stationed throughout."

My eyes narrowed. "Sounds like a secret you're keeping from the world."

Lenny's smile turned enigmatic. "It's not for just anyone, spa… Ah, Nala."

The near-slip of his words sparked my curiosity. What secrets lay hidden behind those locked doors?

I bit back my rage, suppressing the fury that threatened to surface. That word, uttered from Lenny's lips, would have been the spark to ignite my wrath. But I couldn't afford to reveal my weakness, not to anyone, especially Lenny.

The word he used to call me with . The one I got shy to hear . The word SPARKLE.he used to says that I'm sparkle in his life .

I still remember when he says it with blushy red cheeks and big smile .

Taking a deep breath, I composed myself as we walked through the corridor. Lenny led me to a spacious room, unlocking the door with a flourish.

"Welcome to your new workspace, Nala," he announced, gesturing to the sleek interior.

My eyes widened as I took in the modern amenities: a polished table, high-backed chair, and three state-of-the-art computers.

"It's… impressive," I admitted, my anger momentarily forgotten.

Lenny smiled. "Consider it your office, Nala. You'll be spending a lot of time here."

I nodded, still absorbing the surroundings.

"The meeting starts in 10 minutes," Lenny reminded me. "Take a few minutes to settle in. Then, I'll escort you to the conference room to meet the team and brief you on the Max operation."

With that, he departed, leaving me to collect my thoughts and prepare for the challenges ahead.

I settled into my chair, savoring the brief solitude in my new office. Ten minutes of blissful silence passed, interrupted only by a knock on the door.

"Come in," I replied, pride seeping into my voice.

Lenny entered, his expression expectant. "Ready? They're waiting."

I nodded, nerves resurfacing. "Let's go."

Our five-minute walk ended at an imposing door. "We're here," Lenny announced, pushing it open.

The vast room fell silent as I stepped inside. Over 100 faces turned toward me, their voices rising in unison: "Welcome, Lady Boss!"

I stood frozen, taken aback by the sudden greeting. Lenny intervened, his voice calm. "Alright, guys, settle down."

As the room quieted, I took in the sprawling space. A long table dominated the center, flanked by rows of chairs. Each seat held a computer, with programmers tapping away. My gaze landed on the solitary empty chair, positioned at the table's midpoint.

Lenny guided me toward it, pulling out the chair. "For you," he whispered.

I sank into the seat, stunned. Lenny stood beside me, his reassuring presence steadying my nerves.

The meeting commenced, with introductions flowing around the table. I listened intently, committing names and skills to memory: Alan, the location hacker; Jax, programmer; Alex, device expert; Rowen, programmer and fighter.

As the last introduction faded, I asserted my authority. "Let's get to work. I need every detail on Max in my office within 20 minutes. Background, age, family, victims – everything."

Everyone was looking at me . Some with disgusting face maybe they thought how can a girl rule them.

By there expression I got furious I know they don't want me to be her . I also don't want it .

My anger and fatigue fueled the urgency in my voice. I rose, Lenny following closely, and we exited the room.

Back in my office, I collapsed into my chair, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm me.