Chapter 6

DREA

Well, it’s safe to say that I definitely flunked my test. I also didn’t have the necessary tools needed for the model.

Story of my life, I guess.

Walking out of the main entrance, I pulled my phone out of my pocket and searched up the company — Wolfe Systems.

The address popped up on G****e Maps as I looked up any bus routes that passed through its area.

I began making my way to the bus stop, my steps increasingly faster due to my desperation for answers.

After getting on the bus, I sat down and kept browsing through the company profile.

Lots of achievements.

Strong partnerships.

Ridiculous net worth.

I just could not wrap my head around the fact that someone as successful as him could somehow be associated with me.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked up from my phone to see that we were at the bus stop.

A bus stop directly in front of Wolfe Systems.

Slowly walking off the bus, my mouth fell open at the size of the building.

No way.

This skyscraper belonged to him?

I craned my neck up to look at the huge structure in front of me.

It had to be at least seventy stories. Glass scratched endlessly from the ground to the sky, and it reflected everything except what was inside.

I almost felt intimidated to go in.

Slowly, I began to move towards the entrance of the building, each step heavier than the previous.

I pushed the glass door open and was in awe of what I saw. The exterior did not do the interior justice at all.

The air inside felt regulated. Cool — but not too cold. The floors were so polished that I could almost see my reflection on them.

It was a large space with security guards posted at each entrance, a checkpoint for employees, and elevators constantly operating. Cameras were tucked into corners and were barely noticeable.

The only thing that could be heard was the sounds of steps echoing against the glass floors, and employees all dressed in professional attire walking swiftly to their respective destinations.

Everything about this place screamed power, money, and control.

I definitely do not belong here. I thought as I stared down at my plain outfit and scuffed-up shoes.

Maybe I should’ve actually made an effort to look decent today.

Too late for that, I guess. I was intimidated, but I was going to get my answers.

People stared as I scanned the room and with each passing second, the knot in my chest tightened.

So judgmental.

My heart raced, and I grew more nervous with each second that passed. My eyes finally settled on a reception desk at the far end of the building.

Trying my best to ignore the looks I got, I walked towards the desk where a lady with a short bob and glasses sat behind.

She was on a call and gave me a once-over when I stood in front of the desk. I smiled nervously and patiently waited for her to end the call.

Once she did, she looked at me, her eyes trailed down my outfit before looking at my face. A smile - one that was definitely fake — stretched across her face.

“Welcome to Wolfe Systems, how may I help you?” She asked, her voice carrying this joyful yet professional tone. She definitely knew how to mask her emotions.

“Hi. I’m here to see August Wolfe.” I said smiling politely.

I watched her mask drop, her face morphing into a frown.

“And who might you be?” She asked, her eyes scanning my face.

“I’m Drea Hart,” I responded.

She sighed, reaching to type something on her computer.

“Do you have an appointment, Miss Hart?” She asked.

“No I don’t, but-“

“I’m sorry Miss Hart but you need an appointment beforehand if you want to see Mr Wolfe.” she stated strictly.

“Can you just tell him that Drea Hart is here?” I sighed.

“Ma’am, you need an appointment to be able to see Mr Wolfe.” She repeated, staring at me.

“Can’t you just mention my name or something?” She smirked, clearly amused at the situation at hand.

“Listen ma, ma'am, Mr Wolfe is our chairman. He is not someone who is accessible to just.” Her eyes gestured towards me, basically translating to someone as lowly as me.

“Anyone.” she finished.

“Yes I know that, but I’m telling you that—“

“Have a nice day ma’am!” She smiled sweetly, Her eyes swimming with amusement. What was wrong with her? It was getting frustrating to talk to her.

“I’m not done!” I exclaimed, my voice slightly rising.

“Ma’am, please keep your voice down, or I’ll have to ask you to leave.” She replied with a professional tone.

“You’re not listening to me and-“ I stopped what I was saying when I remembered the card from yesterday.

The card Mr Smith handed me. Why didn’t I think of that??!

I opened my bag and began digging through, hoping to find it.

My hand pulled it out, my eyes scanning the contents as I heaved a sigh of relief.

Ian Jackson.

EA of Wolfe systems.

I quickly pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed the number. My foot tapped against the floor impatiently as I bit my lip.

After two rings, the call went through.

“This is Ian Jackson. Executive assistant at Wolfe Systems. How may I help you?” I heard a gruff voice say, that same professional tone etched in his voice.

“Hi. I’m Drea Hart. Mr Smith gave me your card yesterday and said to call when I wanted to see Mr Wolfe.” I explained.

There was a long pause, and I thought the call had dropped for a second until I heard him clear his throat.

“Miss Drea Hart.” He repeated as if he could not believe it was me.

“Yes. I’m at the secretary's desk in the reception and the lady here…” I started, eyeing her as she flashed a fake smile.

“Says I can’t meet him without an appointment.” I huffed.

“Okay. I will come down and get you. Is that okay, Miss Hart?” He asked.

I breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely glad that this whole interaction with the secretary was over.

“Yes please.” I smiled.

“Okay. I will be down in a minute.” With that, I hung up.

I stared at the secretary who was no longer smiling. She almost seemed shocked that I was able to contact someone to get me in.

I smirked, walking past her and taking a seat in the waiting area.

I felt so overstimulated. I had not even met the guy yet, and I was already exhausted.

Who was this guy?

I began to overthink the entire situation. I was at this company for less than ten minutes and I didn’t like the way it made me feel. The constant thumping in my chest did not stop and my palms were constantly sweating.

This was way out of my comfort zone.

“Miss Hart?” The gruff voice I heard over the voice sounded above me as I looked up to see a man.

He had a warm smile on his face as he stared at me. I instinctively stood up and smiled back.

“Hello. I am Ian Jackson. I will be taking you to Mr Wolfe.” He introduced, reaching out for a handshake.

I gratefully took it and shook his hand before letting go.

“I’m Drea. It’s nice to meet you.” I smiled nervously.

“Miss Hart, we have been awaiting your arrival”