CHAPTER SIX

McCullen Confectionary was an enormous, towering building—so vast that even after a couple of weeks on the job, its scale remained unfathomable. The factory’s conveyor belts extended far beyond what the eyes could see, flanked by expositors, extruders and enrobing machines. The hissing and clanking of the machinery were so loud it was impossible to hear clearly. Tens of thousands of workers moved in precise choreography around me, going about their duties. Gummies, candies, pastries, cakes, chocolates and cupcakes in every imaginable form streamed past me in gleaming trays. The aroma of sugar and cocoa hung heavily in the air, overwhelming my senses, I could now understand why people called this the most colossal factory in the world.

McCullen Confectionery was founded by Maxwell McCullen, the company had grown into a mammoth, constantly innovating with plant-based and reduced-sugar confections to keep up with evolving preferences. According to the McCullen tabloid, the company employed tens of thousands of workers across dozens of plants, generating billions in revenue, annually. Walking through the production floor, I didn’t need numbers to comprehend just how gigantic this place was— it announced itself in every sight, sound and scent.

The induction had been intense and momentous for me. The company’s overview wasn’t just trivia, it was essential for the beginner’s assessment, which I had succeeded easily at, looking at how obsessed I’d been with the company since college. The heads of the various departments had been impressed—or so Nate claimed, and I was placed almost immediately right in the risk management section, where I monitored microbiological, chemical and physical hazards.

“Robin!” Nate’s voice cut through my concentration, as he waved me out of the microbiology lab. I was in the middle of setting up for my routine analysis of raw cocoa beans.

I slipped out of my personal protection equipment, then followed him, irritation spreading across my face. What could be so urgent?

“Yes, Nate?” I asked, forcing calm into my voice.

“What are you doing in there?” he asked, narrowing his eyes at me.

I chuckled. “Nate, I’ve been doing this for some time now” I began, but he still had a puzzled look on his face. “I’m testing the raw cocoa beans for indicator organisms and pathogens, starting with the total viable—”

“Robin, I know exactly what you’re doing. I’m the laboratory technician, hello?” He rolled his eyes at me.

Did he just roll his… I’d let that pass.

“Okay…what’s going on?”

“Did you read your emails?”

Shit. My phone.

“Emails?” I asked, blinking at him.

“Robin, did you check your emails or not? I don’t have all day!”

“I did…n’t. I mean, I don’t have my phone,” I stammered, my brain scrambling for something convincing to tell him.

He looked at me, completely baffled. “You’re telling me you don’t have a phone?”

How the hell do I explain that my phone was with Jack?

I forced a chuckle. “Of course, I do—who doesn’t? I just…don’t have it with me right now.”

He sighed, rushing through the next part of his tirade. “Your duties have been changed unexpectedly. Millicent wants you working closely with her in the chemical lab.”

Why?

I stared at him momentarily lost and confused.

“Can I ask why? I was really enjoying this side,” I said, my brows knitting together.

“She specifically picked you. Her assistant is indisposed, so in the meantime, you’re with her.”

How many positions does she hold? She’s seems to be everywhere!

“And who will cover this section if I leave?” I asked, worried. I’d spent two exhilarating weeks getting accustomed to this enormous lab, and grown confident in manoeuvring through varying tests. Now I had to start over, elsewhere?

“Darling, there was an army of people here long before you joined us!” Nate said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

I swallowed, forcing down the bile of irritation clawing up in my throat.

“Then why does she need me? There’s clearly a horde she could work with.”

“Because, Robin, you’re a prodigy and she’s probably dying to work with you. Now save those unwarranted questions for her and get a phone.”

With that, he turned and left, leaving me staring at him in disbelief and apprehension.

Before it dawned on me… Oh my God, had Millicent found out about Jack and I?