Ruthless Heir

9 - Test passed

Jenny strode into the impressive lobby of the Zaydel Corporate headquarters, her heels echoing against the polished marble floor. “Goodness! Do these guys wash their bums with dollar notes or what?” The vast expanse of the building's interior was breathtaking, with towering glass walls that allowed natural light to flood the space. 

A sleek, modern aesthetic permeated the surroundings, reflecting the corporate sophistication of Zaydels taste. Approaching the reception desk, Jenny was met by a friendly receptionist, who sat behind a sleek counter adorned with the Zaydel logo. "Good morning, miss! How may I assist you today?" The receptionist greeted her with a warm smile.

"Good morning." Jenny replied, reciprocating the smile. "I have a meeting scheduled with Mr Zaydel. Could you please guide me through the meeting procedures?" Jenny had no clue what else to say as she was not given much details. "Certainly, Miss. Which Mr. Zaydel are you supposed to meet?" the receptionist inquired.

"Jenny Lind.” She answered. “As for whom am I supposed to meet for the investment matters? I am sorry but there was no name specified in the offer.” The receptionist stared at her blankly thinking she might be joking. Why would anyone from Zaydels call her without any name stated? For a moment she thought maybe Jenny was being scammed. 

"Ah, Ms. Lind. Welcome to Zaydel Corporate. To ensure a smooth process, I'll need you to sign in at the tablet here." The receptionist gestured toward a high-tech tablet embedded in the counter. Jenny approached and quickly signed in, providing her name, contact information, and purpose of the visit.

"Thank you, Ms. Lind.” The receptionist said, glancing at the information on the screen. "Your meeting with Mr. Zaydel is on schedule. You'll be meeting in the executive boardroom on the twenty-sixth floor. Please take the elevator just behind you; it will take you directly there. Once you arrive, Mr. Zaydel's assistant will guide you to the boardroom."

"Perfect. Thank you so much." Jenny said, feeling reassured by the efficient process. As she made her way to the elevator, Jenny couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the building. The sleek, reflective walls seemed to stretch infinitely upward, giving the impression of a corporate fortress. The elevator doors opened soundlessly, and she stepped inside, selecting the twenty-sixth floor.

Upon reaching her destination, Jenny was greeted by another courteous staff member who escorted her to the executive suite. “It seems I might manage to get a huge sum as an investment. Zaydels are friggin rich.” The assistant, clad in the Zaydel Corporate colours, guided her through the pristine hallways to the designated boardroom.

Jenny settled into the comfortable chairs of the waiting sector on the twenty-sixth floor, glancing out at the cityscape through the expansive windows. The soft hum of ambient music played in the background, creating a calming atmosphere in the elegantly decorated space. She checked her watch, noting that she had arrived a bit early for her meeting with Mr. Zaydel.

As she leafed through a corporate magazine, the door to the waiting sector opened, and a woman entered clad in a bodycon dress that seemed to reflect a unique sense of fashion. The woman's demeanour exuded confidence as she made her way toward an empty seat next to Jenny. "Is this seat taken?" she asked with a friendly smile.

"No, not at all. Feel free to sit." Jenny replied, offering a welcoming smile in return. The woman sank into the chair gracefully, her eyes briefly scanning the magazine on the table before turning toward Jenny. "I love your shoes, by the way. They're so chic." She remarked with a smile making it evident that she might belong to a wealthy family.

Jenny looked down at her shoes, a pair of sleek heels that complemented her professional attire. "Thank you! I appreciate that. Your outfit is fantastic too, very unique." The woman chuckled, running a hand through her tousled hair. "Yeah, I like to mix things up a bit. Corporate settings can be so rigid sometimes. Name's Svetlana, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, Svetlana. I'm Jenny.” She replied, extending her hand for a friendly handshake. As they exchanged pleasantries, Jenny couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie with Alex. Despite their different styles, there was an easygoing energy about her new acquaintance that made the waiting time more enjoyable.

"So, what brings you to Zaydel Corporate today?" Jenny inquired. Svetlana leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. "Oh, just another day in the world of business. Got a meeting with the creative team here. What about you?" Jenny couldn’t help but wonder that a woman like Svetlana wouldn’t be there for a mere investment. So,what else?

"I'm meeting with Mr. Zaydel. Discussing a potential investment." Jenny explained while Svetlana’s expressions didn’t change into any shocking ones which Jenny expected. "Mr. Zaydel, huh? Big shot.” Lana teased with a grin. "Well, best of luck with that guy. He is a bit, no, a lot strict and extremely professional in his work ethics. Hope it goes smoothly."

"Thanks, Svetlana. Likewise with your creative meeting." Jenny replied. As Jenny continued chatting with her, the door to the waiting sector swung open once again, and another woman entered. This time, she was dressed in mismatched clothing, giving off a distinctly unconventional and eclectic vibe. Jenny's brows furrowed slightly as she watched the newcomer, her expression shifting from curiosity to frustration.

She couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance, wondering why someone dressed in what appeared to be worn-out, almost beggar-like attire, was allowed into such a prestigious corporate space. Unintentionally, her focus shifted away from her conversation with Svetlana. Observing Jenny's change in demeanour, Lana raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"

Jenny hesitated for a moment before speaking, "It's just... I mean, why is someone dressed like that allowed in here? This is a corporate setting, after all. Goodness! I cannot believe how such beggars are allowed in such a posh place.” Jenny’s eyebrows furrowed making a distasteful expression over her face. Meanwhile, Svetlana simply studied her face and shifted her gaze towards that woman in question.

Lana followed Jenny's gaze and then looked back at her with a thoughtful expression. "You know, appearances can be deceiving. Maybe she is here for a legitimate reason. Beggar or not, everyone is a human at the end of the day, with their own baggage and stories to tell.” Svetlana’s words seemed to be kind compared to Jenny’s.

"I guess." Jenny muttered, her frustration evident. "It just seems so out of place, doesn't it? We are here for important meetings, and she looks like she wandered in off the street." Lana leaned forward, her tone gentle. "Jenny, in our world, diversity comes in many forms, including how people express themselves.”

“It doesn't always fit the traditional corporate mould. Maybe she is an artist, a consultant, or who knows what else. We shouldn't judge based on appearances alone." Jenny sighed, realising that she had a point. "You are right; I shouldn't jump to conclusions. It just caught me off guard, I suppose." Although her distaste and lie of words was evident.

Before they could delve further into the conversation, the woman in question approached them, her eyes lighting up as she spoke, "Hey, mind if I join you? The other seats are taken." Lana smiled and gestured to the chair beside her, "Of course, make yourself at home." Jenny responded with a forced smile and gestured to her to sit down. It was the moment when the announcement echoed.