Data Dynamics

  From the moment the press release was published online, the entire building buzzed with murmurs.

  “Did you hear? We’re getting a new VP today!”

  “Checked out his CV, he’s younger than our SVP!”

  “Yeah, but total NERD vibes on that résumé.”

  “Think he’ll be as hot as our SVP?”

  “No need to guess; they’re making the rounds soon!”

  At 9:30 sharp, Ami, Kasra, and Seven pulled up to Data Dynamics. Stepping out of the sleek Urus, Kasra gestured toward the adjacent reserved spot. “Kieran, your spot’s right here. I’ll get your key sent over as soon as it arrives.”

  “Thanks, Kas.”

  The elevator ride to the top floor was a quiet moment of anticipation. When the doors slid open, Ami led them into a spacious executive boardroom, where at least 20 senior members had gathered.

  Ami stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone, her calm authority commanding the room’s attention.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us. Today, we welcome Dr. Kieran Kavanagh, our new VP. While you may have read about his glowing achievements in the press release, I encourage each of you to connect with him. We’re lucky to have someone of his caliber join our team.”

  Turning to Seven, she added, “Kieran, would you like to say a few words?”

  Seven’s smile, as he approached Ami, softened the room’s tension. He adjusted the microphone, his gaze sweeping briefly across the crowd.

  “Good morning, everyone. I’m honored to join this extraordinary company as Vice President. I specialize in network security. Whether it’s cybersecurity, cryptography, security architecture, wireless, or cloud security, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need a hand.”

  He paused, his posture professional. “In the coming weeks, I’ll start by taking over JVP Shahi’s ongoing projects during her leave. I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”

  Polite applause filled the room as he stepped back. While some left, others lingered, chattering among themselves. A stout, bearded, middle-aged gentleman ambled to the trio, his grin chummy.

  “Ami, how on earth did you convince this big kahuna to join us?”

  Ami beamed. “Princess roped him in.”

  Turning to Seven, she gestured, “Kieran, meet Philip Jameson, our R&D Director.”

  Seven inclined his head slightly. “Pleasure to meet you, Director Jameson.”

  Philip chuckled. “Kid, call me Uncle Philip, like Kasra does. So, tell me—how’d you and Princess meet? She’s quite a bit younger than you, right?”

  Seven replied easily, “We met at an MIT alumni event.”

  Understanding dawned. “She must’ve fallen for your smarts, then! She’s hard to impress!”

  Ami, catching Philip’s intent, casually interjected, “Not only his smarts, Philip. Kieran’s her fiancé.”

  Philip blinked, the news sinking in with surprise and a tinge of disappointment. While listening to Seven’s speech, Philip had even begun fantasizing about setting his daughter up with him. It was unfortunate for him that this was just another pipe dream. “Well, my heartiest congratulations to the Shahi family!” Snapping to Kasra, he added, “It seems Sana’s beaten you to it, Kasra!”

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  Kasra snorted. “No way! I’m way ahead of her.”

  Philip laughed, but a hint of wistfulness remained in his expression. “Looking forward to your wedding invitation!” Then he excused himself.

  After Philip left, the trio did the rounds in key departments before heading to the staff cafeteria for lunch. As they entered, a subtle hush settled through the room.

  Kasra pointed out the private booths along the east wall. “Kieran, these are for senior staff. You and your guests may dine there or in the main hall. Meals are complimentary; just show your staff pass.”

  Settling into one of the private booths, they waited for their meals to arrive. Seven studied Ami, curiosity flickering. “Aunt Ami, why tell Director Jameson I’m engaged to Sana?”

  Ami tittered, her eyes twinkling. “Oh, that goofball Philip! He’s been on the prowl for a match for his daughter… Thought I’d nip it in the bud.”

  Seven leaned back, a bit uneasy. “Is it wise to tell him? If Wendy May gets wind...”

  Ami gave herself a light smack on the forehead. “You’re right. I’ll let him know to keep it quiet.”

  ……

  Meanwhile, in the main hall, whispers and murmurs started to pick up once the trio was out of earshot.

  “The new VP is so hot! Swoon!”

  “Who said his creds gave him nerd vibes?”

  “That’d be me. My bad!”

  “Our SVP’s iceberg aura is scary, but the VP looks très friendly!”

  “Keep dreaming, girls. He’s out of our league!”

  “Says who?”

  ……

  After lunch, Seven followed Kasra back to the executive floor. At the entrance, Kasra reached for his staff pass, which hung from a sleek, black lanyard around his neck. He tapped the card against the electronic reader with practiced nonchalance. A soft chime accompanied the smooth parting of the sliding glass doors, welcoming them into the lobby.

  The polished steel and glass reflected muted light in soft hues, casting an almost futuristic glow across the space. Nearby secretaries offered respectful nods and murmured greetings. Wendy, seated at her desk at the far end, caught the sound of approaching footsteps. She looked up from her monitor, and she smoothed her outfit, noting the familiar silhouette of Kasra beside a taller, unfamiliar figure.

  As they drew closer, Wendy’s eyes widened slightly, and she scrambled to compose herself. “Good afternoon, SVP Shahi,” she greeted, her voice a little shaky, betraying her restless heart.

  Kasra’s expression was unreadable. “Ms. May,” he began, angling slightly to the man beside him. “This is VP Kavanagh. He’ll be taking over JVP Shahi’s duties for now.”

  Wendy’s gaze darted to the new VP, her regained composure faltering again. “G–Good afternoon, VP Kavanagh,” she stammered, mentally scolding herself for the slip, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks.

  Gosh! Snap out of it, Wendy! Do you have no immunity to hunks?!

  Seven acknowledged her with a slight tilt of his head, the barest hint of a smile touching his lips. Unexpectedly, Wendy reached out her hand for a handshake, and he reluctantly obliged.

  At that moment, a man approached with a brisk stride—a slender, dark-haired figure in his early thirties, exuding efficiency and quiet confidence. Kasra gestured to him. “Kieran, meet Fui Chapman. He’ll assist you until we find you a permanent PA.”

  Fui started, “VP Kavanagh, I’m Fui. Please feel free to share any work or personal preferences when convenient.”

  Seven met his respectful gaze with a steady nod. “Thank you, Fui. Do you have my afternoon schedule?”

  “Yes, sir,” Fui replied. “Your first meeting is in fifteen minutes, followed by back-to-back sessions until the end of the workday. We can discuss your preferences tomorrow morning if that suits you.”

  “Perfect. Thank you, Fui,” Seven responded. Then, he shifted his attention to Wendy, his tone cool and direct. “Ms. May, I’ll be using JVP Shahi’s office for the time being.”

  Wendy adopted a professional mien. “Of course, sir. Would you like me to retrieve JVP Shahi’s login details for you?”

  Seven’s eyes narrowed slightly, deadpan. “That won’t be necessary,” he said smoothly. “I’ll get them from the horse’s mouth.”

  “Oh… certainly, s—” Wendy began, only for Kasra to cut her off.

  “Kieran, I’ve got an appointment to get to. I’ll leave you in the care of Fui and Ms. May.” He reached out, and the two shared a quick fist bump. Wendy blinked. Wow, are they friends? Or… something else? I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re together. Not even a female mosquito could get close to the SVP!

  At Kasra’s departure, Fui informed Seven, “Sir, the first meeting is in the Projects Division. Shall we head over? We’ve got eight minutes.”

  “Let’s go,” Seven chirped, casting one last glance at Wendy before leaving.

  Wendy watched them disappear down the corridor, her mind spinning with speculation. Where’s JVP Shahi? It’s been a week, and there’s no word. Did something happen to her? Should I…?

  She hesitated. Then, with a sharp breath, she typed out a cryptic text.

  A while later, her phone buzzed with a concise reply: [SHP, tmr night, 7.]

  A/N 1:

  Patreon as usual — thank you for supporting the story and tagging along on this wild ride! ??

  A/N 2:

  Friday at 8?PM SGT (GMT +8)

  For my global readers, that’s roughly:

  ?? 9?AM Brasília (Brazil)

  ?? 8?AM Central US / 11?AM Eastern US

  I was pleasantly surprised to see so many views from Brazil and the Philippines recently—hello to all of you! I hope you’re enjoying the story with your coffee, tea, or a snack ??