CHAPTER 4: Breakfast in High Society

CHAPTER 4: Breakfast in High Society

The morning in Berlin unfolded with its usual mix of coldness and elegance. Fénix woke up in his luxurious room, having had a night of restful sleep. Getting out of bed, he prepared to start the day with a touch of sarcasm and a pinch of curiosity for what awaited him.

He dressed in casual clothes, opting for something comfortable yet still appropriate for his new environment. He left the room and headed towards the Enid Corp cafeteria, following the directions he had received.

The cafeteria, located on the first floor of the skyscraper, was a spectacle in itself. The walls were adorned with fine wood panels, and the marble floor reflected the light from the elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The tables and chairs were of modern, luxurious design, and the panoramic windows offered stunning views of the city of Berlin, stretching out under a clear sky.

Fénix approached one of the breakfast stations, where a variety of sophisticated options were impeccably displayed. From fresh croissants to exotic fruits, and a selection of cheeses and cold cuts, everything was presented with the utmost care. He served himself a simple but satisfying breakfast, choosing a selection of fresh fruit, freshly brewed coffee, and a couple of croissants.

Looking around, he noticed that Marcus was already there, sitting at one of the tables, enjoying his own breakfast. Marcus, seeing Fénix, looked up with an expression of surprise that quickly turned into a mocking smile.

"Look who deigns to come down for breakfast!" said Marcus, in an amused tone. "I thought you were taking the morning off after your lovely evening with Miss Enid."

Fénix sat down opposite him, rolling his eyes with an ironic smile. "Yeah, the evening. I don't know what Enid told you, but the menu was... interesting. Though I must admit the dessert had a hint of insinuation I'm not sure how to interpret."

Marcus let out a short laugh, biting into his roll. "Really? Is she sending you some kind of hidden message or something? I can't wait to hear how that 'intimate chat' went."

Fénix took a sip of his coffee and leaned back in his chair. "Oh, nothing so dramatic. Just a normal dinner with a bit of subtle flirting and a couple of hints that went right over my head. Enid is... quite direct in her methods, I must say."

"Wow, I can't wait to hear more details," Marcus continued with a mischievous smile. "Anything else surprise you besides the hints? Maybe how they decorated the place for you?"

"To tell you the truth, the dinner was quite... typical, at least compared to what I expected. Though the cafeteria is quite a spectacle." Fénix leaned forward with a more serious tone. "However, it seems Enid has plans for me and for you. We're going to have to work together on something else."

Marcus arched an eyebrow, curious. "Oh yeah? And what kind of work are we talking about? Because from what you've told me, life at Enid Corp has more layers than I thought."

Fénix shrugged, taking a moment to consider how to respond. "We'll see how it all unfolds. For now, just enjoy breakfast and get ready for what's coming. The day is just beginning."

It was noon at Enid Corp, and the main hall was quiet, save for the faint murmur of daily activity that could be heard from the lobby. Fénix was on a modern designer sofa, waiting for his new teammate, Lucian. According to Enid's letter, Lucian should have arrived at 10 a.m., but it was already 12 and there was still no sign of him.

Fénix was in his usual state of sarcasm, unable to stop his patience from wearing thin as he watched the wall clock, which seemed to move slowly.

"Well, if my watch isn't wrong, it seems punctuality isn't Lucian's strong suit," Fénix commented aloud, more to himself than to anyone else. He got up and approached the reception desk, where an elderly lady was working, a warm smile on her face.

The receptionist, with her gray hair pulled back in a bun and wrinkles that told stories of years of service, looked at Fénix kindly.

"How can I help you today, young man?" she asked in a soft tone with a friendly glint in her eyes.

"Hello, ma'am," Fénix replied, trying to hide his frustration with a smile. "I was waiting for Lucian, the new teammate Enid mentioned in her letter. She said he'd arrive at 10, but it seems he's been delayed. Any news on his arrival?"

The receptionist nodded, consulting a log on her desk. "Yes, sir, I remember him. However, I haven't received any updates on his arrival. Schedules can sometimes change unexpectedly."

"Wow, who would have thought?" Fénix replied, his tone laden with sarcasm. "And here I am, waiting like a fool. It reminds me of my grandma, who used to wait so eagerly for someone to visit her, and now she's, well, six feet under."

The receptionist, without losing her affectionate attitude, gave him a sympathetic look. "I understand. We all have those memories that stay with us. Sometimes, time just slips differently for some people."

Fénix offered a melancholic smile, with a touch of darkness in his words. "Yeah, well, life and death have an interesting way of playing with us. My grandmother used to say that time stretches for those who wait. And here I am, waiting for a stranger who doesn't seem in a hurry to show up."

The receptionist nodded, empathizing with Fénix's somber tone. "Things sometimes don't go as we expect. But don't worry, I'm sure Lucian will arrive soon."

Fénix leaned on the counter, looking at the clock again with disdain. "Let's hope so. I don't have all eternity to wait, though some days it feels like I'm getting close."

At that moment, Fénix heard the sound of the automatic doors sliding open and saw a young man enter the lobby. It was Lucian, dressed in modern clothes but with an air of confidence that clearly felt in place. His arrival was punctual compared to Fénix's prolonged wait, who got up from the sofa with a mix of relief and resignation.