CHAPTER 134: Insurrection-3

CHAPTER 134: Insurrection-3

On a television screen inside a downtown Berlin store, the image of a blonde woman, elegant in bearing and with a firm gaze, commanded full attention. The lights of the display window flickered, reflected in the puddles of rainwater on the asphalt.

The news anchor's voice echoed from the speakers:
"Germany prepares for a new era. With historic popularity and the backing of the European coalition, Dr. Elena Strauss positions herself as the country's next president. Former director of the Munich Institute for Genetic Research and ex-member of the Global Defense Council, Strauss promises to strengthen internal security and eradicate any bioterrorist threat."

The crowd in front of the televisions applauded, some raising their voices to cheer her name. But Marcus, in his soaked trench coat with his hands in his pockets, watched in silence. His face reflected distrust.

"Elena Strauss..." he thought with a tinge of irony. "Brilliant, charismatic, with a past in defense laboratories. Exactly the type of person who hides more secrets than she shows."

The news camera showed Strauss waving from a stage filled with flags, her perfect smile projected on every screen in the district. Marcus frowned.

"I don't trust you... Not one bit. Antigen had contracts with your institute months ago. And now you appear just when everything is rotting again. What a coincidence, huh?"

An icy wind swept the street, carrying a newspaper with the headline "Germany's Future Is in Her Hands." Marcus turned on his heel, lit a cigarette, and walked away through the crowd, his thoughts fixed on that woman who would soon govern the country.

"If you're involved in this, Strauss... Fénix won't be the only one looking for you."

The automatic doors of Enid Corp opened with a faint metallic whisper, letting in a young woman with light brown hair, green eyes, and an expression mixing nerves and curiosity. Agnes Templeton adjusted the bow on her white blouse and took a deep breath before walking towards the reception. The atmosphere was sober, with shades of gray, polished glass, and the corporate emblem shining behind the desk.

"Good morning," she greeted with a slightly trembling smile. "I'm Agnes Templeton... transferred from the Brussels headquarters."

The receptionist looked up from her monitor and nodded with that robotic professionalism typical of large corporations.
"Yes, Miss Templeton, you're on the list. The CEO is expecting you on the 32nd floor. Take the main elevator." She handed her an access card. "Welcome to the Enid Corp headquarters in Munich."

Agnes nodded, hiding the knot in her throat.
"Thank you..." she replied quietly, heading towards the elevator.

The elevator was made of glass, overlooking the heart of the building: a network of crisscrossing hallways, cold lights, and personnel moving with mechanical precision. As she ascended, her thoughts overflowed:

"Floor 32... Enid Drakewood's office. God, what have I gotten myself into? The CEO of Enid Corp... the most powerful woman on the continent. If I mess up on my first day, they'll probably fire me before lunch."

She looked at her reflection in the glass, trying to smile.
"Okay, Agnes, relax. You're efficient, punctual, and you worked three years in internal relations. This isn't that different... except now you're an elevator ride away from legends."

A slight smile appeared on her face.
"Marcus. Lucian, Vanessa and... Fénix Rogers."
Her heart skipped a beat at that thought.
"The Fénix. The one who survived the hell in Berlin. The one who returned from the dead. If I could ever meet him..."

The elevator emitted a soft beep upon arrival. The doors opened, revealing a wide, quiet hallway with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Two security agents watched her briefly, and one gestured towards the main door of the CEO's office.

Agnes swallowed and moved forward, listening to the echo of her heels on the marble. In front of the opaque glass door, she paused for a moment.

"Here goes... first day, new headquarters, new life."

She raised her hand, gently touched the identification panel, and the door slid open with a soft hum.

Enid Drakewood's voice resonated from inside, firm and elegant:
"Come in, Miss. I was waiting for you."

"So you're Agnes Templeton, right?" she said in a serene but firm tone. "The new secretary transferred from Brussels."

Agnes nodded quickly, hands clasped in front of her.
"Yes, Mrs. Drakewood. It's an honor to work here."

Enid turned slowly, looking her up and down with an evaluative expression.
"Well, I hope that enthusiasm lasts. This isn't just any office, Miss Templeton." She walked slowly towards her desk. "The people who work at Enid Corp aren't ordinary. Most of those you see here have survived hell itself."

Agnes listened attentively, trying to maintain her composure.

"This place..." Enid continued, her gaze fixed on the window. "...was once Berlin. Our original headquarters. But you know what happened." Her voice lowered a tone, more laden with seriousness. "Now we're here, in Munich. Temporarily. When Berlin is rebuilt, we'll return. That building is part of our history... and I don't intend to leave it behind."

She fell silent for a moment, letting her words sink in. Then she turned to Agnes.
"Your role here will be direct: you'll be my personal assistant. You'll manage my schedule, coordinate board meetings, filter calls and internal requests. You'll also have partial access to internal intelligence channels, but under no circumstances will you interfere with operations."

Agnes nodded quickly.
"Understood, Ma'am. I'll do my best to live up to it."

"Good." Enid placed her cup on the desk. "Your hours will be from 8:00 to 18:00, though I warn you, emergencies don't know the clock. If I get a call at three in the morning, you probably will too."