Talent and Deception

The next morning, Ethan was stirred from sleep, not by the sunlight streaming through his window but by the notification from his phone. Groggily, he reached for the device, squinting at the screen. Predictably, the messages were from David.

David: [Good morning, Ethan. It's the interview today.]

Ethan stared at the message, his mind still foggy with sleep. Before he could summon the energy to respond, another message came through.

David: [Will you be coming to help today?]

Ethan smiled, leaning back against his pillow. David's enthusiasm was admirable, though perhaps a bit misplaced at this ungodly hour. He typed a reply, paused, and then set the phone aside, letting his thoughts drift.

Clara's update from the day before came to mind. The ground floor and first floor of the office were completely renovated and set up with such efficiency that Ethan couldn't help but be impressed. Clara and her team had pulled off in three days, what others might have stretched into weeks.

The second floor and rooftop, however, were still in progress. Clara had proposed an updated design, one more aligned with Ethan's preferences. He'd agreed without hesitation; her instincts were rarely wrong.

Besides, the timeline was still comfortably within his plans, and he valued the meticulous care she brought to her work.

There was also the matter of the gift from Moretti. Ethan hadn't seen it yet, but his curiosity was piqued. Moretti's reputation as a world-renowned architect suggested it would be something extraordinary.

"Probably too extraordinary for me to even understand," Ethan thought with a wry smile. The man had a talent for making ordinary spaces feel like art installations.

The thought of the office filled Ethan with a quiet sense of pride. It wasn't just a workspace—it was a canvas for his aspirations. What had started as a system mission had evolved into something far more meaningful.

Of course, most people would call him a fool for pouring effort into this when he could buy a dozen established companies outright. But Ethan found the act of building from the ground up oddly satisfying.

He'd wrestled with its logic for days. Why not just cash out? Why not take the easy route and let the system's limitless wealth do all the work? Yet, he knew the answer even as he questioned it. There was joy in creation, in the slow but rewarding process of turning ideas into reality.

Sure, if he ever tired of it, he could sell the company or delegate the day-to-day management to someone else. But for now, this venture wasn't just about profit—it was about purpose.

NovaTech's first planned project, a food delivery app, wasn't just a business opportunity; it was a chance to make a tangible difference. It could support small restaurants, provide jobs for delivery riders, and, in a broader sense, uplift countless lives.

"Still," Ethan muttered, "there's only so much philosophy a man can stomach before breakfast." With a chuckle, he picked up his phone and typed his reply.

Ethan: [I'll come later. Maybe in the afternoon. Got a few things to be done.]

David and he had already discussed the day's plans. They would hire twenty developers for the app and bring on a Human Resources agency to manage the onboarding process.

Charles had recommended a reputable accounting firm to handle NovaTech's finances. Both firms had agreed to assist with the interviews, which meant David wouldn't be handling everything alone.

As he tapped away at his phone, another thought struck him. Jessica. She had proven herself more than capable in the past weeks, and her involvement could take some of the pressure off David. Without overthinking, he sent another message.

Ethan: [Would it be a problem if Jessica assisted you with the interviews?]

David's response was nearly instant.

David: [Jessica? Not a bad idea. I'll get in touch with her. Good thinking.]

Ethan smiled, setting his phone aside. "Good thinking," he echoed to himself. It was shaping up to be a productive day—perhaps even a pleasant one if the winds were in his favor.

Ethan let out a long, contented sigh as he set his phone on the table. With David and Jessica managing the recruitment, he could finally step back and focus on the larger canvas: NovaTech's growth and the launch of its first major project.

Not so long ago, the sheer scale of such an undertaking would have left him paralyzed. Ethan had once been an unremarkable young man with unremarkable dreams, his days dictated by the relentless rhythm of making ends meet.

Survival, not living, had been the order of things. His aspirations were like distant shadows, intangible and faint. At the same time, his goals were modest—enough money to scrape by and a semblance of security for his family.

But then, everything changed.

The day the Unlimited System entered his life felt like a cosmic joke at first. Its power was bewildering, its purpose enigmatic. Yet, as the missions began to pile up, something shifted in Ethan.

These weren't mere tasks or errands—they were signposts on a road he hadn't even known existed.

Each mission pulled him a little further from the mundane, lifting him above the gray fog of his old existence. They demanded more than effort; they demanded growth.

And in fulfilling them, Ethan found something surprising: a sense of clarity. For the first time, his life didn't feel like a series of disconnected days strung together by chance. There was order to the chaos, a direction he hadn't dared to imagine.

Now, standing on the brink of something extraordinary, Ethan couldn't ignore the weight of his choices. The satisfaction that came with completing a mission wasn't just about the rewards—though those were certainly nothing to scoff at—it was the sense of progress, of moving toward a future that was wholly his own.

He wasn't merely building a company; he was building a life. Each decision, every carefully laid plan, was a brick in the foundation of something that might, just might, stand the test of time.

Ethan's thoughts drifted to the mission that had set it all in motion.

=====

[Mission: Deliver Success]

Objective: Successfully develop and launch the Novan City Food Delivery App.

Reward:

1. 5,000 EXP

2. 20 Ascension Points

=====

Ethan stared at the mission panel again, the faintest hint of a smile crossing his face. "This name," he muttered, shaking his head in mild amusement, "it just doesn't fit. It needs to be sharper—something memorable, something that sticks."

But his dissatisfaction wasn't just about the name. No, it was about the mission itself. He couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a task to check off the list—it was something far more significant.

This app, this project, was the beginning of NovaTech's story. Like any good beginning, it needed to set the tone for everything that would follow.

The mission wasn't merely about creating an app; it was about laying a foundation. Ethan had come to believe that the system didn't hand out missions in isolation—they were all connected, like chapters in a book, each building on the last.

This app was the first chapter, and it had to be perfect, not just for its own sake, but for what it represented: a launchpad for the missions to come.

He could already imagine it—the system unveiling future challenges, each tied to the app's success. Perhaps it would lead to broader platforms, partnerships, or entirely new industries. Whatever lay ahead, this first step had to be flawless, a cornerstone that could support the weight of the missions that would follow.

Ethan leaned back, a thoughtful expression settling on his face. "If this is where it all starts," he murmured, "then it's going to start right."

***

Across town, David and Jessica were preparing to tackle the day as a team. Ethan had been wise to suggest her involvement; her agency had readily given her the day off, understanding that Ethan Cole was no ordinary client.

Jessica arrived early, stepping into the revamped NovaTech office, and the transformation stopped her in her tracks.

What had once been a cold, empty space was now a sleek, modern reception area that practically hummed with promise. It was the sort of place that made you stand a little straighter as if it were watching to see if you belonged.

"Good morning, Jessica," David greeted her warmly as he walked over.

"Good morning, Mr. Turner," she replied, offering a professional smile as her eyes continued to sweep the space in admiration.

David chuckled, waving off the formality. "Just David, please—Ethan insists on it."

Jessica nodded, her smile softening. "Alright, David. Thank you for letting me be a part of this. It's going to be a great experience; I can already tell."

And it was true. When she'd first received David's call, she'd been thrilled—not just because of the opportunity to assist with interviews, but because of the exposure to something so fresh, so ambitious.

In just a few days of working with Ethan, she'd been given opportunities others might take years to experience.

David smiled knowingly. "No need to thank me—this was Ethan's idea."

Jessica blinked in surprise, and before she could stop herself, a faint blush crept up her cheeks. She quickly shook it off, straightening her blazer. "Well, I'm ready to get started. Let's find the best people for NovaTech."

David chuckled, amused but tactful enough not to comment. He could see why anyone might blush at being thought of by Ethan—even without romantic implications.

But David wasn't about to let distractions of that kind creep in. Not now, when NovaTech was at such a critical stage.

Instead, he shifted the focus. As they walked toward the interview room, he said with a hint of gratitude, "I'm really glad you're here. Managing all of the post-interview things alone would've been... well, let's just say, overwhelming. Having someone as capable as you onboard makes a big difference."

Jessica's smile grew. "I'm thrilled to be involved. It's exciting to be part of something like this."

David nodded, his expression softening as his thoughts wandered. Ethan was a rare kind of founder, he mused—someone who saw beyond the quick wins.

In his line of work, David had met plenty of startup hopefuls, eager to make a splash but rarely willing to build something truly lasting.

He thought back to those early ventures he'd supported, pouring in his network and resources only to be cast aside once they'd found their footing. "Business is business," they would tell him as if that made their ingratitude any easier to swallow.

"David?" Jessica's voice brought him back to the present.

He blinked, offering her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, lost in thought."

"Everything alright?" she asked, her brow creased with concern.

David laughed, brushing it off. "Yes, all good. Just eager to get things rolling today."

Jessica checked her watch. "We've got about thirty minutes before the interviews start. Let's get everything in place."

As they entered the interview room, the sight of candidates lined up outside caught their attention. Word had spread quickly about NovaTech—not just the competitive salaries but also the sleek, modern appeal of its headquarters.

Ethan, with his seemingly unlimited wealth, had spared no expense to ensure the day went smoothly. He'd hired an event management company to organize the process, brought in a security agency to maintain order, and even coordinated with Charles, who had connected NovaTech to some of the best professionals in the field.

The environment was meticulously designed to be safe, efficient, and, above all, impressive.

Jessica surveyed the room, her gaze taking in the polished organization and the security guards stationed at strategic points. "Wow," she said with a playful smile. "Looks like everything's under control. I doubt we'll have any trouble today."

David laughed, shaking his head. "This is all new to me too. I'm still trying to wrap my head around Ethan's way of doing things." He gestured grandly to the room, spinning slightly as he took it all in. "You know, I told him we'd only need a small office for five or six people, but look at this."

Jessica chuckled, folding her arms. "He certainly doesn't do anything normal, does he?"

David smiled, a touch of admiration in his expression. "No, he doesn't. And honestly, that's why I think this is going to be something special."

They settled into the interview room, meeting with the representatives from the accounting firm and the HR agency. It promised to be a long day, and everyone braced themselves for the deluge of hopeful candidates.

At first, the interviews went as expected, but it quickly became apparent that not all the applicants were what they seemed. Some were transparently chasing the generous salary, while others had embellished their resumes to comical extremes.

After one particularly lackluster interview, David leaned back in his chair with a sigh. "What a generation we're dealing with," he muttered, rubbing his temples.

Ms. Jane, the HR representative, smirked and held up a resume. "This one claims to have launched three successful apps." She paused for dramatic effect. "But a quick search shows he wasn't even on the team."

Jessica, observing it all with quiet attentiveness, frowned. It was her first time encountering such blatant dishonesty, and she couldn't quite understand why people would stoop to such lengths.

David shook his head, his tone tinged with both humor and exasperation. "Let me guess—he probably copied some bullet points from his old company's website and thought we wouldn't notice. Honestly, Ethan's resume would put this guy's to shame." He slid the paper aside with a flourish. "That's a 'No' from us."

Mr. Michael, the representative from the accounting firm, chuckled and nodded. "Agreed. Too many lies, and not even convincing ones at that."

As the morning progressed, the pattern persisted—exaggerated qualifications, dubious claims, and a talent pool that left much to be desired. They shared knowing glances and occasional grimaces as the parade of disappointing candidates shuffled through.

But then came Lena Volkov.

"Look at this," Jane said, leaning forward as she scanned the resume. Her voice carried a note of intrigue that made everyone else glance up.

"Wait," Michael interjected, his tone rising in surprise. "Is she the Volkov? As in, from that family?"

Jane nodded. "Unless someone's brazen enough to fake that name—and believe me, nobody would dare."

David and Jessica exchanged puzzled looks. "Sorry," David asked, "but what's so special about the Volkovs?"

Before anyone could explain, Lena walked into the room.

She moved with a confidence that commanded attention, her sleek black dress and poised demeanor making her stand out effortlessly. There was a sharpness to her presence—intelligence wrapped in charm, with just enough edge to keep people guessing.

Jessica straightened in her chair while David adjusted his posture, clearly intrigued.

What no one realized was that Lena wasn't just another applicant. Beneath the polished exterior and impeccable resume was a meticulously crafted facade. She wasn't here for a job—she was here for Ethan.

As the leader of a secretive group tied to Zidan and Mark, Lena had orchestrated this entire scenario to infiltrate NovaTech. The resume, the credentials, the career history—it was all an elaborate cover. Her family's wealth and resources had made it easy to fabricate the perfect background, and her natural composure was the final touch.

During the interview, Lena dazzled them. She spoke with precision and poise, detailing her supposed experience in growing companies, managing high-stakes projects, and navigating the complexities of business expansion.

David leaned forward, visibly impressed. "You mentioned being part of a team that took a company to its IPO in three years. That's quite an accomplishment."

Lena offered a modest smile. "Thank you. It was a challenging process, but it taught me how to excel under pressure and adapt quickly."

Jane, equally intrigued, chimed in. "How do you see yourself contributing to NovaTech's growth?"

Lena didn't miss a beat. "I believe my experience in scaling operations and my ability to identify untapped opportunities can help NovaTech become a major player in the industry."

David and the others exchanged approving nods. "Well," David said, his tone warm, "you've certainly made an impression. We'll get back to you soon with our decision."

Lena exited the room with a subtle but satisfied smile. Her plan was on track.

The interview wasn't about securing a job—it was about securing a foothold. Once inside NovaTech, she intended to investigate Ethan's wealth and connections. Her ultimate goal was to use that information to outmaneuver her rivals in the Volkov family and solidify her position as the family's leader.

As she stepped into the hallway, she spotted Ethan entering the building. He moved quickly, his focus sharp, and he didn't spare her so much as a glance.

A wave of disappointment rippled through her, tinged with a sting of wounded pride. 'How could he not notice me?' she thought, incredulous. She was accustomed to commanding attention, particularly from men.

But Ethan had passed her by as if she didn't exist.

'It doesn't matter,' Lena told herself firmly, her resolve hardening. 'I'll make sure he notices me next time. And when he does, I'll be in the perfect position to influence him—and NovaTech.'

She straightened her shoulders and walked away, already planning her next move.

Edited: 9 December 2024