Helium

Chapter One

Success in life is not an option; it's a duty. That's why, when I uncovered that colleague—and friend—who had the audacity to sell Iscade Enterprise's idea to another company, I didn't hesitate for a second to report him to our headquarters. He didn't miss a beat leaving a threatening voicemail on my phone, saying he would make my life miserable.

All this happened just last week. And today, as the office assistant, I see a rush of people—mostly women—flooding into the HR office for what could be the interview of their lives. The international reputation of Iscade is well-established, which explains why, even after over fifty interviews, no one has yet been chosen to replace the former traitorous assistant to the CEO.

For the record, Isaac Moreno owes his meteoric rise to iScade Cloud, the world's most powerful energy saver. This creation earned him his first billions two years after the launch of his company, ten years ago, when he was just twenty-three. Since then, he's been selling software, apps, and electronics, and is now among the top twenty largest tech companies globally.

As for me, I have every intention of seizing the chance to become his assistant, despite my direct boss—the HR director—formally forbidding me from entertaining such thoughts. With her imperious demeanor, she admitted that she needed me. Therefore, she would handle advising Isaac Moreno on all operational issues until a replacement for the assistant was found and the CEO returned from his medical leave.

I guide the last job candidate of the evening out of the interview room. We walk to the elevators.

"Thank you for your interest in Iscade Enterprise. You will receive a response within the next seventy-two hours."

"I don't stand a chance, do I?"

It's clear she was the least convincing and most stressed of all the candidates today. It reminds me of my own experience when I applied here a year ago.

"Why do you want to work here?"

"The salary is significant enough to pay off my student debts by next year."

It's commendable. And despite my determination to become Isaac Moreno's new personal assistant, I believe everyone should have a chance to prove themselves.

"In that case, give it another shot before a decision is made on the other candidates, and come back with the determination to fight for your goal."

She twists her brown fingers nervously and tries to calm herself with a deep breath. Moments later, a spark of conviction and boldness ignites in her eyes.

"You're right!" she exclaims, puffing out her chest. (She turns back.) "I'm going to convince them I'm the right person for this job!"

"On Monday, rather!" I call out as she hurries away. "My boss hates unexpected events on her schedule."

Though this alternative doesn't seem to convince her, she reads my eyes and realizes it's best to trust me. Her shoulders slump slightly.

"Alright, I'll come back on Monday..."

"I'll put you on her appointment list."

The elevator dings, and the doors open wide.

"Thank you so much—" (She reads the name tag on my chest.) "Ayan."

I give her a polite smile and turn my back to head to my boss's office. As soon as I open the door, Magda Selipsky, the fifty-year-old HR director, already has the strap of her handbag over her shoulder.

"I think I have something," she says.

My heart tightens with apprehension. To my recollection, we had agreed that no one met the expectations of the CEO and founder of the high-tech company, Iscade.