Chương 12: Chapter 11

Author's Note:

Hiya people it's ya boy Author-san, I've been bombarded by each and every one of your love for my works and I'm grateful.

To me our community, is not just about just reading and writing but one we can all not only communicate but share our stories with each other. To have a great time and an escape from our reality, and so I thank each and every one of you all for your support.

Now enough of all this sappy shit, let's get on with the story! 😉

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**Flashback with Madeline**

Madeline Stillwell took a deep breath, her heart pounding as she set down the phone.

She had just been summoned to the CEO's floor, an order that sent a chill through her.

Each step towards the elevator felt heavier, the weight of her anxiety growing with every floor she ascended. The hum of machinery in the elevator seemed to amplify her dread, a constant reminder of the gravity of her impending meeting.

'This can't be good,' she thought, 'not with Edgar himself involved.'

When the elevator doors finally opened, she hesitated for a moment before stepping out. The hallway stretched before her like a gauntlet, lined with polished marble and an air of unspoken authority.

The silence was oppressive, each footfall echoing ominously. 'Why now?' she wondered, trying to steady her nerves. 'What has A-Train done this time?' The heavy wooden doors of the office loomed ahead, a final barrier between her and Edgar's judgment.

She knocked softly, the sound echoing in the stillness. "Enter," came the voice, cold and devoid of warmth. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping into the vast office that exuded both power and intimidation.

Edgar sat behind his mahogany desk, his sharp gaze focused on a folder in his hands. The way he scrutinized the document with such detached precision only heightened her nerves.

'He's always so calm, so controlled. What does he see when he looks at me?' she thought, feeling a knot tighten in her stomach.

"Sit down," Edgar commanded, his tone brooking no argument. Madeline moved to the chair opposite him, smoothing out her skirt as she took her seat.

The silence that followed was thick and heavy, each second stretching into an eternity. She could feel Edgar's eyes on her, dissecting her every move. 'Stay calm, don't give him anything to use against you,' she reminded herself, her hands trembling slightly as she folded them in her lap.

Finally, Edgar spoke, his voice sharp and probing. "Do you know why I called you here, Ms. Stillwell?"

The question caught her off guard. She had anticipated this meeting but hadn't prepared for the uncertainty of its purpose. 'Of course, you don't know,' Edgar thought, hiding a cold smirk. 'You're always in the dark, dancing to our tune.'

"No, sir, I don't," she replied, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil. The unease was palpable, a cold sweat breaking out on her back. 'This isn't just about A-Train,' she realized, 'it's about me, my role here.'

Edgar's gaze remained fixed on her, his expression unreadable. "What are your thoughts on A-Train?" he asked, his voice cold and calculating. Madeline paused, her mind racing as she formulated her response.

'Is this a test? Or has something gone wrong?' The uncertainty gnawed at her, each passing second a reminder of the precariousness of her position.

"Well, he's effective in his role," she began carefully. "He performs beyond the expectations set for him, often going above and beyond the outlined itinerary. However, his reluctance to adhere strictly to the directives I give him does present some challenges. Despite this, his performance has significantly increased Vought's revenue."

She felt the sweat bead on her forehead, her heart hammering in her chest. 'Please, let that be the right answer.'

Edgar nodded slowly, the silence stretching once more. He dropped the folder onto his desk with a deliberate motion, the sound resonating ominously. 'Always focusing on the money,' he mused. 'But control, that's what truly matters.' The silence that followed was suffocating, the weight of unspoken expectations hanging in the air.

"And that's the issue, isn't it? The lack of control," he mused, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed yet intimidating posture. His elbow rested casually on the armrest, his chin propped up on his fist.

The casual demeanor contrasted sharply with the seriousness of his words, an unsettling juxtaposition that only heightened her anxiety.

Madeline's heart raced. She knew that Edgar's relaxed posture belied the seriousness of the conversation. 'He's testing me, gauging my loyalty,' she thought, swallowing hard.

"I understand, sir. I'll do whatever is necessary to bring him back under control, even if it means taking drastic measures." 'Please, let this be enough,' she prayed silently, the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Edgar's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intense. 'Can she do it?' he wondered. 'Or is she just another disposable asset?' The silence was deafening, a tangible presence in the room, amplifying every unspoken threat and unvoiced expectation.

"Remember, Ms. Stillwell, while you may be positioning Vought as a superhero company, we are fundamentally a pharmaceutical corporation. Anyone or anything that threatens our interests will be dealt with accordingly. Is that understood?" His words were measured, each one carrying the weight of a veiled threat. The implicit warning was clear: failure was not an option, and mistakes would not be tolerated.

Madeline fought to keep her expression neutral, hiding the nervous gulp that rose in her throat. Edgar's words were clear, and the implicit threat was not lost on her. 'He's reminding me of the stakes,' she realized, a cold dread settling in her stomach.

She nodded firmly, a sense of determination mingled with fear. "Understood, sir." The words felt like a death sentence, her fate sealed with a simple nod.

"Good," Edgar said, his tone dismissive. "You may leave." The finality in his voice left no room for discussion, the door closing on any hope of reprieve.

As Madeline stood and walked towards the door, she felt Edgar's icy gaze follow her every move. The oppressive weight of his scrutiny was palpable, and the realization of the stakes involved left her feeling cold and uneasy.

'He's watching every step, waiting for me to slip,' she thought, her mind racing with possibilities and dangers. The door closed behind her with a final, resounding thud, and she was left alone in the hallway, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

The reality of Edgar's expectations hit her hard. She had to act quickly, decisively. The implications of his orders were clear: failure was not an option. 'If I fail, it's not just my career—it's my life,' she thought, a shiver running down her spine.

The corridor stretched endlessly before her, each step away from Edgar's office feeling like a step towards an uncertain future.

As she walked away, her mind raced with strategies and contingencies. She knew she had to navigate the perilous landscape of Vought's power struggles, where every move was scrutinized and every mistake potentially fatal.

'A-Train has no idea what's coming, but to be honest neither do I,' she admitted to herself, a chill of uncertainty creeping into her thoughts.

The stakes had never been higher, and the path forward was fraught with danger. As the elevator doors closed behind her, she knew one thing for certain: No matter whatever decision or actions she would take from now on, there was no turning back.

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