LRAB Chapter 63: Viral videos?!
Chapter 63: Viral videos?!
It was yet another working day and now, the forced honeymoon between Blake and Rose had come to an end. Their life transitioned back toward routines and rhythms. Their whirlwind romance and passionate moments had settled into something steadier, though no less devoted.
Rose's company rebuild had finally reached completion after the devastating fire several days prior.
The first week back at the newly reconstructed Shelley-Tech company had been a whirlwind of activity and excitement. Rose couldn't help but bask in the energized buzz that seemed to permeate every inch of the sleek, modern workspace. Everywhere she looked, her employees were collaborating, innovating, pushing boundaries in a way she'd only dreamed of before.
And of course, having Blake by her side made it all the sweeter.
More than once, she caught his gaze from across the bullpen area, felt her knees go weak at the smoldering look he flashed her. His silent mouthing of "later" laced with the arched brow and wicked smirk that promised all manner of deliciously unprofessional activities to come.
Truthfully, Rose was anticipating the many times they'd sneak away to one of the secluded "relaxation pods" she'd had designed for just such trysts. The sumptuous lounges and bedrooms tucked away discreetly behind frosted glass will be their new favorite perk of the revamped office space.
If only she could bask in that glow forever instead of the harsh reality that will soon come crashing down.
***
One morning, Rose strode through the sipping her macchiato and mentally preparing for the day ahead. She was early - as usual - expecting to have some quiet time before the rest of her staff trickled in. Blake had yet to come in although he called that he would soon be on his way.
The second she stepped off the elevator, though, she knew something was amiss.
Raucous shouts and commotion echoed from the main floor, the sound of dozens of voices clamoring over each other in apparent chaos. Frowning, Rose quickened her step until she was met by a scene of utter pandemonium.
Employees were clustered in knotted groups, jabbing phones in each other's faces as they watched footage flickering across the screens. The air was thick with shouts of anger, gasps of shock and horror, demands for answers and accountability.
"What in the hell..." Rose muttered under her breath, pushing through the throngs in search of someone - anyone - who could provide an explanation.
She finally managed to flag down Lucy, her flustered executive staff looking more rattled than Rose had ever seen her.
"Lucy! What's going on here?" Rose demanded. "Why is everyone in such an uproar?"
The petite blonde dragged a shaky hand through her platinum curls, looking like she was about three sips of mimosa away from a meltdown.
"I...I'm not totally sure, Ms. Shelley" she stammered, voice becoming increasingly high-pitched. "All I know is everyone started getting these, like...video messages on their phones this morning!"
"Video messages?" Rose pressed, arching an eyebrow. "What kind of video mess--"
"And I'll be damned if I'm going to let that happen. Lucy, lock everything down - disable external servers, shore up our firewalls, get IT working overtime to sniff out any other breaches."
Lucy nodded meekly, looking relieved to have marching orders instead of idly spinning in panic. Rose whirled toward the rest of the assembled, wide-eyed staffers gaping at her.
"As for the rest of you, you heard Jake. I want full decontamination procedures initiated until we can be certain this facility hasn't been compromised. No one is to leave until we determine the origin and potential danger posed by these videos."
A chorus of dismayed groans rippled through the crowd, but Rose silenced them with a single, piercing look.
"We're under attack, people," she said, quiet but emphatic. "Which means from here on out, we go to war."
With that sobering decree, she turned on her heel and headed toward the nearest stairwell, gesturing for Jake to follow.
They needed to get to her private bunker suite and scramble a response team immediately before this situation spiraled further out of control...
************
*Author's note*
Big big shout out to all my supporting fans!
I really appreciate the support thus far.
I was thinking of doing something new.
The book needs a special push at this point and I'm sharing my plans with all of you.
My goal now or should I say our goal is to be within the trending rankings. I can't do that of course with your help.
So here's my thought;
If maybe I could get 1 magic castle, I would very much appreciate it and in return, I'll do a mass release! This is of course a plea.
So the deal would be;
1 magic castle - 7 bonus chapters!
Let me know your thoughts under the comments.