Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, White corp. HQ ~

Wednesday, 9:19 AM

JoAnna is in the elevator, descending from Jeff's office to tenth floor. She smiled at the mental image of Jeff's pouty face when she told him that she wants to go to her new workplace by herself. As the boss of everything here, Jeff is too flashy and if he joins her all eyes will be on him, and JoAnna wants to do this her way.

JoAnna is mentally preparing herself for her first day at her job: 'Chief Researcher in the Medical Department of White corp.' A long title, but she likes it.

To reach her new office, JoAnna needs to take the skybridge from the tenth floor of White corp. HQ which connects to the building in the back. That building is not visible from the street and it hosts department for medical research and few other departments related to the research of new products. The building has seven levels underground and stringent security measures.

JoAnna's first day was supposed to be Monday, but because of all the mess with Sarah and Aiden, it was postponed. Since situation at the LA Medical Center is stable, JoAnna decided to show up to work today.

JoAnna knows that Sarah planned today to go out. Either to scout the area or to act against Evalina. JoAnna hopes that Sarah stays safe, but she knows that Sarah is craving for revenge.

Aiden is under Emma's care while Ade and Zula are keeping watch in front of the VIP room.

Back to present…

JoAnna is approaching a reception area. One receptionist is there.

"Excuse me…", JoAnna said to get her attention. "I am here to see director Scott."

Receptionist lazily lifted her gaze and looked at JoAnna. "Name?"

"Dr. Hill" JoAnna ignored unfriendliness of the receptionist. "I am here for my first day at work."

Receptionist gestured toward the sitting area on the side and made a call.

Few minutes later, a spectacled woman in late fifties emerged from the side hallway in a hurry. "Dr. Hill…", she extended her hand for a handshake. "Nice to meet you in person. I am Katelyn Scott, director of the department for medical research. You can call me Katelyn, or Kate."

"Thank you.", JoAnna smiled. "I apologize for the delay. I know that I was supposed to come on Monday. I had a family emergency."

"Not a problem, not a problem.", Kate waved her hands.

Kate knows that JoAnna is CEO White's wife. Few weeks back she got a call from CEO White to come to his office and he informed her that his wife will join the medical research department. At first, Kate thought that JoAnna will take over her position, and she was surprised (and relieved) to hear that a new role was created for JoAnna with a title: Chief Researcher.

Kate is aware that she can't offend JoAnna or tell her what to do… and she needs to play nice.

Kate showed her best smile while walking with JoAnna down the hallway. "If you need anything, please let me know. It's my honor to assist Mrs. White…"

"Please…", JoAnna interrupted her. "Can you call me Dr. Hill? I will call you director Scott."

JoAnna saw that Kate is confused, so she explained: "I'm concerned that if others know that I'm Mrs. White they might look at me differently. I want them to be relaxed and work as usually. Is that OK?"

"Sure, sure…", Kate accepted right away. "Whatever you say… Dr. Hill."

JoAnna noticed Kate's reluctance. "CEO mentioned this, correct?"

Kate paused. "Yes, he did. Don't worry, others only know that a new researcher is joining. I didn't tell them more than that."

Kate showed JoAnna her new office. Nothing too impressive. Well, realistically, the office is large, and it has a sitting area, massive desk and a private bathroom, but it's underground so there is no view and it can't be compared to Jeff's office in terms of size or furniture. But JoAnna does not mind, she is more interested in the lab area where real hands-on work is done.

Medical lab area is on one floors, different research is done in areas separated by a glass with a goal to lower the risk of contamination. Research areas are filled with various devices and in few spots computers are available. Each person present has a tablet either in their hands or next to them.

Kate called to get everyone's attention. About dozen people turned to face her.

"This is Dr. Hill. She is joining our department as a chief researcher. I hope you all join me in welcoming her and helping her settle down and start work as soon as possible." Kate told people and then turned to JoAnna. "Dr. Hill, please feel free to look around. I prepared for you backgrounds of every person in this department. When you review it, you can let me know who do you want to work as your assistant."

One man in his mid-forties entered the lab and everyone looked at him.

Kate cleared her throat. "This is Dr. Frederick Arthur. He is a senior researcher who is focusing on DNA research."

Dr. Arthur paused at Kate's introduction. "Nice to meet you.", he smiled at JoAnna.

JoAnna nodded. "Same here, Dr. Arthur. I am Dr. Hill, and I am interested in DNA research."

Kate looked at the time and made a face for a moment. She spoke to Dr. Arthur: "Fred, I hope you can help Dr. Hill get to know everyone. I need to go to a meeting." She looked at JoAnna. "I will be back in an hour, if you need anything you can find me then."

"You are the new researcher? Are you an intern?", Dr. Arthur asked. He can see that JoAnna is young, and her age can be compared with three people, all interns. Everyone else is visibly older than she is.

One woman snorted. "Intern? Kate introduced her as chief researcher."

Dr. Arthur frowned. "Beatriz, please." He turned to JoAnna. "I apologize for my wrong assumption. It's just that you look young to be anything other than intern."

JoAnna smiled. "I will take that as a compliment."

Dr. Arthur took the role of a host and introduced JoAnna to everyone while mentioning focus of the research people are working on.

JoAnna found out that other than Dr. Arthur, Beatriz and intern named Lewis are doing DNA related research.

With all the introductions and discussions, JoAnna didn't realize that it's lunch time.

"Do you want to join us for lunch?", Dr. Arthur offered JoAnna.

"Uhm… no, thank you. I made plans for today. Maybe next time.", JoAnna smiled and left swiftly. She is going to have her lunch with Jeff. Perks of working at the same place! And if she is late, he might come and get her.

Dr. Arthur, Beatriz, Lewis and three more researchers headed for lunch.

"Hmph! What do you think, with whom did she sleep to get this job?", Beatriz grumbled.

"Beatriz…", Dr. Arthur warned her. "Watch your words. You don't know who is listening."

"Fred! Why are you defending her?", Beatriz was unable to hide her displeasure. "If anyone deserves a position of a chief researcher, that is you. She is too young, and her background is shady. Dr. Hill was able to get that position only because of some powerful backing."

Dr. Arthur shoot her a side look. "That is more of a reason for you to keep your complaints to yourself."

…

Up in the CEO's office…

"Hey, how was your first day?", Jeff asked JoAnna as soon as she got in.

JoAnna squinted. "It was only two hours… but it was good."

"Are people treating you well, or do I need to fire someone?"

JoAnna laughed. "Why do I need you for that? I can fire people myself."

Jeff pouted in protest.

She kissed him and sucked his pouted lip for few seconds before responding to his question: "People are OK. Few of them are giving me strange vibes, but as long as it does not interfere with my work, I don't care."

JoAnna remembered. "Any news from Sarah?"

Jeff confirmed. "Evalina is in our safe house in Pasadena. My men are watching her. Sarah should be back in the hospital by now."

---

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