Hey... soooo I've been reading... and that never bodes well for my wip's but oh well this is a fanfiction about a fanfiction in another fandom. This AU work was published in 1998 back when I first started writing FanFiction. It is actually THE story that made me think I could be a writer too. it is Tropical storm by Melissa Good. it is available on Audible and Amazon Kindle. there are like 13 novels in the series. and I have read 6 of them LOL The story is super techy and super dated but the love story is undercurrent? Chefs Kiss. I love it and I wanted to bring it to Victorious. I hope you like it.
One
The alarm chimed softly, a gentle nudge to rouse the sprawled figure from the depths of slumber. With a languid stretch, one slender arm extended, reaching out to grasp the sleek smartphone resting on the nearby nightstand. Drawing it close, she fumbled slightly in the haze of drowsiness before successfully silencing the alarm with a tap on the snooze button.
As the soft glow of the screen illuminated the dimly lit bedroom, she nestled back under the covers, seeking solace in the warmth they provided against the chill of the pre-dawn air. Pale blue eyes blinked sleepily, their gaze drifting upwards to the dull expanse of the ceiling, the faint reflection of morning's arrival casting a subtle hue across their depths. A sense of reluctance lingered in the air, mingling with the tendrils of wakefulness that began to coil around her mind, a silent protest against the intrusion of the new day.
The house enveloped her in a cocoon of silence, broken only by the occasional whisper of tiny clicks and hisses emanating from the ice machine in the kitchen. A soft hum stirred the stillness as the central AC cycled on, its gentle thrum mingling with the rhythmic breathing of the bed's occupant. With a resigned sigh, she drew in a deep breath, the weight of impending responsibilities settling upon her shoulders like a heavy blanket.
Resolute in her determination to greet the day, she shifted, stirring the covers as she prepared to rise from the warmth of the bed. Her bare feet met the cool touch of the dark hardwood floors, the contrast sending a shiver through her sleepy limbs as she padded across the expanse of the room. Stepping onto the smooth, white marble tiles of her master bathroom, the automatic sensors flickered the lights to life, casting a soft glow upon her features.
An audible groan escaped her lips at the unwelcome intrusion of brightness, a protest against the premature assault on her senses. With a weary resignation, she leaned over the sink, splashing her face with cool water in a bid to banish the remnants of sleep that still clung stubbornly to her consciousness. With a brisk motion, she reached for a plush towel, patting her skin dry as she willed herself to fully awaken to the challenges that awaited beyond the sanctuary of her bedroom.
She regarded her reflection in the mirror with a wry smile, her lips curling upward in a self-assured greeting. "Morning," she murmured softly to the image that stared back at her, her large, pale blue eyes framed by the delicate contours of her heart-shaped face.
A flicker of cynicism danced behind those captivating eyes as she shook her head, a silent acknowledgment of the absurdity of conversing with her own reflection. Her mother's unconventional advice echoed in her mind, a peculiar blend of new age wisdom and maternal guidance. Manifesting a companion by simply pretending they were already there—it sounded like something out of a self-help book, tinged with a hint of whimsy that bordered on the surreal.
She couldn't help but scoff inwardly at the notion, yet a part of her couldn't dismiss it entirely. After all, it wasn't as though she despised the sound of her own voice; quite the contrary. Her voice carried a sultry timbre, a quality that had drawn admiration from countless lovers in the past. But despite the allure of her own vocal cadence, she couldn't shake the lingering doubt that whispered in the recesses of her mind.
A rueful smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she contemplated the age-old philosophical conundrum: If a tree falls alone in the forest, does it make a sound? In her case, if she spoke to herself in the quiet solitude of her home, did it truly make a difference? The question lingered, unanswered, as she turned away from the mirror, leaving her reflection behind to ponder the mysteries of companionship and self-discovery.
The gentle glow of the bathroom light spilled out into the bedroom, casting a warm illumination upon the wooden floor. With each step, the fit woman navigated the familiar path, her bare feet finding purchase on the soft Berber rugs scattered strategically over the smooth planks beneath. The texture of the rugs offered a comforting contrast to the cool touch of the hardwood, cushioning her steps as she made her way through the spacious bedroom and into the inviting expanse of the living room beyond.
As she moved with purposeful grace, the soft rustle of fabric whispered around her, the gentle swish of her loose garments a symphony of movement in the quietude of the early morning. With a fluid motion, she crossed the threshold into the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air like a welcome embrace.
As she entered the kitchen, the recessed lights obediently flickered to life, bathing the room in a soft, welcoming glow. Instantly, the rich navy blue walls and pristine white accents came to life, their hues accentuated by the play of light and shadow dancing across the space. The illumination gleamed dully off the smooth surfaces of the white quartz countertops, lending a sleek, modern aesthetic to the room, while the stainless steel appliances sparkled with a pristine sheen.
Near the massive espresso machine, a testament to her devotion to the art of coffee-making, sat a well-used blender, its presence a testament to the culinary adventures that had unfolded within these walls. Yet, amidst these familiar fixtures of her daily routine, one item stood out—a solitary computer terminal perched on the countertop, its dark screen punctuated only by a blinking box in the lower right corner.
The terminal stood as a silent sentinel, a gateway to a world beyond the confines of her home, its presence a reminder of the interconnectedness of modern life. Though currently dormant, it held the potential to unlock a wealth of information and opportunity with a simple keystroke, a portal to a digital realm where ideas and communication flowed freely.
The woman's voice broke the silence of the kitchen as she issued a command to the computer terminal. "On," she stated firmly, her tone carrying a subtle authority that brooked no disobedience. With a quiet hum of acknowledgment, the console obediently complied, stirring to life with a soft glow as it responded to her directive.
"Mail," she continued, her voice clear and concise. In response, the AI voice emanating from the terminal's speakers spoke up, its synthetic cadence echoing through the room with precision and clarity.
The AI voice echoed her name, "Jade West. Six messages received, two marked urgent." Its tone conveyed a sense of efficiency, devoid of emotion as it relayed the information succinctly.
"Reading messages," the AI voice responded promptly, its synthetic timbre filling the air as it began to recite the contents of the messages. Meanwhile, Jade busied herself with the conventional coffee machine, opting for a quicker cup of coffee to stave off the lingering tendrils of drowsiness that clung to her mind.
The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her senses, the familiar scent a comforting anchor amidst the whirlwind of digital communication. With a deep breath, she inhaled the fragrant steam rising from the mug, a momentary reprieve from the demands of the day ahead.
As the coffee machine hummed softly in the background, Jade listened intently as the AI voice relayed the contents of her messages, her attention divided between the words echoing from the terminal and the comforting ritual of her morning caffeine fix.
The AI voice paused briefly before announcing, "Urgent message from Jose Guzman, timestamped 4:32 AM." Jade's curiosity piqued at the urgency of the early morning communication, prompting her to lean in closer, her focus fully directed towards the terminal as she awaited the contents of the message.
Jade's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise at the news. "The deal for Buzz went through," the AI voice conveyed Jose Guzman's message, the words carrying a weight of significance that stirred a sense of anticipation within her. She nodded thoughtfully, processing the update from her colleague.
"They passed diligence last night, so we are awaiting next steps," the message continued, each word resonating with the gravity of a milestone achieved. Jade's mind raced with possibilities, her thoughts already turning towards the implications of this development and the strategic maneuvers that would be required in the days to come.
With a sense of purpose, she made a mental note to follow up with Jose promptly, ensuring that every detail was attended to with the precision and efficiency that had become her trademark. "Great," Jade affirmed, her voice tinged with satisfaction at the successful outcome. With practiced ease, she poured herself a cup of coffee, the rich aroma wafting upward in a comforting embrace. Adding a dash of sugar to her brew, she took a moment to savor the sweetness before returning her attention to the terminal.
With a firm nod, Jade reiterated her commitment to tackling the challenges ahead, her resolve unwavering in the face of uncertainty. "I'll look at that first thing," she affirmed, her tone carrying the weight of determination as she mentally prioritized Jose's message for immediate attention.
"Next," Jade prompted with a sense of anticipation, eager to address any additional messages that awaited her attention. Her focus remained steadfast, undeterred by the prospect of further tasks as she prepared to seamlessly integrate them into the rhythm of her morning routine.
Jade's brow furrowed slightly as she read the urgent message from Robert Shapiro, noting the early hour of its arrival. "Preliminary budgets for the Buzz acquisitions are in," the AI voice dutifully conveyed Robbie's message, its significance not lost on Jade.
"Please acknowledge so that we can set the financial gains reports for the quarter," the message continued, emphasizing the importance of her prompt response in facilitating the next steps of the acquisition process. Jade made a mental note to address the matter as soon as she arrived at the office, recognizing the critical role she played in ensuring the success of the venture.
"Call when you get to the office," Robbie's directive punctuated the message, underscoring the urgency of the situation. With a sense of purpose, Jade resolved to prioritize the task upon her arrival, determined to contribute to the strategic planning and execution of the Buzz acquisitions with the precision and expertise expected of her.
"Come on, Rob, you know what kind of profit margin I look for, just pull the trigger," Jade muttered to herself, her voice tinged with a hint of impatience. The weight of responsibility bore down on her shoulders as she contemplated the implications of the preliminary budgets and the importance of achieving the desired financial outcomes.
"Do you wish to send that reply?" The AI asked.
"Yes, please send," Jade confirmed with a decisive nod, satisfied with the message she had composed. With a sense of finality, she entrusted the AI to transmit her response, confident in her ability to communicate her expectations effectively to her colleague.
As the AI processed her command, Jade felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins.
As the messages continued to play, Jade shifted her focus to the more mundane matters that didn't require immediate attention. With practiced efficiency, she grabbed a bowl and poured some cereal into it, a simple yet satisfying choice for breakfast.
Moving to the fridge, she held the bowl under a milk dispenser, the sound of snap, crackle, and pop filling the air as the liquid infiltrated the puffed rice. A sense of contentment washed over her as she observed the cereal soaking up the milk, the rhythmic sounds of breakfast preparation providing a comforting backdrop to the cacophony of digital communication.
With a spoon in hand, Jade took a moment to savor her breakfast, the familiar taste of cereal and milk a comforting reminder of the routines that anchored her in the midst of chaos. Leaning back against the counter, she allowed herself a moment of respite, basking in the simple pleasures of the morning before returning her attention to the tasks that awaited her.
As the final message played out, Jade's thoughts turned once more to the challenges of the day ahead. With her breakfast enjoyed and her messages addressed, she felt a renewed sense of purpose coursing through her veins. With a determined resolve, she prepared to tackle whatever obstacles lay in her path, fortified by the knowledge that she was capable of overcoming them with grace and determination.
"Wow, that was a good night," Jade remarked with pleasant surprise, her gaze sweeping over the relatively empty inbox. The sense of accomplishment washed over her, a testament to her ability to efficiently manage her workload and stay on top of her responsibilities.
However, her moment of respite was short-lived as the computer chimed with the arrival of an incoming video link. "Meeting request from John Wilson," the notification announced, signaling the start of a new task that demanded her immediate attention.
Jade's brow furrowed slightly as she considered the implications of the meeting request. With a sense of determination, she accepted the invitation, steeling herself for the discussions that lay ahead. Ready to face whatever challenges awaited her, she prepared to join the virtual meeting and tackle the next item on her agenda.
Jade's attention snapped to the console as she accepted the meeting request from her Chief Information Officer. With a quick nod of acknowledgment, she greeted the baby-faced, chubby guy who appeared on the screen. "Good morning," she offered, her tone warm and professional as she prepared to engage in the discussion that lay ahead.
As John proudly mentioned the success of the Buzz deal, Jade's frown deepened. She knew the critical importance of maintaining a certain price point to ensure the deal remained viable for her company. With a firm resolve, she interjected, "John, I need it at 50."
"Fifty?" John echoed, his surprise evident in his tone. "Do you want to continue to do business or just scrap them?" he challenged, his words carrying a hint of skepticism.
Jade's company, a new media powerhouse, had evolved from its humble beginnings as a social media app into a multifaceted platform encompassing video content and information sharing—precisely what Buzz represented. Her journey from a high school hacker to a tech mogul had equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape with finesse.
Having honed her skills in coding and cybersecurity, Jade understood the value of safeguarding her company's assets against potential threats. She had assembled a team of top-tier hackers to fortify her platform against scammers and hackers, ensuring its integrity and security remained uncompromised.
"I need it, John," Jade asserted firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "We've got a stockholders meeting coming up in two months, and I have to post third-quarter earnings before that. With the budget the way it is, that last faux pas with United Telecom is still kicking our ass. Give me 50%, or we are not going to show double-digit growth."
John let out a frustrated groan, clearly feeling the weight of the pressure Jade was putting on him. "Come on, Johnny, I know you can do it," Jade continued, her voice softening slightly as she appealed to his sense of camaraderie. "And when you do, I've got a little bonus for you."
"I'll see what I can do," John grumbled reluctantly, his resolve wavering in the face of Jade's unwavering determination. Despite his initial reluctance, Jade's persuasive charm and the promise of a reward seemed to sway him towards compliance.
"Good boy," Jade remarked with a sense of satisfaction, her tone a mix of approval and dismissal as she concluded the meeting with John. "Remember... fifty," she added firmly before turning away from the screen.
With a sigh, Jade set about washing her cup, the mundane task providing a welcome distraction from the intensity of the negotiations. As she moved to the sliding glass door that led to her backyard seating area, she felt the cool breeze from the west tousling her hair and teasing at her clothes.
Stepping outside, Jade found herself greeted by the tranquil beauty of her surroundings. The bay stretched out before her, the water transitioning from murky black to pacific blue as the first light of dawn kissed the horizon. The air was crisp and invigorating, tinged with the salty scent of the ocean and the promise of a new day.
As she settled into the outdoor seating area, Jade allowed herself to fully immerse in the serenity of the moment. The slap of the boat tie-down echoed in the distance, accompanied by the rhythmic cry of seagulls soaring overhead. With a contented sigh, she wrapped herself in a throw blanket, relishing the peace and quiet that enveloped her on Belvedere Island.
Here, amidst the beauty of nature, Jade found solace and rejuvenation, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of corporate life. With the San Francisco skyline visible in the distance, a constant reminder of the city's vibrant energy, she felt a sense of balance and harmony settle over her soul. In this tranquil oasis, Jade could momentarily escape the pressures of the world and simply exist, at peace with herself and her surroundings.
Jade's home on Belvedere Island was a modest yet charming two-story abode nestled along the tranquil shores of the San Francisco Bay. Situated facing the water, her residence boasted a large outdoor dock that extended into the bay, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation and recreation. A modest one-bedroom cabin boat was moored securely to the dock, offering the perfect escape for impromptu adventures on the water.
The floorplan of Jade's home was designed with an emphasis on openness and functionality. The lower level featured expansive sliding doors that seamlessly blended indoor and outdoor living spaces, allowing for plenty of natural light to flood the interior. Dark wood floors added warmth and character to the space, contrasting beautifully with the cool tones of the blue cabinets and white quartz countertops in the kitchen.
Upstairs, three bedrooms offered stunning views of the bay, each providing a private sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Despite the close proximity of her neighbors on either side, Jade found solace in the tight-knit community of Belvedere Island, where friendly faces and shared experiences were never far away.
Although her home was spacious and inviting, Jade found herself spending little time there, her busy schedule often taking her away on various business ventures and social engagements.
Jade's journey from high school hacker to self-made billionaire was nothing short of remarkable. Armed with ingenuity, determination, and a keen eye for opportunity, she launched an app straight out of high school that quickly gained traction and spread like wildfire. Instead of selling out to venture capitalists, Jade astutely leveraged her success to begin investing and acquiring other ventures.
One of her most significant acquisitions was a video game company called Flash Media. Recognizing the immense potential of the gaming industry, Jade dove headfirst into designing a game that captured the imaginations of millions and went viral overnight. The profits from this game served as fuel for her ambitious vision, allowing her to reinvest in purchasing additional game assets and expanding her foothold in the gaming market.
With each strategic move, Jade's empire continued to grow, fueled by her unwavering determination and entrepreneurial spirit. From gaming to tech startups and beyond, she diversified her portfolio, seizing opportunities and turning them into lucrative ventures. Her ability to adapt to changing markets and anticipate future trends solidified her reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the business world.
Despite her meteoric rise to success, Jade remained grounded, never forgetting her humble beginnings or the hard work and perseverance that had propelled her to where she stood today. With each new acquisition and investment, she remained committed to her vision of creating a legacy that would endure for generations to come, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology.
"Well, time to get moving," Jade declared, her voice carrying a sense of purpose as she observed the beautiful coral hue of the sky signaling the dawn of a new day. With determination in her stride, she stepped inside the glass doors, transitioning from the cool October air to the cozy interior of her home.
The sensation of the cool wood floor against her bare feet served as a gentle reminder of the morning's briskness, prompting Jade to move with purpose as she made her way to her walk-in closet. There, she swiftly shed her t-shirt and exchanged it for a sports bra with extra hold, ensuring maximum support during her workout. Slipping into a pair of leggings, she felt the familiar embrace of comfortable activewear enveloping her frame.
Gathering her hair back into a ponytail and securing it with a band, Jade wasted no time in lacing up her running shoes with practiced efficiency. Each tug and tie of the laces was executed with precision, a testament to her disciplined approach to every aspect of her life.
With a sigh of determination, Jade stood and made her way to the small closet nestled just inside the alcove where the stairs ascended. Ducking inside, she retrieved a set of wrist and ankle weights with practiced ease, handling them with care as she prepared to add an extra challenge to her workout routine.
Applying the weights to her wrists and ankles with meticulous precision, Jade ensured they were securely fastened before slipping down the stairs and unlocking the front door. Stepping out into the front yard, she was greeted by the sight of a six-foot-tall fence encircling the perimeter, its slatted design offering both privacy and security.
Undeterred by the barrier that separated her from the outside world, Jade embraced the challenge it presented, ready to tackle her workout with determination and focus. With each step, she felt the weight of the world fall away, replaced by the exhilaration of physical exertion and the promise of progress.
Jade's feet pounded against the pavement as she navigated the meandering streets of her neighborhood on Belvedere Island. Each waterfront home boasted its own dock, with boats bobbing gently in the water, a testament to the nautical lifestyle embraced by its residents. The salty scent of the sea lingered in the air, mingling with the fresh morning breeze as Jade pushed herself to maintain her pace.
As she reached Beach Road, Jade's gaze drifted towards the marina, where the houses nestled within the lagoons came into view. The tranquil beauty of the surroundings served as a backdrop to her morning run, inspiring her to push a little harder and go a little further.
Arriving at the market, Jade slowed her pace and entered, grateful for the opportunity to replenish her water supply. "Morning, Carlos," she greeted the familiar face behind the counter, her words punctuated by the rhythm of her breaths as she caught her breath.
Carlos returned her greeting with a friendly smile, accustomed to seeing Jade during her morning runs. "Morning, Ms. West." Another early start, I see," he remarked, reaching for a bottle of water and placing it on the counter for her.
"Thanks, Carlos," Jade replied gratefully, exchanging a few bills for the water before resuming her journey. With the bottle in hand, she continued her run, feeling refreshed and invigorated as she pressed on towards her next destination.
"You clocking me?" Jade quipped with a chuckle, amused by the idea of being monitored during her morning routine.
"No ma'am. It's you like clockwork, 6:45 every morning here you are. Unless it's raining, then it's 6:55," Carlos replied with a grin, his familiarity with Jade's schedule evident in his response.
The woman laughed heartily, her spirits lifted by the friendly banter. Taking a big swig of her water, she savored the refreshing sensation, relishing the feeling of exertion that came with her morning workout. "Mmm, I love working up a thirst," she remarked with a satisfied smile.
"Don't forget to put in for your internship this spring semester," Jade reminded Carlos as she made her way towards the door, her thoughts already turning towards the day ahead.
Carlos nodded eagerly, his enthusiasm apparent as he listened to Jade's advice. "Thanks, Jade. I won't forget," he assured her, grateful for the opportunity she had presented him with.
As she stepped outside into the crisp morning air, Jade couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in Carlos and the potential he possessed. With his passion for video game design and his dedication to his studies, she knew he would be a valuable addition to the team. Smiling to herself, she made a mental note to follow up with him later, eager to see where his journey would lead him.
With a wave goodbye to Carlos, Jade resumed her run, making her way back up Beach Street towards her house, completing her morning exercise routine of approximately five miles. Upon arriving home, she padded around the house, effortlessly pulling out her clothes before heading straight to the shower.
Fifteen minutes later, Jade emerged from the shower, her hair still damp but drying to a glossy shine. Strands of black and blue cascaded down her back, framing her face with a hint of effortless elegance. With a towel wrapped around her shoulders, she moved with purpose, preparing to get dressed for the day ahead.
Opting for comfort over formality, Jade selected a black lace shirt to pair with a blue tank top and a cozy black hoodie. She slipped into a pair of leather black pants, the soft material conforming to her figure with ease. As a tech CEO, she had the freedom to dress however she pleased, but today, comfort took precedence over style.
With her outfit chosen, Jade took a moment to admire her reflection in the mirror, satisfied with the casual yet chic ensemble she had put together. With a final adjustment of her hair, she grabbed her belongings and prepared to embark on the day's adventures, ready to tackle whatever challenges awaited her with confidence and determination.
Jade scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, running her fingers through her shoulder-length black hair with streaks of blue. As she noted the chestnut brown roots beginning to show, a slight frown creased her brow. She made a mental note to schedule a touch-up appointment soon, unwilling to let her hair lose its vibrant color.
Turning her attention to her makeup, Jade applied a heavy winged liner to her eyes, accentuating their striking blue irises. With precise strokes, she created a bold and dramatic look that drew attention to her most captivating feature. The barest hint of eyeshadow added depth and dimension, enhancing the intensity of her gaze without overpowering it.
For her lips, Jade opted for just a hint of color, applying a glossy lip product that added a subtle sheen to her pout. With her eyes dominating her face, she preferred to keep the focus on them, allowing their arresting beauty to speak for itself.
Satisfied with the final result, Jade stepped back to assess her appearance once more. The heavy winged liner and subtle lip gloss complemented her features perfectly, enhancing her natural beauty without overshadowing it. With a confident smile, she gathered her belongings and prepared to face the day ahead, knowing that she looked every bit the formidable CEO she was.
Jade picked up her bag and made her way to her car, a sleek Volvo EX 30. She unplugged it, and with a sigh of relief, she slid into the driver's seat, feeling the familiar comfort of her vehicle enveloping her. As she started the engine and began her journey towards the highway, she reached for her phone and dialed her office number.
The sound of Mariela's accented English greeted her through the speakers in the car as she answered, "Jade West's office, how may I help you?"
"Morning, Mari," Jade replied, her voice calm despite the chaos of San Francisco traffic surrounding her.
"Hey, Jade. Good morning," Mariela responded warmly. "God, everyone is looking for you this morning. What the hell happened?"
"Buzz Media happened," Jade explained matter-of-factly. "Everyone is trying to find out what the structure is going to be."
"Haha! No wonder," Mariela chuckled, her voice slightly distracted as she typed something on her end. "I have three file folders in the cloud with messages for you."
Jade nodded to herself, grateful for Mariela's efficiency in managing the influx of messages and inquiries. "Thanks, Mari. I'll take a look as soon as I get to the office," she replied, already mentally preparing herself for the busy day ahead.
"Great," Dar sighed on the other end of the line. "Schedule me out this afternoon to Buzz, and call a staff meeting of the acquisitions team for 10 am, okay?" Jade stated firmly, her voice laced with determination.
"Okay, got you," Mariela responded, making quick notes on her end. "You had a doctor's appointment this afternoon," she reminded Jade, her tone concerned.
"Cancel it," Jade replied, anticipating Mariela's objection. She braced herself for the disappointed silence that followed. "Can't help it, Mari. It's just a checkup, it can wait a few days. This account needs to be settled today," she explained, her resolve unwavering.
The headaches that had prompted the appointment had tapered off during the weekend anyway, and Jade felt great today. With any luck, they would stay away for a while longer. "Seriously, Mari… I took it easy this weekend, and I feel great today."
"Fine, I'm calling your doctor and getting you another appointment," Mari replied stubbornly, her concern evident in her tone.
Jade sighed but knew she wouldn't win this argument. "Okay, got you," she relented, knowing that Mariela had her best interests at heart. With the matter settled, Jade refocused her attention on the tasks at hand, determined to navigate the challenges of the day with her characteristic poise and determination.
"That's cool," Jade stated casually, her mind already shifting to the next task at hand. "I gotta go, I need to call Sinjin."
"Right," Mariela replied, her tone conveying a hint of annoyance that Jade could sense even through the phone. "You tell him to stop hacking my work emails; it's totally creepy."
Jade smirked at the playful complaint. "I will let him know. Talk to you in a bit," she said before disconnecting the call. With a quick command to Siri, she dialed Sinjin's number, and soon the phone was ringing.
A gruff voice answered on the other end. "Yeah?"
"Good morning, Sinjin," Jade greeted him, her tone carrying a sense of urgency.
"Who… Um… Jade? Of course, it's Jade. What's up?" Sinjin responded, sounding slightly groggy. He had likely been sleeping after a late night of work. As Jade's most trusted white-hat hacker, he was invaluable to her operations.
"I need you to infiltrate Buzz, Sinj," Jade stated bluntly, her tone leaving no room for argument. As she navigated her SUV through street traffic, she emphasized the importance of the task at hand. "Now."
"Awww come on, Jade… You closed last night!" Sinjin protested, sounding slightly exasperated.
"I have a meeting there this afternoon, and I need the information, Sinj. Get in there and get it, no whining," Jade commanded, her authority as the manager of Information Services evident in her tone. "Their encryption is bullshit; it shouldn't take you more than fifteen minutes to get in."
Sinjin Vancleef, renowned elite hacker and cracker, took great pride in his reputation and expertise. He bristled at any insinuation that he couldn't deliver on a task, especially when it came to his abilities in the world of cyber espionage.
During an acquisition, the new account often harbored information that they wanted to keep hidden from their new management. Personnel reports, workers' comp claims, insurance statistics – these were the kinds of details Jade needed to make informed decisions about staffing and resource allocation. However, such information was typically kept under wraps for good reason.
Jade's role now was to integrate the new account into her infrastructure as efficiently as possible, maximizing its profitability within her corporation. While she had assigned John to handle this task, she knew better than to rely solely on him. John was a bleeding heart, always eager to help others, which sometimes conflicted with the ruthless efficiency required in their line of work. Together, Jade and John struck a delicate balance between compassion and pragmatism.
Their strategy was simple yet effective: shift work from the new company to existing agencies within their corporation, rendering the newcomers redundant. Despite the perception of her as a shark circling defenseless prey, Jade never failed to assert her dominance and streamline operations with lightning speed. Her reputation for making savage yet precise decisions preceded her, earning her the respect and fear of those in the industry.
With Buzz Media being a local acquisition, situated right off Woodland Avenue, Jade saw an opportunity to assert her authority without the need for elaborate maneuvers. "Get going, Sinj. I need the prelims by the time I hit the office," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for delay or excuses. As the wheels of her SUV continued to roll forward, Jade remained focused on her objective, determined to maintain her track record of success and efficiency, especially when it came to handling local acquisitions like Buzz Media.
"Where are you?" Sinjin's voice came through with a rapid-fire clicking, indicative of his simultaneous work on the database.
"I'm out by Stanford," Jade replied casually, her tone betraying none of the urgency of their conversation.
"Ooh, you're slowing down, Jadalyn. I'm in… I got the database. I am sending you the info," Sinjin announced triumphantly, the sound of satisfaction evident in his voice.
Jade couldn't help but chuckle at his efficiency. "Sinjin, you're a beast," she complimented him, acknowledging his skill in breaking through the security barriers.
"This security is bullshit. No wonder these losers got inhaled," Sinjin muttered indignantly. "Oh, no wonder. Their systems are super antiquated and could use a thorough update. And unsecured gateways too… Geeze, Jade, they don't even have a fucking firewall."
"Pathetic," Jade agreed, her disdain for the lax security measures evident in her tone. "Who's responsible for this mess?"
"Hmm," Sinjin hummed thoughtfully, accompanied by more clicking sounds as he delved deeper into the database. "It says Tori Vega Sh… Yep, bingo… damn! She is smoking."
Jade rolled her eyes at Sinjin's diversion. "Come on, Sinj," she urged, eager to focus on the task at hand.
Sinjin's voice trailed off as he continued to sift through the data, his observations bordering on intrusive. "She is gorgeous – brown hair, brown eyes, high cheekbones… Damn, those things could cut diamonds. Damn, she's just a fucking kid… Twenty-seven, not married, healthy… Oh wait, she had a pregnancy test just after Christmas last year. Negative…."
Jade sighed, a hint of impatience creeping into her tone as she grew weary of Sinjin's unnecessary commentary. She is the exact same age as that Vega girl, and he was only a year older. "Sinjin, don't be creepy. Let's stick to the task, Sinj. Focus on the information we need," she reminded him firmly, determined to steer the conversation back on track despite Sinjin's penchant for distractions.
Sinjin, oblivious to Jade's frustration, continued his commentary, seemingly lost in his own world of data and analysis. But Jade knew they couldn't afford to waste time on trivialities. The information they sought was crucial for their objectives, and they needed to stay focused to ensure their success.
"Fine… she has an Information Sciences degree from MIT. She's from somewhere up there in the Northeast, in the New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts tristate area," Sinjin continued, his voice more focused now as he relayed the pertinent information. "Her last job was for Edutech as their regional coordinator in upstate New York. And her mom is Senator Vega from Connecticut."
Jade absorbed the details, her mind already piecing together the puzzle of Tori Vega's background and potential motivations. The revelation of Tori's prestigious education and familial connections added a layer of complexity to the situation, shedding light on her qualifications and the potential political ramifications of her involvement.
"Interesting," Jade murmured, her tone thoughtful as she processed the new information. "Keep digging, Sinj. Let's see if there's anything else we need to know."
"Really?" Jade exclaimed, her surprise evident in her tone as she turned towards her building, the imposing industrial warehouse that housed her company looming overhead. "She has been trying to ban Zombie Apocalypse for the graphic depictions."
As she directed her Volvo towards her parking spot, Jade nodded to the gate guard as she passed by him, her mind already racing with thoughts of Tori Vega's actions and their potential implications.
"Okay, can you give me a file on her too?" Jade requested her determination to uncover every detail about Tori Vega's background and motivations evident in her voice.
Sinjin chuckled at Jade's request. "What, am I new?" he quipped. "It's in your inbox. I'm going to include the photo ID."
Jade nodded, grateful for Sinjin's efficiency. "Thanks, Sinj. You're the best," she said appreciatively, knowing she could always rely on him to deliver the information they needed with precision and speed. With the file on Tori Vega now in her possession, Jade was one step closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding their newest adversary.