Chapter Text
Fina Valero has kind eyes. More than that, they are warm and kind.
And yes, she is more than just her gentle gaze, yet it's important to mention this first.
I hope it tells you something about who Fina is.
Today, her thick eyebrows are arched in admiration as she takes in the towering structure before her, Reinovate.
The building stands tall and sleek, as if it grew from the earth itself. Its glass facade catching the sunlight just right, casting kaleidoscope like patterns on Fina's face. The landscape around it - rolling hills and dense forests - seems to embrace the building, blending nature with modernity in a way that feels almost seamless.
Located just beyond the bustle of the city, it was founded by the de la Reina family, known for their pioneering contributions to robotics and engineering
Fina pauses for a moment, letting the scene sink in. There’s a quiet anticipation in her chest, a feeling stirred by the whisper of the unknown in the air.
The company’s newest ad proudly proclaimed their dedication to cutting edge technological advancement, "a realm where creativity and intellect intertwine," a statement that left many, including Fina, curious about the true essence of this place.
As she walks towards the entrance and pushes the revolving doors open, it feels as though she is being granted a glimpse behind the veil.
The lobby’s expansiveness takes her by surprise.
The space feels airy, with a soft hum of hurried conversations and distant footsteps, creating a rhythmic murmur that fills the room. She pauses, absorbing the gleam of polished floors and the light filtering through tall windows, providing shifting patterns on the ground. Large potted plants, carefully chosen to complement the sleek design, add a touch of green, breaking the monochrome palette of the interior.
As she steps further inside, the cool air brushes against her skin, carrying the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with subtle hints of floral and musky perfumes. The ceiling stretches high above, with recessed lighting that casts a soft, even glow throughout the space. Digital displays line the walls, showcasing abstract art and scenes of technological innovation, giving the space a dynamic and creative atmosphere.
Fina, dressed in a vibrant floral dress that hinted at her love for all things vintage, adjusted the hem nervously as she approached the receptionist.
The young woman behind the desk had perfectly styled hair and a look of mild annoyance, as if Fina’s presence had interrupted something important. She tapped her pen lightly on the desk, a subtle sign of impatience.
"Good morning," Fina said, offering a warm smile. "I have an appointment with Mr. de la Reina."
The receptionist glanced up from her screen, her expression softening slightly but maintaining a professional distance. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and straightened her posture. "Name, please?"
"Fina Valero."
The receptionist tapped a few keys, then nodded. "Ah, yes. You're expected. Please have a seat. Mr. de la Reina will be with you shortly."
"Thank you," Fina replied, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.
The receptionist gave a brief, polite smile, more out of duty than warmth, before returning to her work.
Fina nodded appreciatively and moved to the seating area, choosing a spot that gave her a good view of the lobby. She sat down, smoothing the hem of her vibrant floral dress, and began to take in her surroundings.
The lobby was a hive of activity, with employees moving purposefully between meetings, their conversations blending into a low, constant buzz. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and glanced around at the people passing by.
As she waited, Fina’s attention was drawn to a group of people gathered near a digital display, animatedly discussing something. Their gestures were broad and their excitement palpable even from a distance.
Nearby, a woman in a tailored suit walked briskly towards the elevators, a look of determination on her face. Here, everyone seemed to move with a sense of purpose.
Fina’s eyes settled on a woman who stood out from the rest. She had an air of confidence about her and authority. Her light brown, wavy hair catching the light as she moved. Fina’s curiosity got the better of her, and she continued to observe the woman. She was speaking with a colleague, her expression focused and seemingly thoughtful. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Fina felt a jolt of self consciousness at being caught. The woman, however, seemed to have no reaction at all and simply returned to her conversation. Fina hesitated, then quickly looked away, her cheeks warming slightly.
Just then, the receptionist called out, breaking Fina’s train of thought. "Ms. Valero, Mr. de la Reina is ready for you now."
The 15th floor greeted her with a hum of activity, the kind that signifies focused work rather than chaos.
The hallway was sleek and modern, lined with digital displays showcasing Reinovate’s latest breakthroughs.
On one screen, advanced robotics meticulously assembled microchips, each movement precise and almost mesmerizing in its efficiency. Another display offered a closer look at the intricate designs of these microchips, highlighting their importance in the technology of tomorrow.
As Fina walked slowly down the corridor, she noticed the understated elegance of the design.
The walls were a soft grey, accentuating the vibrant colors on the screens. Interactive panels lined the path, inviting her to engage with detailed animations of the robotics at work.
She paused by one, watching as a robotic arm placed a tiny component onto a chip with impeccable accuracy. The display explained how these microchips would power everything from everyday electronics to sophisticated AI systems.
She moved on, her eyes drawn to another display that showed the cleanrooms where these chips were manufactured, emphasizing the sterile, controlled environments required for such delicate work.
The anticipation she felt earlier was now mingled with a growing sense of purpose.
Fina stood outside the door, gathering her thoughts. She took a deep breath and knocked gently. After a moment, a deep, authoritative voice called from inside. “Come in.” Fina opened the door and stepped into Damián de la Reina’s office.
The office was a study in contrasts, an interplay of sleek technology and personal austerity. Large windows allowed natural light to flood the room, casting long shadows on the polished floor. A sleek glass desk with chrome accents occupied the center, flanked by chairs upholstered in soft, black leather. On one wall, an interactive display showcased Reinovate’s latest projects, the data charts and images rotating smoothly, awaiting interaction.
Bookshelves lined one side of the office, filled with volumes on robotics, engineering, classic literature, and modern fiction. Among the neatly arranged books, a few framed photographs were placed with deliberate precision. The images showed poised individuals in formal settings, their expressions composed and professional. These photographs, more reminiscent of portraits than personal mementos, hinted at Damián's preference for order and accomplishment over warmth and intimacy.
As Fina entered the room, she scanned the photographs on the bookshelves. Her eyes landed on a familiar face. It was the woman she had seen earlier in the lobby, her light brown, wavy hair and poised demeanor unmistakable.
Suddenly, it clicked. These were the same faces she had seen occasionally during her childhood visits to the de la Reina household, faces she had heard about in her father's stories.
Damián himself stood by the window, a tall man with graying hair and a sharp, attentive gaze. His tailored suit exuded authority, a testament to a lifetime of accomplishments. As Fina entered, he turned, his eyes softening slightly as he extended a hand in welcome.
“Ms. Valero, welcome. Please, have a seat,” he said, gesturing to a chair opposite his desk.
“Thank you, Mr. de la Reina,” Fina replied, shaking his hand and sitting down.
Damián sat down across from her, clasping his hands on the desk. “Your father has spoken highly of you, Ms. Valero. He’s been with our family for many years, and his recommendation carries weight. Here at Reinovate, we value loyalty and the unique insights of those who have grown up in our orbit.”
Fina felt a swell of pride and a touch of apprehension. “Thank you, sir. I’m eager to contribute.”
Damián nodded, his gaze steady and appraising.
“We’re working on some groundbreaking projects that I’m sure you’ll find fascinating. After our meeting, my daughter Marta will show you around.” He gestured subtly towards the bookshelf where the photograph of Marta was displayed. “She leads our development team and can give you a better sense of our current endeavors.”
Fina’s heart skipped a beat. “I’d be honored, Mr. de la Reina,” she said, feeling a curious mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Damián offered a brief, approving smile. “Excellent. Let’s begin, shall we?”
As they discussed her role, Fina felt herself gradually being drawn into the vision Damián laid out for the future. His fervent passion for pushing the boundaries of technology was palpable, an undercurrent that charged the room. Fina began to understand why Reinovate stood at the forefront of the industry.
Damián spoke broadly about the company’s mission and goals. He described how Reinovate aimed to lead in technological advancements that could redefine industries and improve daily life. Renewable energy solutions, robotics crafted with precision, and innovations designed to make urban living more sustainable were all part of the picture he painted.
As she listened, Fina realized that this was an opportunity to be part of something meaningful, a place where her contributions could align with a vision that aspired to shape a better future. This realization settled within her, filling her with a calm resolve to step into this new chapter with both curiosity and dedication.
Just then, a door on the far left side of the room, which Fina had failed to notice earlier, opened quietly. The soft click of heels on the polished floor announced the arrival of a woman whose presence was both commanding and serene.
"Father, I just finished briefing the team on the new project," she said, her voice measured and composed. She paused when she noticed Fina, her gaze momentarily curious before settling into a professional demeanor. "Oh, I didn't realize you were still in a meeting. My apologies."
Damián turned slightly, his expression remaining thoughtful. "Perfect timing as always, Marta. We were just wrapping up." His eyes darted to Fina. "Ms. Valero, I'd like you to meet my daughter, Marta de la Reina. She leads our development team."
Fina stood, extending a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. de la Reina. I've heard a great deal about your work."
Marta's expression was inscrutable, a mixture of curiosity and assessment. She extended her hand, her grip firm but not overpowering. "Welcome to Reinovate, Ms. Valero. I look forward to seeing what you bring to our projects."
Fina managed a composed smile, though inside she felt a surge of both nervousness and excitement.
Damián rose, signaling the conclusion of their meeting. "Marta and I have some matters to attend to now. We look forward to seeing you on Monday, Ms. Valero. 8:00 AM sharp."
"Thank you, Mr. de la Reina, Ms. de la Reina," Fina replied, her voice steady. As she turned to leave, she couldn't resist glancing back at Marta, who was now engaged in a conversation with her father. There was an aura about Marta, an intensity that lingered in Fina’s thoughts as she made her way down the hallway.