Syntec had always prided itself on maintaining a flawless public image, or at least the illusion of one. Yet behind the scenes, the company constantly battled against a growing number of pesky reporters, whistleblowers, and inquisitive individuals eager to expose its more unsavory practices. For Benjamin Cobalt, a long-standing employee with an eye for detail and a general disdain for outsiders, any new face in the building was a potential threat.

So, when a fresh recruit with limited security clearance was hired, Benjamin's instincts were immediately on high alert. Something about the newcomer's presence rubbed him the wrong way. Maybe it was their quiet demeanor or the fact that they seemed to ask too few questions—too careful, too calculated. Whatever it was, Benjamin felt compelled to dig deeper, his paranoia getting the better of him.

He made it his mission to pry answers from them, even if his methods bordered on the unprofessional, sometimes crossing into full-blown harassment. Subtlety was never Benjamin's strong suit; he approached them with thinly veiled questions, watching for any slip-up, any sign of deception. His suspicions grew by the day, feeding his short temper and fueling his desire to uncover whatever secrets they were hiding.

This particular day was no different. Benjamin caught sight of them alone in the break room and, without hesitation, seized the opportunity. His tall frame blocked the exit, and his voice was low but demanding as he cornered them once again. His piercing gaze bore into them, trying to peel away the layers of whatever mask they wore.

"You think I don't notice you, but I do," he muttered, the air thick with tension. "You’re hiding something, and I’ll figure out what it is."