Chapter 11: The Job Interview

CHLOE There were two things I didn’t expect to see that morning: Richard’s name on my interview confirmation, and my heart immediately deciding that it meant something it probably didn’t. I stood in the entrance of Apex Creative Group, my fingers digging into my portfolio binder. The digital confirmation on my phone screen glowed back at me, my blood ran cold when I saw the executive sponsor listed in the stark font: R. Parker. My mind was full of thoughts. Had he orchestrated this behind the scenes? Was my fresh start another illusion where a powerful man controlled my fate? No! I won't allow this to happen. I would rather suffer in dignity than allowing another man to control me. I smoothed down my navy blazer, forcing myself to take a deep breath. I had applied for this senior event manager position on my own three days ago. I had earned this interview through my own work—or so I had desperately believed. And as for Richard? I had distanced myself from him after our last conversation. I had promised myself to stay away from him until I found out who Parker he really was. “Chloe Brooks?”an executive assistant called out from the glass elevator bank. “Yes…that's me,” I said, stepping forward. “Right this way. The hiring committee is waiting on the fourteenth floor. Good luck.” I stepped into the elevator, my stomach was already twisting. I refused to accept a job handed to me out of pity or corporate power. I had spent four years in Brandon’s shadow. I wouldn't let my new life become another cage. The elevator doors slid open into a bright executive suite. And then my eyes caught on him. My feet froze. Richard was standing near a corner conference room in a navy blue suit, holding a tablet while speaking quietly to two older executives. As if feeling my gaze, or noticing my arrival. My heart jumped; I nearly forgot how to breathe when Richard turned slowly. His gray-blue eyes locked onto mine across the hallway. He excused himself and walked toward me. “Chloe,” he murmured, his voice dropping into a low register. I was unable to speak for more than a minute. I didn't know why his presence made me feel something I didn't mean to. His smell alone made something shift in my heart, as if he was the oxygen I needed to survive. Do I really? No, I cut myself off. “What are you…” I pushed at last, trying not to feel desperate, hugging my binder tighter. “What are you doing here, Richard? Is this... your company?” There was silence and it made me feel uneasy. “No,” Richard finally said cleanly. “I sit on the advisory board for the parent firm. I have a scheme meeting in ten minutes.” I searched his face. “Was this your doing? Did you... put my name in for this?” I hated what followed my question. Richard paused, observing my defensive posture and white-knuckled grip on my binder. “Don't be silly. I didn't even know you applied,” Richard said quietly. “Not until I saw the candidate enrollment on my desk twenty minutes ago. I had nothing to do with your application, Chloe.” A shaky exhale escaped my lips. “Are you sure? Because if you said something…if you used your name…” “I said nothing,” Richard interrupted softly, taking a deliberate step back. “I don't interfere with things that don't belong to me. I was never interested in someone’s personal life. You earned the seat in that room yourself.” Rather than smothering me with reassurances, he simply stepped back, removing his weight from my path. I didn't know if I should believe him or not. But I needed to get out of his sight. I couldn't bear to stay any longer with him. “That's good to hear," I said, lifting my chin. “Because I... I need to do this on my own.” “I know,” Richard murmured, a faint warmth flickering in his gray-blue eyes. “Good luck.” He turned back toward his conference room, leaving me alone in the hallway. But, the fire he ignited inside me was still burning. Even though he just left for a second, I found myself missing his dark, soft voice immediately. Five minutes later, I sat at the head of a long mahogany table facing a three-person hiring panel. “Ms. Brooks,” the creative director said, reviewing my portfolio. “Your history with corporate galas is comprehensive. But managing high-profile events in New York requires handling extreme pressure under tight deadlines. How do you handle sudden crisis management?” I took a slow breath, feeling my professional confidence settle over me like armor. “When a crisis happens during an event…” I paused, my voice leveling out. “You don't panic. You separate the problem, reorganize your timeline, and execute a solution before the client even realizes something went wrong.” For the next thirty minutes, I relied entirely on my experience and vision. I broke down logistical frameworks, presented creative concepts, and navigated budget questions without hesitation. By the time I closed my portfolio, all three panel members were nodding in genuine respect. “This is extraordinary work, Chloe,” the director said, standing to extend her hand. “Our firm needs your operational clarity. The position is yours, if you want it.” A wave of heat washed through my chest, sweeping away my doubts. And why wouldn't I want this kind of offer? I hadn't come this far to reject my first opportunity. I have house rent to pay. I needed to get foodstuffs and buy a few home appliances. “Thank you," I said, gripping her hand firmly. “I accept.” “Congratulations,” they both said. When I stepped out into the executive entrance, the floor was quiet. Richard stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, waiting. I stopped near the edge of the hallway, clutching my binder. Richard stepped toward me, taking in my lifted posture and the flush on my cheeks. He didn't ask if I got the job. “You didn't need me,” Richard said quietly. I met his eyes, my chest expanding with quiet pride. “Right?” I replied softly. There was no vibrant debt or power dynamic between us…just two adults acknowledging each other’s strength. “Congratulations, Chloe,” he said smoothly. “Thank you, Richard.” I turned and walked toward the elevator, pressing the down button. As the doors slid open, I looked back once over my shoulder. Richard was still standing by the window, watching me with a quiet, respectful distance. As the elevator descended, tears pricked my eyes—not of grief, but of complete freedom. I had laid the first ladder of my new life with my own hands. I was proud of the woman I was becoming, and I didn't need those two cheaters to see me succeed. My victory was mine alone, and it always will be. I wasn't in competition with anyone. (Richard’s Pov) As Chloe disappeared through the doors of the elevator, I remained standing near the window, my eyes fixed on the empty corridor. The quiet dignity in her stride still lingered in the air. She moved with a raw strength that was entirely her own. A sharp vibration broke the silence of the floor. I pulled my phone from my jacket pocket and glanced at the private line flashing on the screen. The warmth in my posture vanished. My jaw set into cold stone as I pressed the receiver to my ear. My answer was with only two words: “Find him. Now.”