Chapter 4 Convincing

Hate me till your hearts content, accuse me in contempt.

Let it all out, I beg.

To only leave our scarred love in the end.

.................................................narrator pov begin...............

Wait a minute ,they met! They actually met! I can't believe it.

And wasn't that first meet after all these years, explosive?

Could you see those imaginary sparks and their love hate chemistry?

I just love both of them!

But wait...will it end here? Will Ethan never see Vivian again?

Or maybe a little bit of persuasion and pending bills could help.

After all Vivian always had a way of getting things done.

Let's see what happens next, signing off from here is your host Sophie Rogers!

.............................................narrator pov end.....................

She nervously waited in the sitting room,her heel clicking the floor every two seconds to show her anxiety.

Placing both her hands on her shaking thigh,she tried to stop this irritating habit of hers.

Her eyes looking around to see the security people checking all the footages.

Finally it ended and they gave her their full attention.

"I am sorry for the inconvenience ma'am but we are still left with one thing.

We need to check your bag and...you"

Her eyes widened,what do they mean by the statement that they wish to check me.

She handed them over her bag and next she saw a lady motioning her to follow her.

Never had she felt so embarrassed before,they were checking her like she was a thief,when in reality she was just stupid.

The lady checked her properly as if this was a narcotics raid going on.

Once done they asked her to leave.

"But...my interview? I came here for the interview"

The security people exchanged looks between them.

"I am sorry ma'am but you have to leave. Sir asked us to show you out...plus the interview is already over.... the person has been hired"

Her eyes widened. Clenching her fists she was trying her best to control her anger.

First they accuse of something she never did,they check her like she is a criminal and now they tell her they hired someone else.

She needed this job desperately ,hell how was she supposed to pay her bills?

Life was really a mockery,from being the daughter of one of the richest men in the country,she came down to this.

With 5 years imprisonment record ,no one was willing to hire her.

But then could she work here...in the same building as him?

"Where is he?"

She asked,trying to sound brave for once.

Come on Vivian. You can do this!

"How come I didn't even get a chance to get interviewed? "

"Sir is busy in a meeting ma'am.

We can't answer your questions ma'am. Sorry . Please leave."

She turned around on her heel. Not ready to let this job go because of her past again.

She has lost so much already.

Her eyes luckily fell on the words meeting room written outside a door.

Not giving a damn about the repercussions and the warnings from behind,she slammed the door open.

10 pair of eyes fell on her,the person giving the presentation stopped abruptly and silence followed.

Her angry eyes were least concerned about their stares.

She was only searching for one set of eyes and she found them behind the glass of spectacles.

Her anger subdued a bit seeing how hot he looked in those spectacles.

How beautifully they highlight his long pointed nose and mesmerising eyes.

While the new intern giving the presentation seemed starstruck by the hot beauty that interrupted his words,Ethan called for his attention and asked him to continue.

The intern merely nodded, trying to get a grip on his mind and continuing.

"So the sal...es for the last quart...er showed a tremendous-"

He was a stuttering mess,nervous and Ethan know the reason for it.

The intern was distracted by her just like everyone else in the room.

She hated how he ignored her like she never existed.

Making her way towards him ,she made heads turn.

Stopping near Ethan's chair she speaks.

"I haven't given my interview. You can't reject me before giving me a square chance."

Everyone was in shock. No one dared to talk to him in such a tone.

They just followed his orders,never questioned them and this girl here was challenging without a care in this world.

He didn't look at her,his eyes fixed on the staff that rushed inside from behind, following her.

Dissapointement clear in them,they may even get fired.

"Wasn't I clear when I instructed. Get this woman out of my building?"

The gulped, lowering their heads. When Vivian dares to block his view.

"I wish to talk."

She says and he clenches his fist. The audacity of this woman.

"Guards! -"

"Mr Lockwood. Calm down. There is no need for them. Why don't we listen to this youg lady atleast?"

The investors say, fascinated to her external beauty just like he was once. He takes a deep breath , leaning back on his seat.

A nerve throbbing in his forehead.

"Thank you gentlemen. I..was just here for the interview"

She says in her sweet voice that sickened him.

Placing down the pen and closing his file.

He finally looks at her.

"Does this look like an interview to you Miss Klein?"

She looked around, knowing well that she has just barged into a meeting and distrupted their business.

"Ethan..my Son. Let the lady speak. She means no harm."

"I... didn't got a chance to interview and this job means so much to me. I am sorry I interrupted like this. But it...was urgent"

"But young lady this young man just got selected for the position you applied for."

Her eyes met the blue eyes of the boy already staring at her.

When Ethan interrupted.

"But....."

He says looking at the boy.

"Seeing how short of an attention span he has and how easily he gets distracted. It would be just if you continue this presentation.Miss Vivian"

Everyone looked taken back along with her.

"You dare to disrupt my meeting with your uninvited attendance,so I consider it fair if you carry it further."

He says ,looking at her with those challenging eyes

"Hand her the files"

He ordered making the new intern to nod and place them in her hands.

She scanned the file in her hands ready to accept his challenge.

Her hands shaking but mind determined.

"I need 10 minutes"

She said looking back at him to which he shrugged and proceeded to leave the room.

"I will be back in 5, you better be prepared Miss Klein"

...................................................

"The data shows that company has been spending only 5% of total net profits on marketing since last two years.

We reap what we sow, if we don't invest funds in marketing ,boosting sales will remain only as a wishful thinking.

As compared to our competitors,our spending on marketing should be increased.

If we manage to spend even 1% more of it,sales can boost by 7% atleast as per our past average."

She was interrupted in between by one of the members sitting there.

"Numbers are what we are all aware of,we want ideas Miss Klein."

"Ideas? As in you want my ideas on marketing?"

The person sat back on his seat, passing her a flirtatious smile and nodding.

"Offcourse I mean a face like yours can be used on our posters . Wouldn't that be a better marketing strategy?"

She went silent for a second.

His eyes taking in her unusual reaction.

But others who sat around on the table agreed to the person's idea.

"Don't you think she will look perfect on our brand posters? Mr Lockwood ?"

He just stared at her coldly,his scrutinizing gaze making her more conscious.

She seemed uncomfortable due to unknown reason.

Her eyes downcasted and afraid.

When one would jump in excitement at just a great job offer,she avoided their stares.

Strange.This was even unexpected for him.

"It takes more than a beautiful face for such a position."

He said and she looked up at him,her eyes trying to find answers to question even she wasn't aware of.

"I can't......I am sorry..but I really can't. I ...."

"Why not miss? You will be payed double than a marketing manager plus you will be famous.

It won't be a surprise if you are approach by modeling companies and you become the next sensation"

A new person said joining the conversation.

While she had beads of sweat on her forehead.

They all were trying to motivate her but in contrast they were doing the opposite.

They were hitting on the same glass which was filled with cracks but still holding together.

They were unknowingly pointing towards her insecurities.

"Enough"

Came his voice, killing all the ruckus in the room.

"If this is it you may leave miss Klein. Your interview is officially over"

His words were the final blow.

He won't understand how badly she needed this position.

"But...they...I..."

She tries to interrupt.

But he didn't wait, making his way out he was gone crushing her dream of joining this company.

She had to do something.

She can't let him leave like that.

She followed him ignoring people calling her from behind.

"Excuse me!!

His broad back and elegant walk making it easy for her to distinguish him from others.

"Eth.....Sir!!!"

She wished things were different.

But Alas they never could be .

Rushing through ,she colliding with few on her way,her ankle getting twisted on her way but she didn't care.

Getting up she limped for few steps,her eyes only following him.

Seeing him enter the elevator,she nearly sprinted. Ignoring the pain in her ankle which was beginning to swell.

"Sir!"

She screams ,placing her hand between the closing doors.

And that's when he finally looked up from his phone, surprised to see her following him.

The door closed and she bended down catching her breath.

He assessed her flustered cheeks and wild hair.

Her mouth open to speak something but her short breath beating her to it.

"I...I really want this position ..Ethan..."

"I...."

"This is my private elevator Miss Klein... outsiders are not allowed."

"But Sir...."

"Get out!"