Chapter 4 The Turning Point

Isa woke up to her six a.m. alarm, groggy from a night of restless sleep. Today was the day of her final job interview, and the pressure weighed heavily on her mind. She couldn't afford to fail again. All her savings had dwindled away, either spent on medical bills to treat her wounds or wasted at the bar. Ethan had been an immense help, providing for her in her time of need, but she couldn't continue to rely on him forever. She needed this job.

Ethan wasn't beside her, which initially caused her concern, but her worries dissipated when he walked in, looking dapper in his fine tuxedo, his hair perfectly styled, and his shoes sparkling. He was fixing his cufflinks when he noticed her awake.

"Isa? What are you doing awake at this time?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

"I couldn't sleep," she admitted. "I'm really scared about my interview. I mean, what if I don't get it?" Her voice trembled with anxiety.

"Shh, don't think about negative thoughts, hmm? Everything's going to be just fine. And if the interview doesn't go well, I can always provide for you, you know," Ethan said, trying to soothe her.

"I don't want to rely on you for money, Ethan. Plus, you've done so much for me that I just cannot take anything more from you," she replied, her voice firm despite her worries.

"But you already have taken something from me, Isa," Ethan said with a teasing smile.

"What's that?" she asked, a bit worried. What else could she have taken from him? She wasn't a thief, so what could it be?

"You took my heart," Ethan said playfully.

"Wow," Isa said, giggling despite herself.

"You know what? Just practice your interview with me. I have some minutes to spare," he suggested, glancing at his watch.

"Okay, okay, sit down on the bed," she commanded him, quickly standing up to begin her mock interview.

"Alright," Ethan said, sitting down.

"My name is Gabriel Isabella. I am here for the position of your personal secretary. I've had several experiences, including being the personal secretary of the executive of WHO and more. I am organized, timely, and can assure you that all work matters will be handled properly. I will by no means misbehave or misconduct in the workplace," she recited.

"Aww, that's cute," Ethan said, patting her head. "Add a few more things to spice it up, and you'll be just fine."

"Okay, thank you," Isa said, leaning up to kiss him.

"See you afterward, babe," Ethan said, pecking her lips once more before leaving for work.

Isa blushed hard, feeling a mix of embarrassment and affection. Ethan always knew how to make her feel better.

By eight thirty, Isa was already waiting outside JCO Corporation, the largest and most successful business corporation on the continent. The building was a hive of activity, with people rushing about to get their jobs done. The atmosphere was intense, and Isa could hear the CEO yelling at his staff, adding to her nerves.

"This guy sure seems scary," she thought to herself.

Finally, the moment arrived. The CEO's assistant came out to call her in. "Miss Isabella, the CEO would like to start the interview."

"O-okay," she stammered nervously, standing up and entering the office. As she looked up, she was shocked to see who was sitting behind the desk.

"You?" she exclaimed.

There, seated in the CEO's chair, was Ethan, looking as commanding and composed as ever. Her mind raced with confusion and surprise. She had no idea Ethan was the CEO of JCO Corporation. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks.

"Yes, Isa, it's me," Ethan said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I wanted to see how you would handle the interview without knowing it was me."

Isa felt a mix of emotions-relief, anger, and gratitude. "Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"I wanted to see your true potential, without any bias. I needed to know if you could handle the pressure and perform well under real interview conditions," Ethan explained.

Isa took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I understand," she said finally. "But you could have at least given me a hint."

Ethan chuckled. "Maybe, but where's the fun in that?"

Isa couldn't help but smile despite her lingering irritation. "Alright, let's do this then," she said, straightening her posture and looking Ethan in the eyes.

Ethan nodded. "Let's start. Tell me more about your experience and why you think you're the best fit for this position."

Isa took a deep breath and began her pitch. "As I mentioned earlier, I've had several experiences as a personal secretary, including working for the executive of WHO. I am highly organized and have excellent time management skills. I am dedicated to maintaining a professional demeanor at all times and ensuring that all work matters are handled efficiently. I believe my skills and experience make me the perfect candidate for this position."

Ethan listened intently, nodding occasionally. "That's good, Isa. But what sets you apart from other candidates?"

Isa thought for a moment before responding. "I believe my resilience and ability to adapt to challenging situations set me apart. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, I've always managed to stay focused and deliver excellent results. I am committed to continuous improvement and always strive to exceed expectations."

Ethan smiled, clearly impressed. "You've done well, Isa. I believe you have the potential to excel in this role."

Isa's heart swelled with pride and relief. "Thank you, Ethan. That means a lot to me."

Ethan stood up and walked around the desk to stand in front of her. "Welcome to JCO Corporation, Miss Isabella," he said, extending his hand.

Isa shook his hand, her eyes shining with gratitude and determination. "Thank you, Mr. CEO. I won't let you down."

As Isa left the office, she felt a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. She knew that with Ethan's support and her own determination, she could overcome any challenge that came her way. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, and she was ready to embrace it with open arms.