Chapter 5 The interview with Mr Ethan

Brittany's POV

Walking into my room, I threw my bag on the bed before flopping myself on it, my hands behind my head. As I gazed at the ceiling, my mind wandered to the night's incident.

I could remember the glint of a hurt ego that had flashed in Mr Ethan's eyes. He seemed to be getting away with hurting people but if he had a human heart, he will be regretting his actions tonight.

I closed my eyes, thinking of the next step to take. My father's bookstore wasn't fetching enough money so most of the responsibility fell on me. I didn't care how but I was determined to find a better job that would foot all the bills. My sister's tuition fees had to be renewed and my mother had to continue her cancer treatment.

There was no time to sulk as I got my phone and started scrolling through business sites, checking for job opportunities. Pacing from one end of the room to the other, I applied in different sites waiting for their response. Some of the sites had the condition to reply in weeks so I just skipped them. I needed an immediate job.

I sighed countless times as I searched online for the perfect job.Taking back my attention to my phone, a website popped up which I clicked on. There was a job vacancy for a cleaner and a secretary. I applied for both, simply not wanting to lose on both sides.

....

Instead of the usual screeching of the alarm clock, I woke up to the buzzing sound of my phone on the bedside table. I sluggishly reached out to turn it off but sprang up immediately when I saw the notification on my screen. It was a reply from Brooks Enterprise concerning the job application I made the previous day.

My heart thudded in anticipation as I opened the message. I rapidly scanned the screen and a huge smile appeared on my face. They approved my application and scheduled an interview with me.

It was a dream come true as I hurriedly prepared for the interview.

After my shower, I went to my closet and scanned through the clothes, looking for the perfect corporate wear for an interview. I smiled on spotting the neatly ironed navy skirt, crisp white blouse and a blazer to match. I dressed up then came to sit by the mirror. Makeup wasn't really my thing but I just wanted to look my best for this interview.

Having styled my hair professionally, I brought my face closer to notice the paleness around my eyes. Using a foundation on my face, I hid all hints of paleness then applied mascara and lipgloss. I slipped on a pair of flat shoes to complement my outfit. Taking a final glance at my reflection in the mirror, I hoped to be presentable for the interview.

I grabbed a few important documents that would be needed, stuffed them in a bag then walked out of the room . I silently prayed not to meet a rude employer. I couldn't afford to throw another opportunity because of my personal feelings.

Looking up the company's address which wasn't very distant from my house, I boarded a taxi, stopping right in front of the huge building. I got down and looked up at the huge sign 'Brooks Enterprise' at the top of the building. I wonder why I never heard of this company.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the building, admiring the neat large lobby filled with people on corporate wears bustling around. Everyone seemed busy; carrying files, suitcases and bags. I glanced at my right and met a receptionist behind the counter.

"Good morning," I greeted when I walked up to her.

"Good morning," she replied with a noticeable Asian accent, a wide smile spread across her face. "How may I help you?"

"I... I have an interview scheduled for 10 this morning," I replied.

"For the secretary position?" She asked.

"Yes. And..."

"The lift." She cut me off, pointing at the elevator. "To the third floor then the last door at your right."

"Alright. Thank you," I replied before following her direction. I wondered why she didn't mention the cleaning job. Maybe they already had another serious applicant for the job.

Arriving at the glass door at the end of the hallway on the third floor, I expected to see a queue of people waiting for the interview but surprisingly, there was no one around. I checked the time to know if I had come later than other people but it turned out I wasn't late. Does it mean I was the only one who applied for the job?

Releasing myself of all anxiety, I gently knocked on the door then opened it on hearing a mumbled response. I didn't want to believe who I saw sitting behind the desk.

I cursed under my breath as my eyes fell on the familiar figure behind the desk. It was no other than Mr Ethan with an unreadable expression that appeared so natural on his chiselled face.

There was a desk plaque with his name engraved on it, sitting on his desk. I could have done my research about this company before applying for a job.

He kept a steady gaze on me which I couldn't tell if it was a glare or scrutiny. He seemed to be so good at staring, having witnessed him with that woman at Eleganza.

It is a small world indeed. I was seeking a new job from the same man who fired me. There was no point waiting for him to say a word. I already knew what it was going to be. Mortified and unable to keep up with his gaze, I clutched my bag close and turned to go.

"Where're you going?" His voice echoed, a deep baritone and I stopped in my tracks. "Brittany Scott?"

I turned immediately, shocked to hear my full name. How did this man know my name? Someone who had connections all over the world. Of course he had his ways.

"How did you...?" I was asking.

"Your name?" He scoffed lightly. "No one messes with me and goes unpunished."

I pretended to ignore his last statement but it gnawed at me like I had gotten into a tangled web.

"I don't see any reason to wait for this job. You don't employ incompetent women," I said dryly.

He only stared at me with that same unreadable expression I had come to detest.

"Sit." He ordered briskly. "The interview starts now."

I slowly sat down, still surprised that he even gave me an opportunity to stand in his office. I should have been thrown out by the security by now.

Curiosity took a better part of me as I wanted to know how this would unfold.