Chapter 3 The gauntlet

Emma adjusted her blazer as she stood outside the towering Cross Enterprises building, her stomach churning with a mixture of nerves and determination. The sleek, glass-walled skyscraper loomed above her, a symbol of power and influence that made her mission feel even more daunting. She tightened her grip on her portfolio, silently reminding herself that this was her moment. She wasn't just walking into an interview she was walking into enemy territory.

The moment she stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The air was cool and sterile, the reception area buzzing with quiet efficiency. Security guards flanked the entrance, their sharp eyes scanning every movement. Emma joined the line of applicants waiting to be cleared for entry, her fake ID and new name, Alexandra Collins ready to be tested.

The search process was thorough, almost invasive. Each applicant was asked to hand over their bags for scanning, walk through metal detectors, and undergo a brief interrogation about their purpose. Emma noted the way the guards scrutinized every applicant, their questions sharp and curt.

"Purpose of visit?" one guard asked, his tone clipped.

"Interview for the personal assistant position," Emma replied evenly, keeping her voice steady.

The guard nodded but didn't soften. "ID and appointment confirmation?"

Emma handed over the forged ID and printed email. She held her breath as the guard studied the documents. After what felt like an eternity, he waved her through, and she exhaled silently.

Inside the waiting area, the hostility was palpable. The other applicants sat stiffly, their eyes darting between one another with suspicion and competition. Most were dressed impeccably in designer suits and heels that screamed wealth and privilege. Emma's modest attire, while professional, felt plain in comparison.

She felt the judgmental stares before she even sat down. A woman with perfectly coiffed hair sneered slightly as her eyes swept over Emma's outfit. A man in an expensive watch smirked as he adjusted his cufflinks. The tension in the room was thick, but Emma refused to let it intimidate her.

One of the applicants, a tall brunette with an air of entitlement, leaned toward Emma. "You know, they're only taking one candidate. Maybe you should try somewhere less... competitive." Her tone was syrupy with condescension.

Emma smiled tightly, meeting the woman's gaze head-on. "Thanks for the advice, but I think I'll take my chances."

The brunette raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting a response, and turned away with a dismissive shrug. Emma straightened her shoulders, refusing to let the judgment get to her. She hadn't come this far to let a roomful of strangers shake her confidence.

When her name was finally called, Emma stood up and walked into the interview room, her heart pounding but her expression calm. The room was stark and imposing, with a long table where three interviewers sat, their faces unreadable. A fourth seat at the head of the table remained empty, but Emma suspected it belonged to Damian Cross himself.

The lead interviewer, a stern woman with steel-gray hair, wasted no time. "Miss Collins, what makes you think you're qualified to work as Mr. Cross's personal assistant?"

Emma launched into her rehearsed answer, highlighting her organizational skills, her experience in high-pressure environments, and her ability to manage complex schedules. But before she could finish, the second interviewer, a man with sharp features, cut in.

"This position requires absolute discretion and loyalty. What assurance can you give us that you won't compromise the company's confidentiality?"

Emma paused, carefully considering her words. "I understand the importance of confidentiality in a role like this. My professional record speaks for itself, I've never compromised the trust of my employers, and I don't intend to start now."

The questions came rapidly after that, each one more challenging than the last. They grilled her on her problem-solving abilities, her knowledge of Cross Enterprises' operations, and even hypothetical scenarios designed to test her quick thinking.

"Mr. Cross is known for his demanding schedule and high standards," the gray-haired woman said. "How do you plan to keep up with someone like him?"

Emma met her gaze steadily. "By being adaptable, proactive, and meticulous. I understand that Mr. Cross's time is valuable, and I'm confident in my ability to support him effectively."

The final question caught her off guard.

"If you discovered something unethical within the company, how would you handle it?"

Emma's pulse quickened. She knew the answer they wanted a reassurance that she would remain loyal to the company no matter what. But she also knew she couldn't afford to appear dishonest.

"I would address it through the proper channels," she said carefully. "It's important to maintain integrity, but also to respect the company's procedures for handling such matters."

The panel exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.

When the interview finally ended, Emma walked out of the room feeling drained but proud. She had held her ground, even when the questions became intense. The atmosphere had been cold and intimidating, but she had refused to let it rattle her.

Back in the waiting area, the other applicants barely spared her a glance as she sat down. They were too busy whispering among themselves, their expressions a mix of confidence and anxiety. Emma couldn't help but wonder if she had done enough to stand out.

As she sat there, replaying the interview in her mind, she felt a small flicker of hope. She had faced worse challenges before, and she wasn't going to give up now.

No matter what it took, Emma was determined to get that job.