Chapter 4 The Interview

I keep catching him staring at me. Richard Maranzano's gaze feels like it's piercing right through me, even invading my dreams. Today, I saw him again, with his intense, narrowed eyes and a glint of something unsettling. It's as if he's trying to reach me with just his gaze... although that's all in my dream. I know it's not real but it keeps lingering in my mind, leaving me feeling both intrigued and unsettled.

I am currently getting ready for my interview. I am so confident in this because I believe I will get the job, I have the best qualifications, skills, and even experience. No one will turn down me unless they have a personal beef with me and if I remember clearly, no one has a personal beef with me.

Putting on my shoes, I did a quick check-up in front of the mirror to see how I looked. I look perfectly professional, I am wearing a tailored black blazer with a crisp white blouse underneath. Paired with a knee-length pencil skirt and some classic black pumps. To complete the look, I added a sleek watch and a professional tote bag to carry my credentials.

I am so ready for this.

As I make my way towards the door, I raise my voice so Rebecca can hear me clearly. "I'm off to my interview now! Wish me luck!" I call out with excitement.

From the comfort of her room, Rebecca responds, "Good luck! Love you!" I can tell by the sleepy tone of her voice that she had just woken up. Her words fill me with warmth and encouragement as I head out the door.

I hop into a yellow cab and buckle up as I embark on my journey to the office. Despite putting on a confident facade, I can't deny the nervousness bubbling inside me. This opportunity means the world to me, and I desperately want it to go well. For the past six months, I've been relying on Rebecca's support in my job search, and while she's always been there for me without complaint, I can't help but feel a sense of unease about depending on her all the time.

I really need to step up my game and find a means of living which is why I need this job.

I've done my fair share of research, and I know that the owner of the company is Matilda Ryans. She's in need of a personal assistant, and if I manage to secure this position, it would be a game-changer. Not only would I be earning a handsome salary, but it would also provide a significant boost to my level of experience. I'm keeping my fingers tightly crossed that everything falls into place just the way I hope it will.

A few minutes later, I arrived at the building and quickly settled the fare with the taxi driver before stepping out of the car. The bustling scene of people coming in and out caught my attention, and it was clear that everyone was busy with their own tasks.

Making my way towards the receptionist, I greeted her with a friendly smile and says, "Good morning! I'm Rachel Green, and I'm here for the interview."

With a warm smile, she replied, "Welcome, Miss Green! Just give me a second, and I'll guide you."

"Sure, take your time," I responded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

After a brief moment, she pointed towards the elevator and says, "Alright, there you go. Your interview is on the fifth floor. The manager will be waiting for you there."

"Thank you," I expressed my gratitude before heading towards the elevator.

I stepped into the elevator, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves. As I exited the elevator, I found myself face-to-face with the manager. Before I could say a word, she immediately recognized me and says, "Miss Green, right?"

"Yes, that's me. I'm here for the interview," I replied, confirming my purpose.

"Ah, yes. Your interview will take place in the fifth room," she informed me.

"Alright," I say, expecting her to lead the way. However, when she didn't make a move, I couldn't help but ask, "Are you not going to show me the way?"

"Oh, my apologies," she quickly responded. "Of course, I will show you. I just thought you already knew your way around."

"How would I know my way around? I haven't been here before," I exclaimed.

"Really? I thought you knew the boss," she responded.

"Well, I do know the boss, but not personally," I clarified as we started walking towards the fifth door.

"Ah, I see. Well, I should warn you that he can be a little arrogant, so just be careful," she advised.

"He?" I questioned, a bit confused.

"Yes, he," she confirmed. "The new boss is really strict, and he's conducting all the interviews himself."

"Wait, he?" I asked again, feeling puzzled. "I thought Matilda Ryans is the boss, and she's a woman, right."

"Yes, she is but didn't you know she's no longer the boss? The company was bought two days ago," she revealed.

"Oh, I had no idea," I admitted, surprised by the recent change.

"Well, the new boss is just really different than Matilda. This is his first day, and he's already fired fifty old employees," she says with a concerned tone.

"Fifty?" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in shock. I couldn't believe such a drastic change could happen in just one day.

"Yeah, fifty and counting," she confirmed, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and worry. As we approached the door, she patted my shoulder reassuringly. "Now take a seat and be ready. All the best. You got this."

"Thank you," I replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and nervousness. I took a deep breath to steady myself, hoping to gather my thoughts and confidence before the interview.

"You're welcome, Miss Green,"

I took a seat, trying to calm my racing heart. With the manager's actions shaking my confidence, I couldn't help but worry about stumbling over my words when talking to the boss, or worse, being overcome by nerves. I just hope this goes well.

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Just as I was about to gather my thoughts, the door swung open, and there stood Brad, Richard's personal bodyguard. My eyes widen in disbelief, and my heart starts racing. I can't help but wonder what he's doing here.

Isn't he supposed to be with Richard Maranzano? Wait a minute... oh no. Panic sets in as he looks directly at me and calmly says, "Miss Green, it's your turn."

The room suddenly feels heavy with tension and uncertainty as I slowly begin to stand up. My mind is racing with disbelief. Richard Maranzano, of all people, has acquired this company. This completely throws off my plans. The thought of working for Richard Maranzano is daunting, especially considering the circumstances. It's like a job crash - if I don't pass this interview, other companies might reject me just because Richard Maranzano did. But if I do get the job, which I'm not even sure I want anymore, he'll be my boss, and I'm not sure I can handle that.

I gather my courage and step into the office. As I expected, Richard Maranzano is there, engrossed in his laptop. He doesn't even bother to look up, simply gesturing for me to take a seat across from him. "Take a seat, Miss Green," he says in a calm yet commanding tone.

I look at Brad, my heart pounding in my chest, and then shift my gaze towards Richard Maranzano. With a mixture of apprehension and awe, I slowly approach the seat and cautiously take a seat. "Good morning, sir," I say, my voice trembling with nervousness and shock.

Richard Maranzano looks up from his laptop, his piercing blue eyes radiating seriousness. "How are you doing?" he asks, his tone firm yet composed.

"Great," I manage to respond, trying to project confidence despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me.

"Good to know," he replies, his attention quickly returning to his laptop.

I settle into the seat, my mind racing with uncertainty. I'm unsure of what to say or do in this presence that has me on edge. Richard Maranzano's reputation precedes him, making it difficult to gauge what he expects from me.

A few tense minutes pass as he continues to work on his laptop. Finally, he looks up and meets my gaze. "You are hired, Miss Green," he declares, his voice affirming his decision.

"What!" I exclaimed, my eyes widening in disbelief. "You didn't even check my credentials?"

He stood up from his chair, a confident expression on his face. "I believe I don't need to do that. I have all the information I need on my laptop," he says, his tone firm and assured.

I let out a surprised "Ohh," feeling a mix of astonishment and uncertainty in his response.

"It's good to have you on board, Miss Green," he continued, a mischievous smile dancing on his lips. I gulped heavily, my gaze fixed on him as he walked out of the room, leaving me with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

This is not going to go well.