Chapter 1 Interviews and coincidence

Sally was not feeling very excited this morning. She was heading to another job interview. Dressed in a simple shirt and skirt, she held her bag and documents tightly. When she arrived at the company's building, she decided to grab a cup of coffee as she rode the elevator.

After taking a few sips, she realized she needed to use the restroom. She tried to hold it in, but the pressure became overwhelming. As soon as the elevator door opened, she dashed out, not paying attention to her surroundings. In her haste, she bumped into someone, spilling her coffee all over him. Sally froze in shock.

"What the...? Can't you watch where you are going?" he exclaimed, visibly angry. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket to clean himself up. As he did, Sally had a better look at him. He wore a black suit and a colorful tie, and he had a magnificent build. The spilled coffee stained his white inner shirt, revealing the outline of his abs. He had brown hair, high cheekbones, pink lips, and a striking complexion. Standing about six feet tall, he was undeniably handsome; Sally found herself captivated.

"What are you staring at?" he shouted.

Sally snapped out of her daze and replied, "I am so sorry. I never meant to do this. Please, let me help you." She offered her handkerchief to help him clean up.

He snapped back, " you have done enough already. Get your clumsy hands off me! You look like you can't do anything right. Good for nothing."

Sally stared at him, feeling frustrated. "Well, I am not the only one at fault. You should watch where you are going, too. Just because I am not tall does not mean I am invisible. Maybe you should get your eyes checked! How dare you blame me!"

A crowd started to form at a distance, watching the confrontation. The man turned and walked away, disappearing. Sally quickly headed to find the restroom.

***

Sally sat in front of the office, anxiously waiting for the secretary to call her name for the interview. So far, everyone who had entered the office had come out in tears. She wondered if the interviewer was so bad. Was he some kind of monster? Standing up, she followed a sobbing woman to the restroom.

"Hey," she said, gently placing her hands on the woman's shoulders. "Are you all right?" The woman grabbed some tissue from the counter and wiped her face, her makeup running down her cheeks. "He is so cruel," she replied.

"Who?" Sally asked.

"The interviewer. He is the boss and owner of the Perfect White Group of Companies. He is terrible!"

Sally froze, feeling a wave of fear wash over her. She comforted the woman and even offered her some of her makeup. But Sally was scared; she was about to face the same interviewer, and she wasn't sure what would happen. She swallowed hard and returned to her seat.

"Miss Sally Ron, it is your turn," the secretary called. As she stood up, her hands trembled. Her neighbor whispered a faint, "Good luck."

Stepping into the room, she tried to calm her nerves.

There were two people inside: the man she had accidentally spilled coffee on just an hour earlier, and a woman who appeared to be around sixty-eight, wearing a white dress and rimmed glasses. Sally's eyes widened in recognition. The man smiled wickedly. She could guess the outcome of this interview. Sally began to shake.

"Young lady, please have a seat," the elderly woman said. Sally sat down, still shaking.

"So, tell me," the man said, "Sally Ron, twenty-three years old, I believe?"

"Yes," Sally replied.

"What makes you think you are qualified for the position you applied for? According to your resume, you have no experience as an administrative assistant. The only qualification you have is working as a waitress. What benefit can you, as a waitress, add to this company?" His voice was harsh and intimidating.

Sally swallowed and said, "I just graduated from college. If you look at my resume, you will see that I participated in many clubs and academic activities to gain experience relevant to the administrative assistant role. I have only worked as a waitress during holidays and to support myself after classes. This role has taught me valuable skills, including patience and attentiveness, which ensure customers leave satisfied."

Edmund smirked, trying to suppress his laughter. Patience and attentiveness were not what he observed when she had bumped into him by the elevator. She had not even taken responsibility for the incident, and now she was claiming those qualities.

"Anyone added to this company must bring something of value. I don't pay well for mediocrity, and with your minimal experience and questionable character, Sally Ron, you do not meet this company's expectations. I suggest you leave and find a lesser firm until you develop proper skills. Get out!"

Sally stood up, her eyes welling with tears, but she refused to let them spill. She would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

"Wait," the elderly woman called out.

Sally looked at her, unsure of what to expect.

"Please, have a seat," the elderly woman said.

"Grandma, she's not good enough," Edmund protested.

"I know what is good or not; do you not trust my judgment?" his grandmother replied. He fell silent, unable to argue.

"That necklace you are wearing-the pendant is of the moon and sun, right? Is it yours? How did you get it?" she inquired.

Sally touched the necklace and said, "It belonged to my mother. She gave it to me before she passed away."

"I see..." Grandma said. "Your record does not look too bad. Besides, fresh minds bring new ideas, which could benefit this company. You are hired, Sally. Congratulations! You can start work tomorrow."

Sally jumped to her feet, excited. "Thank you so much! I promise not to let you down."

"Grandma..." Edmund called out, clearly unhappy with the decision