Chapter 2 The Interview

• In no time, Alice walked nervously into his office. Damon, the notoriously cruel CEO of the company she had applied to, didn't take his gaze off her. She had heard stories about his harsh treatment of employees and his tendency to belittle anyone who crossed him. Despite her trepidation, Alice was determined to put her best foot forward and make a good impression.
• "Leave us." Damon said to Anderson and he obeyed. He walked out and shut the door. Leaving Damon and Alice alone.
• Damon was still seated comfortably in his office seat when Alice finally took a seat in front of him.
• "I'm really sorry sir if I caused any problem at the reception." She begged.
• He didn't say a word to her. He stood from his seat and walked towards the corner of his office room where he had some files arranged carefully on his book shelves and then took a file out of it before walking back to his seat.
• Alice saw he was a tall, imposing figure with a chiseled jaw and piercing eyes that seemed to bore into her soul. Alice gulped and took a deep breath before introducing herself.
• He finally got to his seat and sat, flipping through the pages, still didn't say any word to her.
• "Good morning, Mr. Damon. My name is Alice, and I am excited to be here today for the interview."
• Damon looked up from his papers and regarded Alice with a cold stare.
• "Did I ask you to sit?" He asked, giving her a dangerous glare as Alice subconsciously stood up.
• "I'm sorry sir."
• "Sit down," he commanded, gesturing to the chair across from him.
• Alice sat down and tried to steady her nerves. She waited for Damon to start the interview, but he remained silent, staring at her intently. After a few uncomfortable seconds, Alice spoke up.
• "I'm sorry, Mr. Damon. Is there anything specific that you would like me to discuss or any questions you have for me?"
• Damon leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. "I want you to tell me why you think you're qualified for this position."
• Alice took a deep breath and launched into a well-prepared answer, outlining her relevant experience and skills. Damon listened impassively, occasionally interrupting with a pointed question or a dismissive comment.
• As the interview progressed, Alice found herself becoming increasingly flustered. Damon seemed determined to catch her off guard, asking unexpected questions and making snide remarks. Alice tried her best to remain composed and answer each question as honestly and thoroughly as possible, but she could feel her confidence waning.
• Finally, after what felt like hours, Damon leaned forward and fixed her with a steely gaze.
• "You seem nervous," he said. "Is there something you're not telling me?"
• Alice swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. "No, sir. Damon. I'm just trying to do my best."
• Damon's eyes narrowed. "I don't want someone who just tries their best. I want someone who excels, who goes above and beyond. Do you think you have what it takes to do that?"
• Alice hesitated for a moment before answering. "Yes, sir. I believe I do."
• Damon leaned back in his chair and regarded her thoughtfully. "Very well. I'll give you a chance. But make no mistake, Alice, I don't tolerate mediocrity. If you don't perform up to my standards, you'll be out on your ass before you know it. Do you understand?"
• Alice nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Yes, Mr. Damon. I understand."
• The rest of the interview passed in a blur, and Alice could hardly remember what was said. All she knew was that she had survived Damon's grilling and had come out the other side with a job offer.
• As she was about to leave, his statement made her stop midway.
• "How could you be so forgetful to ask about the job position?"
• Alice was confused. The last time, she remembered that she had applied to be a receptionist a few days ago through the company's email address.
• "Sir…" she couldn't finish her statement because he Interrupted.
• "Well, the vacancy has been taken. You will be working as my personal assistant. Your job starts now." He said.
• Is he being serious? At least he should give me a chance to decide if I want to work as his personal assistance or not.
• She swallowed.
• "But sir…"
• "I'll be paying you $20,000 monthly." He said.
• Alice knew that was a huge amount of money for her. As a graduate, it's a good start for her and she can't reject the offer because she really needs that money.
• "Alright sir." She replied nervously as she took a few steps and stood in front of him.
• Alice couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Damon had been every bit as cruel as she had heard, and she knew that working for him would be a challenge. But she was determined to prove herself and rise to the occasion.
• Once she closed for the day, she went back home and told her best friend everything that had happened so far concerning her interview and job offer but she didn't mention his name to her or say how cruel the CEO was to her during the interview.