CHAPTER 7 : THE INTERVIEW
1232 Words
Debbie stepped into her tiny apartment and collapsed onto her bed.
Everything still felt surreal.
She had woken up in the most expensive house in London, in the arms of a billionaire, only to return to her cramped, one-bedroom apartment that smelled like instant noodles and cheap air freshener.
Her phone buzzed.
It was a message from Stacy, her best friend.
Stacy: Where the hell have you been?! I called you all night!
Debbie groaned. Stacy was going to freak out when she heard everything.
She quickly typed back:
Debbie: Long story. I’ll tell you everything tomorrow.
As she put her phone down, her mind drifted back to Walter’s last words.
“Then we’ll see how far you’re willing to go for success.”
What exactly did he mean?
And why did she feel like she was about to step into something much bigger than she ever imagined?
The next morning, Debbie stood in front of the Adams Corporation building, her heart pounding against her ribs.
The skyscraper towered above her, sleek and modern, a symbol of wealth and power. The entire city knew that Adams Corporation was the backbone of London’s economy. Getting a job here was a dream for thousands.
But she wasn’t here just for a job.
She was here because of Walter Adams.
Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her fitted white blouse and navy pencil skirt, trying to ignore the nerves bubbling inside her. She had barely slept last night, tossing and turning as she replayed everything that had happened between them.
And now, she was about to walk into his world—not as the woman he spent the night with, but as a potential employee.
Could she really separate the two?
Only one way to find out.
The moment she stepped inside the building, she felt eyes on her.
The lobby was grand—marble floors, a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace, and employees dressed in tailored suits, walking with purpose.
A tall, stunning woman in a fitted black dress approached her.
“Miss Debbie Anderson ?”
“Yes,” Debbie replied, forcing herself to sound confident.
The woman gave a small smile. “Follow me. Mr. Adams has personally arranged for your interview.”
Of course, he has.
Debbie followed her, feeling the stares of other employees. Some looked curious, others judgmental. She could almost hear their thoughts.
Who is she?
Why is she getting special treatment?
Is she sleeping with the boss?
Heat crept up Debbie’s neck, but she ignored it. She deserved this opportunity.
They arrived at a glass office, and the woman gestured for Debbie to enter.
“Good luck,” she said with a polite smile before walking away.
Debbie took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Sitting behind the massive desk was a sharp-eyed man in his early fifties, dressed in a navy suit.
“Miss Anderson
,” he said, gesturing for her to take a seat. “I’m Mr. Clarkson, the head of Human Resources. Your resume says you have a background in finance?”
“Yes,” Debbie said, sitting upright. “I graduated top of my class in Economics and worked as a financial analyst before my previous company shut down.”
Clarkson nodded, flipping through her file. “And why do you want to work for Adams Corporation?”
Debbie hesitated for a fraction of a second.
Because Walter Adams wants me here.
But she couldn’t say that.
“I admire the company’s success and innovation,” she answered smoothly. “It’s one of the best places to grow as a professional.”
Clarkson raised an eyebrow. “So, you don’t know Mr. Adams personally?”
Debbie’s breath caught.
Was this a trap?
Should she lie?
Before she could answer, a deep voice cut through the room.
“She knows me.”
Debbie’s head snapped up.
Walter Adams stood at the door, watching her like a predator amused by his prey.
Clarkson immediately stood. “Sir—”
“That will be all, Clarkson,” Walter said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Clarkson nodded and quietly exited the room.
Now, it was just the two of them.
Walter slowly walked toward her, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.
“Tell me, Debbie,” he murmured. “Did you really think I’d let you have a normal interview?”
Her hands clenched into fists. “I wanted to earn this job on my own.”
Walter smirked. “And you will—if you impress me.”
She swallowed. “What do you mean?”
Walter leaned against the desk, his arms crossed. “Your first task starts now. You have one week to prove yourself. If you fail, you’re out.”
Debbie stared at him. “And what exactly do I have to do?”
Walter’s smirk widened.
“Simple. Survive.”
Her stomach twisted.
What the hell had she just signed up for?
Debbie’s heart pounded as Walter’s words echoed in her mind.
“Simple. Survive.”
She wanted this job. She needed it. But what exactly did Walter mean by survive?
Walter straightened up, adjusting the cuffs of his expensive suit. His gaze never left her, as if he was waiting for her to back out.
But Debbie refused to show weakness.
“Fine,” she said, lifting her chin. “What’s my first task?”
Walter smirked, clearly entertained. “Go to the finance department and report to the department head. You’ll be assisting them for the week.”
Debbie exhaled in relief. That didn’t sound too bad. Maybe Walter was just testing her confidence.
But then—
“Oh, and Debbie?” Walter’s voice dropped into a dangerous murmur.
She turned back, meeting his piercing gaze.
“No special treatment,” he said, his lips curving into a cruel smile. “They don’t know who you are to me. You’re just another employee. Let’s see if you can handle the pressure.”
Her stomach twisted.
So that’s what he meant by survive.
This wasn’t going to be easy.
Debbie entered the finance department with her head held high.
The room was filled with desks stacked with documents, multiple computer screens glowing, and employees in formal attire typing away. The atmosphere was tense—everyone looked busy and exhausted.
A tall, sharp-eyed woman in a navy blue suit approached her.
“You must be the new assistant,” the woman said, glancing at her file. “I’m Linda Brooks, head of finance.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Debbie replied.
Linda eyed her up and down, unimpressed. “Walter Adams personally assigned you, which means expectations are high. Can you handle it?”
“I can.”
“Good,” Linda said flatly. “Because we don’t tolerate laziness here. You’ll start with basic data entry and work your way up. Your desk is over there. Let’s see if you’re worth keeping.”
Debbie nodded and headed to her assigned desk.
But as she settled in, she could feel the hostility in the air.
People were whispering. Staring.
“Who is she?”
“Why did Mr. Adams assign her here?”
“Did she sleep her way in?”
Debbie clenched her jaw.
She wouldn’t let their judgment break her.
She was going to prove herself—with or without Walter Adams.
- Writer
