Althea’s Pov
I let out a sigh. What was he doing here?
"I’m here to see a friend about a job interview."
He fell silent all of a sudden. Standing there, he looked at me as if I were some kind of specimen. His gaze roamed up and down my body.
I felt a bit self-conscious under his watchful eyes. I shifted my bag on my shoulder and clasped it in front of me, trying to shield my body.
"Someone I know," he finally asked.
"Mrs. Limbs," I blurted out.
"Oh, I suppose you’re here for the Personal Assistant position."
"Do you have your CV?" he inquired.
"Yes, sir."
"Let’s check if you meet the qualifications," he replied curtly. Just then, the elevator doors slid open, and he stepped out in front of me.
Qualified? I wondered if Mrs. Limbs was the one who would be interviewing me. After all, Ella had informed her about my qualifications. Was he the C.E.O.?
My legs began to shake. The fear of rejection gripped me. I desperately needed this job. I silently prayed to my Father in heaven, over and over, until Adam’s voice startled me.
"Is everything alright, Miss Dawson?"
"Yes... yes, sir," I replied, nodding at him.
As soon as we stepped outside his office, a middle-aged woman appeared.
"Good morning, Mr. Valenti," she greeted him warmly.
"Who is this?" she inquired.
"This is Althea Dawson. She came looking for you regarding the Personal Assistant position, so I’ll handle it from here," he responded decisively.
"As you wish, Mr. Valenti," the woman acknowledged.
We walked into his office, a spacious area adorned with white furnishings. Luxurious white leather couches and chairs with distinctive designs, bookshelves, and a glass cabinet brimming with trophies and awards.
"Please have a seat, Miss Dawson."
He settled into his chair behind the sleek white executive desk, leaning back as he awaited my response.
Without hesitation, I took a seat across from him and retrieved the brown envelope from my bag. Just as I was about to pass it to him, he raised his hand, signaling me to pause.
"I’d like you to tell me about yourself, Miss Dawson."
I inhaled deeply, feeling a wave of unease wash over me. I would much rather be interviewed than discussing my own life. It seemed to me that I had nothing particularly insightful to share.
"You may begin now."
"Um……ah….I’m Althea Dawson, twenty-six years old." My palms were clammy, and I wiped them on my black skirt. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me.
"Can you share your educational background and work history?" He asked.
"I completed my high school education at Kentwood High School. Unfortunately, I lost my savings for college tuition due to my mother's illness, which ultimately led to her passing. Since that time, I haven't had the chance to work for any company."
I found myself rambling about my attempts to secure a job, hopping from one company to another, despite my limited qualifications, for twenty minutes until I noticed he had stopped responding and was just staring at me in silence.
"Mr. Valenti? Mr. Valenti..." I whispered.
What’s the matter? Why was he looking at me like that? I needed to find out if he was still tuned in or if his mind had wandered off somewhere else.
"Mr. Valenti." I repeated his name, but he didn’t even flinch.
Eros Pov
I examined her face closely, concentrating on her cheeks and nose. She possessed a stunning visage, so pure and unadorned, free from any cosmetics.
Her hazel eyes glimmered with flecks of gold, pulling me in further, like magnets drawing me closer. My gaze shifted to her full pink lips. A sudden sensation welled up in my stomach.
Could she be the one? Or is this someone entirely different? Yet her eyes... her face... her lips. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence.
"Everything alright, Mr. Valenti." Althea's voice breaks into my reverie. She realized that I had completely spaced out on her.
"Yes! Miss Dawson, you’re officially hired."
"I’m hired," she responded. Her hands were clasped over her mouth, and her eyes were wide with surprise. She possessed stunning hazel eyes that were truly mesmerizing.
I gazed at her: Althea Dawson. She appeared so pure sitting right there before me.
"Absolutely, you can begin tomorrow morning," I stated with a confident and commanding voice.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Valenti," she replied. She felt like jumping for joy, but that wouldn’t be suitable; instead, she remained seated, filled with joy.
The idea of her approaching me and wrapping her arms around me flashed through my mind. There was no doubt she would do it—but what if she actually did? I pondered how I would manage such a scenario.
"Here’s my address." I passed my business card to her, "I expect you to arrive at my apartment by five o’clock in the morning. Please ensure you are punctual. I have no patience for tardy employees.
She took the card with both hands and looked at it intently. "I’ll be there, Mr. Valenti. I won’t be late." She flashed me a bright and cheerful smile.
"Alright, it’s agreed then. You may leave now, Miss Dawson." I said, dismissing her without hesitation.
I shifted my gaze to the white envelope resting on my desk. I opened it and pulled out a sheet of paper, prepared to read its contents.