A LEGACY BUILT ON LIES

Chapter 9: The interview

In the back seat, Aurelia sat with a folder of documents resting on her lap. She had spent most of the morning reviewing the details of the company her father had offered her, carefully reading through reports, financial records, and other important information.

Although she had accepted the company, she had no intention of abandoning her dream of becoming a prosecutor. She wanted to understand the business her father had entrusted to her while also pursuing a career in law.

After reading through several pages, she reached for her phone and called Muna.

Muna answered almost immediately.

"Finally! I was beginning to think you had forgotten about me."

Aurelia smiled faintly. "Good morning to you too."

"Good morning, my dear future prosecutor. Have you prepared yourself for our interview, or are you planning to intimidate the interviewers with that your serious face?"

Aurelia rolled her eyes. "Muna, please. It's too early for your nonsense."

"It's never too early for my nonsense. Besides, I need to make sure you're mentally prepared. Today could be the beginning of our careers."

"Have you finished getting ready?"

"Almost. I'm just putting a few things together."

"Good. Send me your address again. Lucian will pick you up, and we'll go together."

"Wait, you're coming to pick me up?"

"Yes, Muna."

"Wow. This is what friendship looks like. Some people have already started enjoying their rich-family privileges."

"Muna."

"Okay, okay! I'm ready. I'll send you the address."

Aurelia ended the call and returned her attention to the documents.

A few minutes later, her phone vibrated with Muna's address. She forwarded it to Lucian.

"Please, take us here first," she said, showing him the address.

Lucian glanced at it briefly.

"Yes, ma'am."

He adjusted their route without asking unnecessary questions and continued driving.

Aurelia returned to her documents while the car moved through the city. Lucian remained focused on the road, occasionally checking the mirrors and the traffic around them. He did not interrupt her reading or attempt to make conversation.

When they arrived at Muna's house, Aurelia looked through the window and spotted her friend standing outside with a handbag over her shoulder.

"She's here already," Aurelia said.

Lucian brought the car to a stop.

Muna hurried toward them, opened the back door, and climbed inside with a dramatic sigh.

"Good morning, your highness."

Aurelia gave her a sideways glance. "Are you done?"

"Not yet, but I'll spare you for now." Muna adjusted her handbag and turned toward Lucian. "Good morning."

"Good morning," he replied quietly.

That was all he said before returning his attention to the road.

Muna leaned closer to Aurelia and whispered, "Your bodyguard is really a man of few words."

"He's working, Muna."

"I can see that."

Aurelia shook her head and returned to her documents.

Muna took out her phone and began checking the time. For a while, the two friends remained occupied with their own things, occasionally exchanging a few words about the interview.

As the car approached the interview centre, Muna suddenly turned toward Aurelia.

"Do you think they'll ask us difficult questions?"

"They probably will. It's an interview, not a birthday party."

"What if they ask me why I want to become a criminal investigator?"

"Then tell them the truth."

"And what if the truth sounds boring?"

"Make it interesting without lying."

Muna considered that for a moment before nodding.

"Fine. I'll tell them I want to investigate crimes, find the truth, and make sure the guilty people are held accountable."

Aurelia smiled. "That's a good answer."

"And you? What will you say?"

"That I want to become a prosecutor because I believe people deserve justice, and I want to be part of the process that ensures it."

Muna stared at her for a moment.

"Sometimes, I forget you're actually serious about this."

"I am."

"I know. That's why I'm glad we're doing this together."

Aurelia looked at her friend, and her expression softened slightly.

"Me too."

The car soon pulled up in front of the interview centre.

The building was modern, with large glass windows and a reception area visible from outside. Several young people stood near the entrance, some reviewing documents while others spoke nervously among themselves.

Lucian parked the car and stepped out. He opened the back door for Aurelia, who gathered her documents before getting out.

Muna followed, adjusting her clothes.

"Well," she said, looking up at the building, "this is it."

Aurelia glanced at her. "Are you nervous?"

"A little."

"Don't be."

"Easy for you to say. You look like you're about to interview the people interviewing us."

Aurelia let out a quiet laugh.

"Come on."

The two friends entered the building together.

At the reception desk, a woman asked for their names and checked them against a list before directing them to a waiting area.

They sat beside each other while Lucian remained outside, waiting for them.

Muna leaned toward Aurelia.

"Promise me something."

"What?"

"If I become a criminal investigator and you become a prosecutor, don't pretend you don't know me when I bring my first case to your office."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow. "Why would I do that?"

"Because you'll be too important. You'll probably be sitting behind a huge desk, wearing expensive clothes, and looking at everyone like they owe you money."

"You're describing yourself in the future."

Muna gasped.

"How dare you?"

Aurelia laughed, and Muna joined her.

"Imagine it," Muna continued. "I'll investigate criminals, gather the evidence, and bring the cases to you. Then you'll prosecute them, and together, we'll make sure justice is served."

Aurelia nodded solemnly.

"Exactly. And if you ever break the law, I'll personally make sure you face the consequences."

Muna's mouth fell open.

"You would prosecute your own best friend?"

"If the evidence is strong enough."

"After everything we've been through together?"

"Especially after everything we've been through together. I would know all your secrets."

Muna stared at her for two seconds before bursting into laughter.

"You're wicked!"

"And you're a potential criminal."

They laughed again, drawing a few curious glances from the other candidates.

Before Muna could respond, a staff member approached them with a clipboard.

"Miss Aurelia Ravenscroft?"

Aurelia immediately stood.

"Yes."

"Please come with me."

Aurelia collected her documents, gave Muna an encouraging look, and followed the staff member down the corridor.

Her interview took place in a quiet office where two interviewers sat behind a table. After exchanging greetings, they invited her to sit.

They began with questions about her education, her interest in law, and her future plans.

Aurelia answered calmly and thoughtfully, explaining that although she had recently graduated with a law degree, she still intended to gain the necessary professional experience and qualifications before becoming a prosecutor.

One of the interviewers glanced at her application.

"You have an interest in criminal law. Why prosecution specifically?"

Aurelia folded her hands neatly on her lap.

"Because I want to be involved in seeking justice. I understand that prosecution carries a serious responsibility. It isn't simply about accusing someone of a crime. It's about examining the evidence, presenting a case fairly, and helping the court reach a just decision."

The interviewers exchanged a brief look before continuing with their questions.

They asked about her ability to handle pressure, work with others, and approach difficult situations without allowing personal feelings to influence her judgment.

Aurelia answered each question carefully.

She did not pretend to know everything. When she encountered a question that required experience she had not yet gained, she acknowledged it and explained how she would approach learning the necessary skills.

After several more questions, one of the interviewers closed her folder.

"Thank you, Miss Ravenscroft. That will be all for today."

"Thank you for the opportunity."

Aurelia stood, gathered her belongings, and left the office.

Muna was still in the waiting area.

The moment she saw Aurelia, she hurried toward her.

"How did it go?"

"Fine."

"Fine? That's all you're going to tell me?"

"What do you want me to say?"

"I want details!"

Aurelia laughed softly. "They asked about my education, why I want to become a prosecutor, and how I would handle certain situations."

"And?"

"I answered their questions."

Muna stared at her.

"You are so unhelpful."

"Your turn. Go and answer your own questions."

Muna took a deep breath, straightened her clothes, and walked toward the staff member who had called her name.

Aurelia settled into her seat and waited.

When Muna finally returned, she wore an expression Aurelia could not immediately interpret.

Aurelia stood.

"Well?"

Muna dropped into the seat beside her.

"I think it went well."

"You think?"

"I answered their questions. They asked why I wanted to become a criminal investigator, what I understood about investigations, and how I would handle a situation where the evidence didn't support what I initially believed."

"And what did you say?"

"I told them that an investigator must follow the evidence, even when it leads somewhere unexpected. I also explained that I wanted to help uncover the truth and contribute to bringing criminals to justice."

Aurelia smiled.

"That sounds good."

"I hope they think so too."

Before they could continue talking, a staff member approached them and explained that the selection process would continue after the interviews had been reviewed.

"We will contact you by email with the outcome of your application. Please check your inbox for further communication."

Both girls nodded.

"Thank you," Aurelia replied.

They left the building together.

Outside, Lucian was waiting beside the car. When he saw them approaching, he opened the back door.

Muna climbed inside first, followed by Aurelia.

Lucian closed the door, returned to the driver's seat, and started the engine.

For the first few minutes, the friends discussed their interviews, comparing the questions they had been asked and laughing about the answers they wished they had given.

"I hope we both pass," Muna said eventually.

"So do I."

"Imagine us getting accepted at the same time. We'll celebrate properly."

Aurelia glanced at her.

"Define properly."

"Food, music, and absolutely no discussions about interviews."

Aurelia laughed.

"That sounds reasonable."

The car continued through the city until they reached Muna's street.

Lucian stopped in front of her house.

Muna gathered her handbag and leaned forward slightly.

"Thank you for bringing me, Aurelia. And thank you, Lucian."

"You're welcome," Aurelia replied.

Lucian gave a brief nod.

Muna stepped out, waved at Aurelia through the open door, and headed toward her house.

Once she was safely inside, Lucian drove away.

Aurelia leaned back against the seat, watching the familiar streets pass through the window. She had spent most of the day thinking about the interview, the company her father had offered her, and the career she still hoped to build for herself.

For once, she felt as though she was taking a step toward a future she had chosen rather than one someone else had prepared for her.

When they arrived at the Ravenscroft estate, Lucian parked the car and opened her door.

Aurelia stepped out with her documents.

"Thank you, Lucian."

"You're welcome, ma'am."

She walked into the house while he followed at a respectful distance.

Eleanor was in the sitting room when Aurelia entered.

"You're back," her mother said, looking up from her book. "How did the interview go?"

"I think it went well. Muna and I answered their questions, and they said they'll send us an email to let us know whether we passed."

"That's good, darling. I hope you both receive good news."

"So do I."

Aurelia kissed her mother's cheek before heading upstairs.

In her bedroom, she placed the company documents on her desk, changed into comfortable clothes, and picked up her phone.

A message from Muna was already waiting.

Muna: I've been thinking about every answer I gave. What if I said something wrong?

Aurelia smiled as she typed her reply.

Aurelia: You said you think it went well. Stop worrying.

Muna: I'm trying. But imagine if we both pass.

Aurelia: Then we'll celebrate.

Muna: And if we don't?

Aurelia: We'll try again. One interview won't decide our entire future.

There was a brief pause before Muna replied.

Muna: That's why I need you in my life. You're the serious one when I start panicking.

Aurelia chuckled and placed her phone on the desk.