Chapter Six: Beginning Of Change
1232 Words
"Miss Brooks," another interviewer said, looking at Davina, "what qualities make you suitable for this position?"
Davina straightened in her chair.
"I'm hardworking, reliable, and patient. I stay calm under pressure and always try to treat people with kindness and respect. I believe a secretary represents the image of a company, so professionalism and a positive attitude are just as important as technical skills."
The panel nodded approvingly.
Mark answered his questions just as confidently, speaking about leadership, marketing strategies, and communication skills.
As Davina listened, she couldn't help admiring how articulate he was.
He's good, she thought.
Really good.
Little did she know, on the top floor of Kingsley Group, another pair of cold gray eyes was watching everything unfold through a live security feed.
The interview room fell silent for a moment after Mark finished answering his question.
The woman seated in the middle of the panel glanced down at the applicants' résumés before looking up again.
"Now, we'd like to ask each of you one final question," she said. "Why Kingsley Group?"
She turned toward Sofeya first.
"Miss Greyson?"
Sofeya smiled confidently and folded her hands on the table.
"I came here to gain experience," she replied smoothly. "Besides, I've always admired Mr. Reese Kingsley. Working here would give me the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest businessmen in Ralivay."
The interviewers exchanged subtle glances.
One of the men cleared his throat.
"So your motivation is mainly Mr. Kingsley?"
"I believe working close to him would be... inspiring."
The panel thanked her politely before turning to Mark.
"Mr. Willows?"
Mark answered without hesitation.
"Kingsley Group is one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. It has built a reputation for innovation, discipline, and excellence. I want to contribute my skills to an organization that challenges its employees to become better. If I'm given the opportunity, I'll work hard to add value rather than become another name on the payroll."
The judge panel nodded in approval.
Finally, their attention shifted to Davina.
"Miss Brooks?"
Davina swallowed quietly.
Unlike the others, she hadn't rehearsed a perfect answer.
She decided to tell the truth.
"Kingsley Group is my last hope."
The room became unusually quiet.
She lowered her eyes for a brief moment before continuing.
"I've spent weeks looking for work. My mother works tirelessly every day just to keep a roof over our heads, and I want to help her. I know this company has high standards, and I know I don't have years of experience, but if I'm given a chance, I'll prove that hard work and dedication can be just as valuable."
She offered a small smile.
"I don't expect success to be handed to me. I just need someone to believe I'm worth the opportunity."
No one spoke for several seconds.
Even Mark looked at her with newfound respect.
Several floors above them, Reese Kingsley stood inside his office with one hand tucked into the pocket of his tailored trousers.
A large monitor displayed the interview room through the company's security cameras.
On his phone screen showed the name, Erin
Neither of them spoke while Davina answered.
When the interview ended, Reese remained quiet.
"So," Erin typed carefully, "what do you think, sir?"
Reese didn't answer immediately.
His cold gray eyes remained fixed on the screen.
"There is honesty in her words." He texted back
Erin looked surprised.
"Miss Brooks?"
Reese typed again,
"Yes, She isn't trying to impress anyone."
For the first time that morning, the corner of Reese's lips lifted into the faintest hint of a smile.
He reached for his phone again and typed a short message.
Hire Brooks.
A second message followed.
Send Miss Greyson to my office. Alone.
Erin's phone vibrated almost instantly.
He glanced down at the screen before slipping it back into his pocket.
"Understood, sir."
The interview concluded a few minutes later.
"Thank you all for coming," the chairwoman said warmly. "We'll contact you once a final decision has been made."
The three applicants stood.
Davina thanked the panel before leaving with Mark and Sofeya.
The elevator doors opened.
Just as they stepped inside, Erin approached them.
"Miss Greyson."
Sofeya's face lit up immediately.
"I knew it," she whispered proudly.
She stepped forward with a bright smile.
"Is Reese waiting for me?"
Erin ignored the question.
Instead, he looked at Davina.
"Good morning, Miss Brooks."
Davina smiled politely.
"Good morning, Mr. Erin."
"I wanted to apologize for what happened yesterday."
She blinked in surprise.
"It's alright. I've already put it behind me."
"I appreciate your understanding."
Sofeya watched the exchange carefully.
Who exactly is this girl? she wondered.
Why would Erin apologize to her?
Before she could ask, Erin turned back to her.
"Miss Greyson, Mr. Kingsley would like to see you."
Her smile widened instantly.
"Of course."
She adjusted her blazer before following Erin toward the executive floor.
The elevator doors closed behind them.
Reese's office occupied almost the entire top floor.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city skyline, while every piece of furniture reflected quiet luxury.
Sofeya stepped inside confidently.
"Good morning, Reese."
Reese didn't invite her to sit.
Instead, he continued reading the document on his desk.
"What brings you here, Miss Greyson?"
She smiled sweetly.
"My parents told me about the issue with your cargo shipment."
Finally, Reese looked up.
"So?"
"Our family has connections that could make problems like that disappear."
She took a step closer.
"They think our families should become one."
Silence.
"I thought if I worked here..." she continued shyly, "...we could spend more time together before our engagement."
Reese stared at her without emotion.
Then he looked toward Erin.
"If the Greysons believe business gives them the right to decide my future, they're mistaken."
His voice was calm.
Far too calm.
"Terminate every ongoing negotiation with their company."
Erin stiffened.
"Yes, sir."
"If any agreement remains unsigned, cancel it."
"Understood."
Sofeya's confident smile disappeared.
"Reese..."
"My name is Mr. Kingsley while you're in this office."
Her heart sank.
"Please... I didn't mean—"
"You came here expecting privilege."
He stood.
"I employ people because they earn their place, not because of their surname."
Tears gathered in Sofeya's eyes.
"I'm sorry."
Erin quietly stepped forward.
"I'll escort you out, Miss Greyson."
Without another word, Reese turned back toward the window overlooking Ralivay.
The meeting was over.
Meanwhile, Davina arrived home shortly before evening.
She changed into comfortable clothes and helped prepare dinner while trying not to think about the interview.
Every few minutes, she glanced at her phone.
Nothing.
By the time Reyna returned from work, the table had already been set.
"Welcome home, Mum."
Reyna smiled tiredly.
"Thank you, my dear. How did everything go?"
Davina poured her a glass of water.
"Go and freshen up first. I'll tell you everything over dinner."
Fifteen minutes later, they sat together, sharing the simple meal.
Davina recounted the interview from beginning to end, even laughing as she described Mark's confidence and Sofeya's unusual personality.
"You did your best," Reyna said, reaching across the table to squeeze her daughter's hand. "That's all anyone can ask."
Just then...
Ping!
Davina's phone lit up.
Her breathing stopped.
With trembling fingers, she unlocked the screen.
Her eyes widened.
Then she shot to her feet.
"Mum..."
"What is it?"
She looked up, tears shining in her eyes.
"I got it."
Reyna froze.
"I got the job."
- Writer
