The Devil I Loved

Chapter 4

She bought the blazer from a consignment shop on Mercer street for eighteen dollars. It was deep burgundy, structured at the shoulders and totally meant for her. Vera tried it on over a black dress she already owned and stood in the shop's small mirror and thought,

"Yes, this is the version of you they need to see. You are going to ace this for sure." She gave herself a thumbs up.

She bought a few more and carried them to the hospital so she could stop by and see her brother. The week was almost over and even though she had pleaded that the day of his surgery be shifted to Tuesday, her plea was unattended to.

According to the surgeon, that was the quickest most available day for him. However, they were treating him much better than before with constant checks and medication. It was like he was upgraded to a VIP section.

"Are you about to start a clothing line?" Reid said as he eyed the two bags in confusion.

"Not really. I have an interview tomorrow to assist someone who closes deals." She replied.

"Which company?"

"Kinggs Meridian."

His eyes widened. "f**k. Are you for real?"

"Mind your language, young man."

"I'm seventeen, sis."

"Exactly. Anyways, yeah, I am for real."

"Wow, that's serious money."

"I know. That's why I am so nervous. Our lives will change if I can get this job, Reid."

"I know you will get it, sis. I trust in you." He said with certainty. "Mama's blessings will always be with you."

Vera fought back her tears and hugged her brother.

▪︎▪︎▪︎

The following morning, she arrived at the Meridian building twenty minutes early and spent fifteen of them in a coffee shop across the street, reviewing the company's last two annual reports on her phone, noting important things like the divisions, acquisitions and trajectory.

She walked in five minutes before her scheduled time and was led into the lobby before her interview finally started. There were three rounds that spanned across two hours.

The first panel asked her about her experience which she told them about. The second panel tested her with scenarios. How would she handle a scheduling conflict involving three time zones and a CEO who changed his mind twice? What did she do when priorities shifted mid-project? How did she manage confidential information in a high-pressure environment?

Vera tried her best to answer each question as much as her brain could let her. It was a tough one. The third interviewer told her,

"The CEO reviews final candidates personally. He likes to make the last call himself. He'll see you now."

"Of course," Vera answered confidently. She stood up, smoothed the burgundy blazer and followed the interviewer down the corridor, past offices that went quieter as they passed.

Finally, they arrived at what seemed to have been their stop. The interviewer knocked once, opened the door and stepped aside. Vera nodded appreciatively and walked in. The door was gently closed behind her.

The office was large and flooded with the grey light of an overcast morning. Rows of shelves contained books that Vera wasn't sure the owner read. There was only a single painting and there were floor-to-ceiling windows behind the desk showing the city spread out below.

Vera could see a man sitting in the chair, turned towards that angle, probably to get a good view of the city. This was a bit surprising because she expected the CEO to be a woman. She cleared her throat to get his attention.

"Good morning, sir. " She greeted him. "I am here for the final round of the interview." She added.

Since the CEO had to make the decision, Vera was not very optimistic. This was a top tier company so her chances of getting this job? She concluded it was low. She just wanted to try her best.

But nothing prepared her for what next was about to hit her. The swivel chair turned towards her and on the seat was no other than Cassian Wolfe.

Her world stopped and for a few seconds, she found it hard to breathe. How did he end up here? How could he be the CEO of a mega business? When she did her research, it was a woman's profile that showed as the CEO, nor Cassian's.

Vera's brain turned hazy. What was happening here? What was happening to her? What kind of cruel joke was fate playing on her?

He was in a charcoal grey suit today and his hair was slightly shorter than it had been nights ago. He picked up an open file and glanced at the content briefly.

On the other hand, his expression did not change one bit. It was almost like he was unbothered.

"Ms. Calloway." His voice was completely even. "Please sit down if you are not planning to run away."

Oh, Vera had contemplated that but her legs adamantly stuck to the floor and only moved to the seat opposite Cassian against her will. She brought her legs close to each other and held her papers tightly under the desk.

She tried her best not to waver. She admonished her mind not to allow the anger show. Vera kept her spine straight, face open and professional. If her heart was doing something unreasonable behind her ribs, the blazer was doing its job of covering it all up.

"I have reviewed your resume." Cassian tapped on the file. "Your background, though not strong enough for a company like mine, is quite impressive."

How dare he say such a thing?

"But I have a few questions."

"Of course."

And the next seventeen minutes was the most surreally professional conversation Vera had ever had in her life. He asked her about her approach to confidentiality. She answered.

After some minutes, he closed the file and looked at her directly.

"Effective." He complimented sharply. "The position is good for you if you want it. The terms are in the offer letter you'll receive by the end of the day. Take the weekend to consider it and be here on Monday morning if you are ready to start."

Vera held his gaze for one moment. She was feeling a whole lot of emotions right now that she didn't know how to react. She was also looking for something, hoping to see what could affirm that Cassian was out to play with her once more and get her.

But his composure was static. He leaned into his chair and didn't break eye contact with her. He was careful not to reveal any other reaction than his stoic expression.

Finally, Vera gave up. "Thank you. I will be in touch."

She stood up and before she could move, he stretched his hand for a shake which she reluctantly accepted only for a brief moment as if the touch did nothing but stung her.

As soon as she got to the door and pulled it open, his voice came through, making her pause,

"Vera, the offer is genuine. It has nothing to do with anything."

She wanted to scream at his face and tell him to shut up. However, she was quick to restrain herself. She didn't say a word back to him and just exited the office. With all that had happened these days, did he want her to conclude it was a coincidence?