My Mystery Mate is My Boss

Chapter 3: Stay Professional and Go for It

Grace’s POV

I was woken up at 7:30 AM and inwardly hated myself for having to set all my calls to blare loudly, if only so I wouldn’t miss a potential job opportunity. The only saving grace was that it was one.

“Apologies, you cut out for a moment there. Could you please repeat what you said?” I asked, suddenly wide awake. I heard her, but I needed her to repeat it because it couldn’t be real, could it?

“Of course. I’m Alan Kent, the Vice President of DF Cosmetics. There was an issue with our hiring system, so we went through our applications. Due to your history as a cosmetics consultant, you have experience with our products and our competitors’ products. Mr. Morgans was impressed with you yesterday, so the company thought it prudent to give you a chance at the position.”

Oh, Moon Goddess! Yesterday—the mysterious handsome customer, that had been Richard Morgans!?

“If you are still open to it, you’re required to come in at 10 AM on the dot for screening, onboarding, and an exam to verify your potential and skills for the position. Please note that this is no guarantee you’ll gain the position, but if you pass the exam, you’ll have an interview with the Board, and then it will be decided if you’ll become Mr. Morgan's new assistant.”

“Of course! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I’ll be there.” My heart was nearly beating out of my chest. I didn’t know how this was possible, but I wouldn’t let this opportunity slip from my fingers.

As soon as the call ended, I leaped out of bed. I had to get ready! DF had strict regulations and even stricter standards for the employees to follow, so I had to put my best foot forward out of the gate.

First, a shower. I’d been so tired from work I had practically collapsed into bed. My signature bun was professional enough, and I even busted out the few pieces of jewelry I had, including a pair of silver stud earrings and a thin watch that didn’t clash with my suit.

I’d even gone the extra mile and ironed every piece of it. It wasn’t fancy, but it was a clean-cut suit without hanging threads or worn spots. A black jacket, white blouse, pencil skirt, and my black kitten heels.

It was similar to my work uniform but even more business-proper. Then, I rushed out the door. There was no way I was going to risk being late.

“Good, you’re on time,” the woman at the desk commented as I arrived five minutes early. “Please, follow me.” She was all business, and I hurried after her as we stepped into an elevator, heading up to the 54th floor, where she led me into a large room.

“So, this is the competition?” Someone asked, and I was a bit surprised to see someone else in the room.

It was a woman with perfectly curled blonde hair, blue eyes, and a white designer suit paired with a white Versace clutch.

“Yes, this is the other person applying for the position. Grace Fitzgerald, meet Emily Simmone. The two of you will be put through the same tests, but only one will get the position.”

“Nice to meet you,” I greeted her politely.

“Sure,” she nodded along, and I felt like I’d just been written off.

Thankfully, we weren’t left to sit awkwardly in the room because, at 10 AM on the dot, employees filed in along with who I assumed was the hiring manager.

One man in a three-piece suit stood out, in his nice three-piece suit and a familiar Rolex diving watch paired with it.

The mysterious customer who turned out to be none other than Richard Morgans, DF cosmetics president. It made sense such a gorgeous man was in charge of one of the biggest names in the makeup industry.

“Alright, everyone.” Mr. Morgans clapped his hands together, and the room immediately went quiet. All our attention was directed at him, his gaze moving over the room until it landed on me. Unconsciously, my spine also straightened, waiting for him to speak.

“As you know, I’m Richard Morgans, the President of DF Cosmetics.”

Richard Morgans…it was a familiar…Richard…wait–THAT’S where I knew a Richard from! Well, not Richard Morgans of DF Richard, no, that would be absolutely insane. We only met yesterday.

No, the Richard I knew was my husband, Richard. I’d forgotten his name because of the long separation. No wonder the name had felt so familiar. At least that was one mystery solved.

“Since everyone’s arrived, introduce yourselves,” he said, and everyone took a seat. Instantly, I recognized him as someone very high up in DF as everyone listened to him.

“I’m Emily Simmone. I graduated from Harvard with an MBA and worked as the Floor Manager of the Prada store for two years.”

A few people were already chatting at her resume, and I kind of wish I’d gone first.

“I’m Grace Fitzgerald. I graduated from the College of New Haven with a bachelor’s degree, and I’ve been working as a cosmetics salesperson for a year.”

I heard Emily stifle a snort at my…lacking resume, but I kept my head held high and stayed professional. It was fine—this was fine—there was still the testing portion.

“Good. At least you both seem able to hold yourselves properly in front of the board. We’ll move onto the testing portion now.” My mystery customer and the man in charge stood up, effortlessly commanding the room's attention as he directed us toward the wall and displayed a presentation.

“The exam is as follows. The two of you are being asked to write a report in five minutes on an idea of how to sell five thousand lipsticks. You’ll only have a single minute to present your pitch. Afterwards, a winner will be chosen. You’ll find paper and pens on the table. Your time begins now.”

There was no time for thinking, Emily and I rushed to get to work.

Five thousand lipstick units sounded like a small number to a global powerhouse like DF Cosmetics, but they weren’t looking for a basic answer. They were looking for something smart, something innovative that would stand out.

Store sales wouldn’t be enough. It would have to be on a larger scale or scope. My pen quickly scrawled over my paper with notes.

DF Cosmetics hadn’t done a collab collection in years. They’d done themes, of course, but no collabs. It would be an instant hit with the customers, especially if it were a timed collab, meaning lots of units would be sold, including lipstick.

“Times up!” One of the interviewers called. “Pens down, Ms. Simmone. You’re up first.”

“Thank you. For my pitch, I’d like to suggest a new project for the company—a collab collection to be put on the market.”

What?

“Recently, DF cosmetics has been focusing on their collections, so a collab project with a famous group or scene would really cater to our customers' tastes—”

That b***h. It didn’t just sound like my idea. It WAS my idea. I knew we’d been sitting neck to neck with each other, but I hadn’t thought she had the sheer gall to present my idea to everyone.

The worst part was that it would be unbelievable to them that I came up with such a pitch. Emily had a background in business, and she made herself sound competent, really selling the idea of a collaboration project to draw the customers’ attention.

“Good. Ms. Fitzgerald, it’s your turn,” Alan prompted as Emily walked by, flashing a smirk as she took her seat.

I stood up, taking a breath and shoving down my anger as I moved to stand in front of the administration. Glancing at my prompt and script, I proceeded to neatly crease it and face them with a sales-worthy smile.

“Hello, my pitch to sell five thousand lipsticks is to use the company’s website to promote a sale of the newest Cloud Collection that hit the market a few weeks ago. More specifically, it’ll be the Collection sale with lipstick included. A limited-time offer—with only five thousand units available. The timed deal's exclusivity allows the company to not only sell more units of the Cloud Collection but will ensure the five thousand lipsticks WILL be sold as well.”

I ended there as gracefully as I could, walking back to my seat. Emily looked like she had already won, and I wanted to slump in my chair because she probably did. My presentation was rough compared to hers. I didn’t even use all my time to highlight my idea.

“Alright, we’ve made a decision,” Mr. Morgans declared, standing up and looking at the both of us. “Ms. Fitzgerald, you’ll start immediately.”

Oh my Goddess, what?

“What?!” Emily demanded out loud. “How? My presentation was flawless. She didn’t even know how to present her idea properly, and her background experience was laughable.”

“Someone’s background doesn’t matter, not in my pack. I value only skill and capabilities.” Mr. Morgans said, immediately killing her protests.

Truthfully, both of us were surprised that he staunchly defended me, but I was grateful for it. Emily, though, very visibly, wasn’t.

“The tests allow for equal opportunity, and might I remind you, Miss Simmone, that your FATHER fast-tracked your application for the position?” One of the executives said pointedly and Emily’s cheeks flushed red.

“The decision has been made,” Morgans said curtly. “If you wish to apply for a different position in DF, please remind your father that nepotism is not allowed in the company.”

“…Of course, Mr. Morgans, Mr. Kent. I apologize if I stepped out of line. I’ll be sure my father knows about your generosity.” Emily said politely, turning to leave but not before making sure to stare me down on her way out.

“Alright, everyone. Back to work.” Alan called, and people instantly cleared the room. I would’ve followed, too, if he hadn’t stopped me.

Richard Morgans himself, the owner of DF Cosmetics and the head of the Blood Moon pack, and now I was his assistant.

“Congratulations on the position,” he told me as the workers still left in the room were politely quiet, not a single one hovering for gossip or butting into the conversation. Mr. Morgans just…commanded a room the moment he entered.

“Thank you. I look forward to working with you, sir.”

“You’ll be on a three-month probationary period. If you don’t manage to keep the job, you’ll still be paid for your time and given compensation for the loss of work.”

That was…actually rather thoughtful, much to my surprise.

“And…it will not step on anyone’s toes that I’ve gotten the position?” I couldn’t help but ask. “Though it wasn’t asked for, I must admit, Mr. Morgans, I’ve only been a part of the pack for about a year. I’m still in the probationary period.”

My resume was nothing compared to Emily’s. I didn’t want people to say I’d gotten hired for pity or ulterior motives. I didn’t want to risk my place here or my mother’s.

“Such a thing has no bearing on the characteristics I look for in my employees. You’re a member of this pack, and you’ll have plenty of time to prove it to everyone else. I only look for ability, not status.”

He surprised me. I knew there had been rumors, but they hardly managed to get even a sliver of Mr. Morgan's true personality or character. He was cold and intimidating, but he was also strong, not letting status sway him.

“You’ll be with Alan for the rest of the afternoon as he begins your onboarding process.”

“Of course—I look forward to working with you, Mr. Morgans.”

He walked out, not even saying goodbye, but I was too giddy to care. I did it!

“Ms. Fitzgerald?” A man called out to me. “I’m Alan. Right this way. Let’s get you started.”