Swept away by the Tycoon

Chapter Eight.

Sophie

She hadn't been expecting to be scheduled for an interview at all. Matter of fact, she had been praying not be called but yesterday morning, the first thing she saw when she turned on her phone was an email from Hayes Corporation asking her to come for an interview by 9am the next day. Now, she was panicking. She had hoped Lila was right and it wasn't at the branch where Alexander worked from but boldly written on the email was "Hayes corporation headquarters". Now, she just hoped she wouldn't run into him, at least not today because if she eventually got the job, it would be difficult not to meet the CEO.

Now, she adjusted the sleeves of her navy-blue blazer for the third time, staring at her reflection in the elevator’s polished steel doors. She looked… professional. Put-together. Like someone who belonged in the sleek corporate world of Hayes Corporation. Except she didn’t feel that way.

Her stomach twisted as the elevator ascended, each floor bringing her closer to an interview she still couldn’t believe she had agreed to. When the elevator doors opened, Sophie was greeted by the same polished environment—high ceilings, expensive artwork, and the unmistakable scent of fresh coffee.

Everywhere seemed oddly quiet. She expected to be greeted by the hum of conversations, the clicking of heels, the rushed energy of a corporate firm in the middle of a hiring process.

Instead, the lobby was eerily quiet. A few employees walked briskly across the marble floor, heads down, focused. The reception area was sleek and modern, with minimalist furniture and large abstract paintings that screamed money. The only sound was the soft tapping of keys from a woman seated behind an elegant white desk at the far end of the room. Sophie hesitated before making her way toward her.

The woman—tall, blonde, and perfectly put together—barely looked up from her computer as Sophie approached. A gold nameplate sat on the desk: Claire Foster, Executive Secretary.

Clearing her throat, Sophie offered a polite smile. “Hi, I’m Sophie Albright. I have an interview scheduled for—”

Before she could finish, the woman’s sharp green eyes lifted to meet hers.

“Oh, you’re Miss Albright?” Claire’s lips twitched in what might have been an attempt at a friendly smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Mr. Hayes has been expecting you.”

Sophie blinked. “He has?”

Claire nodded, already typing something on her keyboard. “Yes, he’ll be conducting your interview personally.”

Sophie’s stomach dropped.

What did she mean by personally?

She had expected to be interviewed by a department head, maybe a senior manager. Not him.

Not Alexander Hayes.

Claire finally turned her attention fully to Sophie, eyeing her with the faintest trace of curiosity. “You can go right in.” She gestured toward a set of double doors on the far side of the room.

Sophie followed her gaze and felt another jolt of anxiety.

The doors to Alexander’s office were intimidating. Dark oak with sleek silver handles, they exuded power and authority. There was no nameplate. No frosted glass window. Just two massive, impenetrable doors guarding the man inside.

Her palms grew clammy. She wasn’t ready for this. She didn't sign up for this

Steeling herself, Sophie gave Claire a quick nod and turned toward the doors. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she approached. With each step, her heartbeat pounded harder in her ears. She lifted her hand, hesitated for only a fraction of a second, then knocked.

From inside, a deep voice called out. “Come in.”

Her breath hitched. And then, with one final steadying inhale, she pushed the doors open and stepped inside.