ENTWINED IN THE WEB OF SECRETS

chapter 4 Got to study

The door opened mechanically as she got closer, but she wasn’t too amazed, as she expected nothing less from one of the top companies in town. Stepping into the building felt like she was transported into another city entirely. The cold air from numerous air conditionings caressed her skin, giving her goose bumps all over. Snapping out of her fantasy, she noticed a guy in a neat suit walking toward her. “Good morning ma’am.” He said in the most professional voice. “You look a little lost, do you need some help?” he added, after observing her for a while. “Uhmmm… Yes I’ m lost actually.” she managed to mutter when she finally found her voice. “This is my first time here too… I was invited for the interview.” she added hoping to gain some sympathy and probably directions and tips from this good looking young man.

“Oh…” Max said as his mind wandered in thought… Uncle Gary was at it again… he had never bothered himself with the issue of hiring staffs, as he thought of the work as too tedious. Having to seat in a board room watching people act all tough and some even go to the extent of faking behaviors and accents, all to get a job was something he couldn’t handle. He was happy to give that part of his work out, and was more t more than happy when Uncle Gary had accepted it. Plus it gave him the luxury of keeping his face and identity a secret from his employees and most people. His father had done a good job keeping him from the press, and by extension, the public from a very young age, and although he had hated it then, he came to understand why his dad did it, and was even grateful that he did. At least now he could afford the luxury of walking into his own company from the front door like a normal person, and not be crowded by a mob of people expecting an autograph. Better still, he could supervise his own company by himself, especially the customer service, by coming in like a normal customer, and see how he was treated. He could also take a stroll down the street without the fear of being robbed or kidnapped, unlike many other millionaires in town… and he was a billionaire! “You came for the interview right, I think I can help you get to the conference room.” He said while extending his hand for a shake.

Just what she had been waiting for… Mia almost leaped with joy when she heard him accept her request. He had been lost in thought and looking at her skeptically for a while, and she had feared he would decline her offer. “I’m Mia… ” she said, extending her hand to shake his already extended arm. As she expected, his arms were firm and yet soft, such contrast! He was also hairy, and muscular, like someone who spent an ample time in the gym. “I’m… Alex.” Pausing a little, before choosing which of his names to divulge. Although he wasn’t lying saying he was Alex, as that was his middle name. He wasn’t stupid enough to give out his popular name… he didn’t even know who the lady was; and he was quite skeptical whom he interacted with in his visit to his company as a customer. “The conference room is some floors above us… on the 29th, to be precise. So we’ll use the elevator over there.” Max said, breaking the connection of their hands, and walking toward the elevator. “So… do you work here too?” Mia asked, in a bid to continue the conversation with him. “Urmmm… Not exactly, but my uncle does, and I come to see him once in a while.” Max responded, picking his words carefully. “Oh, right… It must be awesome having an uncle that works in such a company.” Mia said, her mind drifting off to Uncle Ken. He had worked himself off, working four jobs at a time, just to make ends meet… but if he had a job in such a company as this, he wouldn’t even need another, for she was almost certain the salary would be high. Well… all the more reason she couldn’t afford to lose this job! At least if she got a job here, she’ll be able to assist him. But then again, the position she was aiming for, and the only position vacant in the company now was that of a director. She needed at least 6 years of experience, and a Ph.D. in information technology for it, but she had applied anyway. Now she was feeling stupid… she wasn’t even in technology or anything related to it… Why had she even applied in the first place?

Max watched interestingly as Mia played with the hem of her dress. She seemed disturbed about something, but he didn’t know what it was. After observing for a while, he asked with utmost caution, “You looked disturbed all of a sudden… is anything bothering you?” he regretted instantly, as he hadn’t thought it through before asking. For all he knew, it could be a personal matter, or worse still, she could just be uncomfortable being in an elevator.

Mia was brought back from her world of thoughts, as she heard the sweet voice of the man near her resounding in her head. “Uhmmm, it’s nothing actually, just some random thought.” Oh well… Max thought, he should have known. Then suddenly, like a lightning bolt, the thought struck Mia, if anyone else could help her, it had to be this guy. At least he had an uncle working in the company… something could work out still. But they literally just met about 15 minutes ago… wouldn’t it sound awkward that she was already asking for favors in less than 15 minutes of interaction? But she was at the end of her rope. She needed the job, and desperately too. She had to at least try something out. Mustering all the courage within her, she shot “Uhmm… There is a little problem actually. I don’t have the qualifications for this job, and I’m feeling a little stupid now that I’m here. I’m a student, and not even a technology student, I’m an aspiring journalist. I applied for this job out of desperation.” Max’s eyes widened in disbelief. It took all the courage he could muster within him not to burst out laughing, right there and then. Who does that… he thought to himself. The vacant position was that of a director, and she clearly knew the qualifications, but still applied. This definitely was beyond stupid. But then again, he felt like she wasn't one to just do things. There was something about this lady he couldn't put a finger on, and he desperately wanted to find out what. “I know it's too early to be asking for favors, as we just met, but I desperately need this job…” She blurted out in desperation.

Max was in a state of confusion. He understood her, totally, but she didn't even know who he was, and yet she was asking for favors from him. Oh… he remembered that he mentioned his Uncle worked here… so what did she want him to do… there was no possible was she was getting this job. She was overly under qualified, and even as CEO, he couldn't help her into that position.

“Oh well… to be honest with you, I don't think you'd be getting this job, as you're too under qualified, but I'd tell my uncle about you, and if there is any opened position, that you are qualified for, I'd reach out to you.” He said, sighing, and mustering all the seriousness in him.