Mesmerized and Attached

Chapter 2 Do Whatever It Takes

Stella's POV:

"Selling houses."

"Real estate sales?"

"Yep, quick cash."

I now realized the sexy short skirt she bought me was for this job.

"I know it's a step down to go from a real estate heiress to a salesgirl, but we've got to make ends meet, right?" Sheila said apologetically.

To everyone else, I was just a murderer. Someone at rock bottom, struggling to survive, couldn't afford to worry about pride. My main concern now was finding a job and staying afloat.

I smirked. "I left my pride behind ages ago."

Relieved, Sheila finally laughed and patted my shoulder. "Good. I've already spoken to the director, so I won't go in with you. I have to get to work. Good luck, and bring me some good news!"

I smiled back silently and gave her a reassuring nod.

Before leaving, she slipped a phone and a wad of hundred-dollar bills into my coat pocket.

*****

I fixed my hair, which barely reached my ears, and knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

Two words, deep and authoritative, cut through the thick door.

I pushed it open to find two people inside.

Standing by the desk was a beautiful woman with flawless makeup, her age hard to guess.

Behind the desk sat a man in a perfectly tailored navy-blue suit, his tall, lean frame exuding authority. His short brown hair and chiseled features were highlighted by piercing eyes that seemed to dissect me. For a moment, I was captivated by how striking he was!

He lounged in his chair with the air of a king on his throne.

His such manners reminded me of my old self, but now I was here begging for a job.

Managing to stay composed, I stepped in and stood at a respectful distance, nodding at them. "Good afternoon, I'm here to apply for the sales consultant position."

That was what Sheila had told me about the position.

"Are you Sheila's friend?" The woman flashed me a smile. Upon my nod, she introduced herself, "Mia Darcy."

So, she was the sales director.

I smiled back hastily. "Yes, Ms. Darcy. I'm Stella Bynes."

"Mia, since when did we become a shelter for everyone?" The man's voice was smooth, with a touch of magnetism.

My heart skipped a beat as I glanced at the only man in the room, noting the cold distance in his eyes.

Mia looked surprised, her smile faltering as she turned to him. "Mr. Laurent, are you acquainted with her?"

The man lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around him, adding a layer of sarcasm to his gaze. "Of course. She's the only murderer in San Francisco who was known for her violent attempt at the age of 20."

How did he know about me? Had he checked my background before I came?

A sense of dread crept over me.

"What?"

Mia's reaction didn't surprise me.

I had already braced myself for any discrimination before my release.

Taking a deep breath, I looked at her again and said earnestly, "Ms. Darcy, my time in prison has taught me the value of opportunity. That's why I'll cherish this job more. Just give me a chance, and I'll do whatever it takes!"

All my pride had vanished the moment I set foot in prison.

Right now, all I needed was a foothold, a chance to prove myself. Once I took this first step, the crucial one, I would have the confidence to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

But Mia's demeanor shifted abruptly, her friendliness replaced by a frosty distance. "Ms. Bynes, you come highly recommended by our top salesperson from last quarter. Because of my trust in her, I didn't bother checking your personal file. It's my mistake. But our company can't accept someone with a criminal record. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

Gritting my teeth, I made one last plea. "Ms. Darcy, just give me a chance, and I'll work harder than anyone else. I have the sincerity and perseverance required for sales!"

"Ms. Bynes, please!" Mia opened the office door, her tone resolute.

"I'm willing to give it my all!" I almost growled at her, my voice trembling.

However, Mia still held the door, her expression even more determined than mine.

After a brief, tense pause, I exited, my heart heavy with the realization that the opportunity had slipped away.

"How far are you willing to go?"

The man's cold voice rang out again as I reached the door.

Mia seemed surprised, turning to look at him.

The man flicked his cigarette butt, signaling her. "Mia, you can go out now."

Mia hesitated for a moment, nodded respectfully to him, then walked out, closing the office door behind her.

From Mia's deferential attitude toward him, I could tell he held significant sway within the company.

Taking a deep breath, I turned around and walked back to the desk, facing him directly. "Whatever kind of sales consultant the company needs. I'll be that kind. I'll learn all the necessary information in minimal time and provide the most detailed and comprehensive service to our clients."

"Stop!" The man sounded impatient. "Those are all the basics. We can hire fresh graduates or professionals from job markets who can handle these tasks better than you. For someone like you to stay, you need to bring something exceptional to the table."

When he said "someone like you", it hit a nerve, igniting a sense of shame within me.

I clenched my teeth, but my gaze didn't betray any disgust. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes in social situations, drinking, flirting, anything. As long as it helps sell houses, I'm willing to go the extra mile."

"What extra mile specifically?"

Damn! His question caught me off guard. Was he suggesting I would have to sell more than just houses?

We locked eyes, his expression cold and disdainful.

And there I was, desperately clinging to the last shred of my dignity. Yet, survival in this unforgiving world was paramount.

At that moment, the harsh reality of my situation prevailed.

I raised my hand and began unbuttoning my coat.