Seduced by His Touch

Episode-3

"Mrs. Denz?" the receptionist bellowed happily behind the glass reception counter in the busy lobby of Baze.

"Yes," replied Amara Denz, attempting to sound more authoritative than she felt as she clutched her portfolio.

In the spotless, ultra-modern waiting area, Amara's mind reeled with desperate determination. Though the room was open and light, each reflective surface reminded her that there might be an infinite number of eyes on her. Inside, she wrestled with memories of previous interviews, each a battle for survival. Today was different—this was her third opportunity, and defeat was not acceptable.

Along the glass corridors, the receptionist, Ama Locks, maintained her professional smile as she escorted candidates. In the quiet moments, Ama Locks wondered if anyone would be able to sense the desperation behind Amara's tough gaze. For now, though, all that mattered was the call to the interview room.

"Conference Room D, please," Ama Locks announced, her voice crisp but supportive.

Amara's heart pounded as she stepped into the corridor. She smoothed her skirt with trembling hands, reciting affirmations to herself. In her mind, she had rehearsed every answer and every positive greeting. Nevertheless, even after rehearsing, she could not shake off the nagging awareness: she was up against a multitude of other aspirants, each as desperate for this lifeline as she was.

With each turn, the modern appearance of Baze's hallways offered little comfort. The smooth walls and muffled buzz of conversation served to underscore the high stakes of the day. Around every corner, Amara's inner voice pushed her, "You can do this. You've worked this job inside and out. Remember your two years as a PA and how you learned to transform chaos into order."

Inside Conference Room D, three figures stood waiting—two men and one woman, all impeccably dressed in tailored suits. They greeted her with measured smiles and cautious nods.

“Good morning. I’m Ama Locks, assistant HR manager,” the woman introduced herself, extending a firm hand.

“Amara Denz,” she responded, returning the handshake with as much confidence as she could muster.

The man on the right of Ama Locks, Tyrant McKinney, grunted a brief nod, and Pete Sky, the second interviewer, simply watched, pencil held ready. For an instant, the room was filled with silent judgments—each panel member weighing her worth, experience, and suitability for the job.

Inside, Amara's thoughts were in a turmoil of hope and terror. She recalled a brusque phone call: "This job has to be filled at once. If you don't want it, I have other opportunities." Those hard words had cut her to the quick.

Standing in the room, Amara's internal voice cheered her: "You can do this. You know this job back to front. Think about your two years as a PA and how you could make sense of a mess."

Aside from the polite greetings, the interview panel exchanged glances in whispers. Tyrant McKinney's eyes narrowed slightly and Pete Sky's pen hovered above his pad. Ama Locks' smile was polite, but her eyes revealed curiosity.

"Your resume is impressive," Tyrant McKinney began, his tone even and flat. "You spent your degree period overseas, did you not?"

Amara recalled studying at the College of Pinsons and responded confidently, "Yes, I studied in England. It was a deeply enriching experience."

Pete Sky scribbled a note, his eyes on her with an unreadable expression. "And your recent experience as a personal assistant—your business venture collapsed, didn't it? Why do you think that happened?"

Amara met their glare head-on and went on, "The CEO was short-sighted. Initially, he was keen on expansion, but his zeal dwindled as the market shifted. He clung to an outdated idea until it became impossible."

There was an awkward silence, then Ama Locks replied, "Why Baze?"

There flashed out a gentle smile on Amara's face, "I think it's worth the risk. My last experience was very educational. I now wish to be part of a trendsetter in business—not only for growth but for the terrific rewards as well."

The interviewers flashed brief looks at one another. Pete Sky drummed his pen, and Tyrant McKinney's eyes had become piercing in silent inspection.

"How would you say that you'd contribute to our crew, Amara? What does it say to you to be the perfect person for Baze?" inquired Tyrant McKinney.

The determination lit Amara's eyes as she explained, "I am quick-learning and an accomplished personal assistant with a record that demonstrates ability in getting through untimely dilemmas without wasting time or beating around the bush."

Internally, Amara fought memories of previous rejections, but each word she uttered reaffirmed her determination. I am strong. I will not be defeated, her inner voice demanded.

Pete Sky interrupted, "Where do you see yourself in five years, Amara?"

With a mix of hope and determination, she answered, "I see myself growing with Baze, helping it succeed and growing with the company."

Ama Locks asked her, "You've interviewed with several firms. How can we be certain that if we hire you, you won't jump ship as soon as something better comes along?

A flash of irritation passed over Amara's face, but she remained composed. "Can any employer be 100 percent sure? I have been cautious in choosing jobs that will fit into my long-term plans. I am committed, and I see Baze as my future."

There was a pause from the panel, their pointed glances weighing her words. Tyrant McKinney finally spoke, saying, "Thank you for coming today, Mrs. Denz.".

Pete Sky stood up and offered his hand, saying, "You will be hearing from us today about your application."

Amara stood, shaking hands courteously as she exited the room, each handshake resonating her resolve and the gravity of her dreams.

As she continued down the hallway, her mind reeled from a mix of relief and leftover fear. Step by step, recollections of her past errors echoed and imagery of a tomorrow better.

The door swung open at just that moment with a creak. The gazes of those in attendance pinned as a male entered the space.

Amara stopped in his tracks abruptly. It was unimaginable. Not a possibility—there was no confusion. Remembrance of the piercing, ice-cold eyes long ago thrashed through her.

"Leo Pluo?" she exhaled, doubt and desire mixed in her words.

The interviewers looked at one another in astonishment. Pete Sky stopped dead, his pen suspended halfway through the stroke, and Tyrant McKinney's frown relaxed into a fleeting flash of recognition.

Leo Pluo strode forward, commanding the attention, his deep voice calm as he spoke to the room, "Good morning, all.".

Amara's heart pounded as she tried to say a shaky, "Good morning." Her distress battled with the professional veneer she wore.

Tyrant McKinney addressed her, "It appears we have an unwelcome visitor. Leo, will you join us for a moment?"

Leo Pluo smiled weakly, saying, "I would be delighted.".

At that charged moment, official interview was lost in reunion of past and present. Amara's heart was racing with recollections flooding in—old wounds intertwined with hope reborn.

Leo Pluo's eyes trapped Amara's, and he whispered, "Amara, it seems destiny has brought us together once more."

Amara's words shook as she spoke, "I… I didn't expect this. How can it be after all these years?"

Leo Pluo's face eased, but his voice had business acumen and background personally. "My name is altered, yet certain memories have not changed at all."

Tyrant McKinney cut in, "Looks like we've got more than an interview scheduled for today."

Pete Sky uttered softly, "Yes, looks like past and present are meeting in this room."

A moment of silence ensued before Leo Pluo's voice broke through once more, firm but tinged with unspoken emotion, "We shall meet again soon, Amara."

Amara could only muster a faint smile in return as she said, "I hope so."

The tension in the room broke into a final exchange of polite words, and both parties parted with a mutual understanding of work left undone.

"Good luck, Amara," Leo Pluo's voice said, a promise and a determination woven into his words.

"Thank you, Leo," she said, and on that promising note of conversation that there was more to be said, the interview was brought to a close with the unspoken mutual understanding that this was only the beginning of a long-awaited conversation.

As the interview room gradually cleared out, Amara hung back by the door, her head still spinning from the surprise encounter. Tyrant McKinney and Pete Sky stood talking in low tones, their voices subdued.

Tyrant McKinney said in a low voice, "It is not often one is so single-minded, even after so many years."

Pete Sky supplemented, "Her determination is undeniable. She bears both the wounds of past defeats and the promise of future victories."

Amara's heart raced as she recalled every biting criticism of her past interviews and every moment of self-doubt, but she felt a measure of vindication in the wordless deference of the interviewers.

As she stood to leave, Amara turned to face the panel and spoke softly, "Thank you for the opportunity. I hope we can speak again soon."

Tyrant McKinney responded, "We like your passion, Amara. We will be in touch very soon.".

Pete Sky went on, "Your resolve speaks volumes. Good luck, and thank you for your time."

Leo Pluo, who was standing against the door, spoke in a voice that was both commanding and warm, "This is not a conclusion but a beginning of our next chapter." Amara's eyes met his, and in a gentle but firm voice, she replied, "I look to that future with determination and hope."

In a final exchange that resonated in the room, Tyrant McKinney said, "We look forward to a promising tomorrow." Pete Sky concluded, "Farewell, and good luck.