Room For One More

CHAPTER FIVE : The Interview That Wasn't

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

Aiden's lips curved, amused. "Just trying to break the ice."

"This is an interview," I said, anchoring my voice, "not. whatever last night was."

He leaned forward, elbows on the desk. "You're right. Let's keep it professional."

"Good."

A beat.

"You were early to your interview," he added, glancing at the clock. "That's a plus."

"I try to be."

"UI design experience. Unilag graduate. Portfolio's good. I went through it last night."

I glared. "Last night?"

"Before you. appeared unexpectedly," he answered, his eyes sparkling.

I folded my arms in my lap. "If this is some sort of joke—"

"It's not." His tone deepened an octave. "I just didn't expect the girl from Room 408 to appear in my boardroom."

"And I didn't expect half-naked CEO man from my accidental cell to be CEO."

We eyed each other.

He eventually stood up. "Elena, I am impressed. Honestly. But I have to wonder: will you be uncomfortable working under me?"

"Under you," I replied. "And no. I was hired to do this job. What happened last night doesn't change who I am."

His eyes didn't flicker. "Good."

He came over, gave me a printed contract.

"You're hired. Probation starts Monday."

Like that?

"Thank you," I said, stunned.

"Cassandra will handle your ID and onboarding."

I made a dash for the door, my heart racing.

But just as I was reaching it, he spoke:

"Oh, and Elena?"

I spun around.

"Let's not act like nothing occurred. But let's just wait and see what happens next."

I didn't say anything.

Because on the other side of that door. Cassandra waited.

And her eyes said more than words that she already had a feeling something was off.