Hearts Reclaimed

Chapter 5

The interview in Brooklyn

The morning sun painted the sky with hues of orange as Leah prepared for her interview trip alongside her boss, Andrew. Clad in a flowing white gown, she masked her emotions behind a practiced smile, concealing the turmoil within. Andrew's stunned expression upon seeing her beauty briefly pulled him from his thoughts. It was her voice that brought him back, a simple "boss" reminding him of the reality at hand.

Andrew's personal assistant arrived, and the trio made their way to the airport. The destination was Brooklyn, and as they boarded the plane, Andrew's demeanor shifted. He reverted to his composed self, taking charge as they settled in. Once they reached their destination, a sleek black Tesla awaited, reflecting his accustomed affluence. He instructed Leah and his assistant to arrange a taxi while he headed to the pre-booked hotel.

As they parted ways, Leah's internal monologue reflected her inner struggle. Frustration bubbled as she muttered silently about men's behavior, cautious not to let Andrew's assistant, Leo, overhear her thoughts. Resolute, she reminded herself of her purpose—the crucial interview that could secure her promotion at the Royal Hotel.

With determination, Leah quelled thoughts of Derek, her unfaithful ex. Brooklyn seemed to hold the promise of confrontation after the trip. She wiped away an errant tear, vowing to herself that she'd face the heartache once the business at hand was complete.

As the moment of the interview's commencement drew closer, Andrew's heart raced, echoing the importance of the opportunity before him. The resonating words from his father, Mr. Clark, lingered in his mind, emphasizing the significance of this interview not just as a promotion but as a symbolic initiation into the esteemed Royal Group.

The weight of the worldwide broadcast was like an anchor, and the realization that his performance could sway Royal Group's stocks added an extra layer of pressure. He felt like he was standing on the precipice of a life-altering decision, one that could significantly impact his career trajectory and the reputation of the company.

The skilled makeup artist put the finishing touches on Leah's appearance. Her hands moved with a delicate precision, but her thoughts were racing too fast for her to fully appreciate her efforts. She was too absorbed in contemplating the gravity of the upcoming interview.

As the anticipation in the room built up, a PR representative, whose sudden appearance was rather unexpected, approached Leah. In her hands, the representative held a new sheet of paper with questions that had been noticeably altered.

The words on the page seemed charged with an air of manipulation. This wasn't the set of questions she had formerly revised on. The twist of events was a carefully orchestrated plan by his step-sister, but Leah wasn't aware that it was being used.

The modified questions were not a coincidence; they were a calculated move meant to unnerve Andrew. So that he could make a mistake. Rose's motive was clear: by deliberately altering the questions, she aimed to exploit any vulnerability, prompting a mistake that would be magnified on a national stage.

As the countdown to the interview continued, Andrew wrestled with his emotions. And prepared himself for the interview which would be hosted by Leah as she would be the one to ask the questions.

Unbeknownst to Andrew, his sister had already set up a trap for him to exploit his weaknesses in his childhood.

As the interview commenced, the camera crew counted down, "We will start in 3, 2, 1..."

Leah, the host, welcomed the audience, her voice resonating from the rooftop of the Royal Hotel in Brooklyn, offering a breathtaking view of the city's sunset.

"Here we are," Leah introduced, "at the Royal Hotel's rooftop in Brooklyn, a spot that offers the most splendid view of the Brooklyn sunset."

Turning her attention to the head manager, Leah asked, "Head manager, could you kindly greet our viewers?"

With a composed demeanor, Andrew Clark introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Andrew Clark."

Before delving into the details of the hotel, Leah expressed their intention to pose some preliminary questions. "Before we delve into the hotel's details," Leah began, "we'd like to inquire about your mother, who played a pivotal role in founding the Brooklyn branch of the Royal Hotel.

Undoubtedly, being here holds a unique significance for you. Rumors suggest you share a resemblance to your mother. In what respects do you find yourself following in her footsteps? How much truth is there to this?"

As Leah posed her questions, Andrew's expression remained unyielding, his gaze piercing. If looks could be fatal, Leah would have met her end then and there. Yet, much to the chagrin of those who sought a different outcome, Andrew didn't let the intensity deter him. He answered Leah's questions, and the interview progressed without incident.

Meanwhile, in New York, Rose seethed with anger, venting her frustration by shattering numerous objects within her home. Her fury echoed as she declared, "I'll bring ruin upon you, Royal Hotel! It's rightfully mine—everything belongs to me!" Her screams

reverberated through the tense atmosphere.