The Interview
794 Words
Anthony Kingsley hated being interrupted.
Especially when he had already made his decision.
Yet, when Mrs. Eleanor Brooks returned to his office for the second time that morning, he knew she wasn't going to leave easily.
He looked up from his laptop.
"You came back."
Mrs. Brooks stood calmly in front of his desk.
"Yes."
"I thought we finished this conversation."
"We did."
"Then why are you here?"
"Because you didn't listen to the most important part."
Anthony raised an eyebrow.
"And what part was that?"
"The part where I said she deserves a chance."
Anthony leaned back in his chair.
"Mrs. Brooks, I've known you for years. You're kind, but kindness isn't a qualification for managing my home."
"Neither is wealth a qualification for judging people."
The room became quiet.
Anthony looked at her.
She rarely challenged him.
"Who is she?"
Mrs. Brooks smiled slightly.
"Her name is Clara Evans."
Anthony said nothing.
"She's twenty-three years old. She's hardworking, honest, and has never caused trouble in any place she's worked."
"Then why was she dismissed?"
Mrs. Brooks' expression changed.
"Because someone wanted her gone."
Anthony studied her carefully.
"Explain."
"She was accused of stealing a bracelet from the Kingsley mansion."
"And did she?"
"No."
"You sound certain."
"Because I know Clara."
Anthony looked away.
He had learned a long time ago that people were rarely what they appeared to be.
"Bring her in."
Mrs. Brooks smiled.
"You'll meet her?"
"An interview."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
Mrs. Brooks nodded.
"Sometimes that's enough."
Clara stood immediately when Mrs. Brooks returned.
"Mrs. Brooks?"
"Come with me."
Clara looked surprised.
"Does that mean..."
"You're getting an interview."
Her heart jumped.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Mr. Kingsley is not easy."
Clara nodded.
"I understand."
She followed Mrs. Brooks through the villa gates.
The moment she stepped inside, she noticed the difference between this place and the mansion.
The Kingsley mansion was grand and intimidating.
This villa was quieter.
More personal.
Almost lonely.
Everything was perfectly arranged.
Not a single item was out of place.
"Mr. Kingsley values privacy," Mrs. Brooks explained.
"I'll respect that."
They stopped outside the office.
Mrs. Brooks looked at Clara.
"Be honest."
"I will."
"Don't try to impress him."
Clara nodded.
"Just be yourself."
Then she knocked.
"Come in."
Anthony looked up when Clara entered.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
He had expected someone desperate.
Someone who would beg.
Instead, the young woman standing before him held herself with quiet dignity.
Her clothes were simple.
Her expression was nervous but determined.
"Mr. Kingsley," she greeted politely.
Anthony nodded.
"Sit."
Clara sat across from him.
He opened the file Mrs. Brooks prepared.
"Clara Evans. Twenty-three years old."
"Yes."
"You worked at the Kingsley mansion for two years."
"Yes."
"Then you were dismissed."
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"Yes."
"Why?"
The question was direct.
Clara looked at him.
"Because I was accused of stealing something I didn't take."
Anthony watched her carefully.
"Most people would deny everything immediately."
"I am denying it."
Her answer was calm.
"But I also know that saying I'm innocent won't automatically make people believe me."
That response caught his attention.
"You don't seem angry."
"I am."
"Yet you are calm."
Clara lowered her eyes.
"Anger doesn't change the truth."
For the first time, Anthony looked interested.
"Why do you need this job?"
Clara hesitated.
She didn't want pity.
But lying would go against everything she believed.
"My mother is hospitalized."
Anthony's expression remained neutral.
"I need to pay for her treatment."
"And your father?"
"He passed away."
"Other family?"
"My younger brother."
"How old?"
"Eighteen."
Anthony closed the file.
"You understand this position requires living here?"
"Yes."
"You will have strict rules."
"I understand."
"You will have no involvement in my personal affairs."
"I won't."
"You will not bring unnecessary problems into this house."
Clara met his eyes.
"I won't."
Anthony studied her.
Most people became nervous under his gaze.
She was nervous.
But she wasn't pretending.
"Why should I hire you?"
The question hung in the air.
Clara took a breath.
"Because I know what it means to need a second chance."
Silence.
Anthony looked at her for several seconds.
Then he turned toward the window.
"Mrs. Brooks."
"Yes?"
"Prepare the contract."
Clara's eyes widened slightly.
She couldn't believe it.
"Mr. Kingsley..."
Anthony looked back at her.
"Your trial period begins tomorrow."
A small breath escaped her lips.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet."
His voice was cold.
"Prove that Mrs. Brooks was right about you."
Clara nodded.
"I will."
As she left the office, Anthony watched the door close behind her.
He didn't know why.
But for the first time in a long time...
His quiet villa didn't feel quite as empty.
End of Chapter 4
- Writer
