Lila legs grew weak at the thought of that but shook the thought away almost immediately.
No way.
Two people can use the same perfume and have the same shape of head
Besides, Spike was gentle and playful but this guy here was the exact opposite. He looked like a fresh ice from the fridge, mean and arrrgg... Unapproachable.
She hated his aura and was beginning to think maybe, just maybe he deserved the spilled coffee.
He could had saved the whole event simply by holding the door for her. If he were spike he would have held it for her.
She was so lost In thought that she didn't notice the man's intense stare on her.
When she finally did a sudden guilt washed over her like cold water making her feel so uncomfortable.
A sudden realization hit her.
She did not apologize for the spilling event.
She bit her lower lip in embarrassment.
*Stupid Lila. Arrg*
Why does he have to turn back for a small apology.
She offered a small awkward smile as she blinked her eyes cutely. That move always worked.
On anybody.
"Uh… sorry for suit. I promise I will__"
"You're late." he cut her off, his brow seriously furrowed.
Lila blinked, startled by his blunt tone. She scoffed clearly offended. "Excuse you?"
"You're late," he repeated, his voice low and clipped. "For the interview."
Lila's stomach dropped.
How did he know?
Was it that obvious?
She glanced down at her slightly rumpled blouse and wrinkled skirt, wincing internally.
"yeah, I know," she admitted, deciding honesty was the best policy. "I had a rough morning."
"That's no excuse," he said coldly, his gaze narrowing. "Punctuality is the bare minimum of professionalism."
Lila's eyes widened at his tone. "Well, excuse you, Mr. Perfect. Not everyone has the luxury of being on time all the time. Some of us have lives. I'm pretty sure you're also here for the interview. Use the lecture for your else." she scoffed eyeing him. "That's if you pass the interview... with that tone."
The corner of his mouth twitched. Lila couldn't tell whether it was from amusement or irritation.
All she knew was that he just proved to her why he was a jerk.
Lila was so pissed she really wanted to get out of the elevator, one more minute here could make her kill someone.
The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open to reveal the top floor. Lila stepped outrelieved, eager to put some distance between herself and the icy stranger.
"Good luck," he said as she walked away, his voice laced with sarcasm.
She turned back briefly, scowling. "I don't need luck. And I'll pay for the laundry."
Dominic's lips curved into the faintest of smirks as he watched her go.
"Who does she think she is."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------Few minutes late-------------------------
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Lila walked slowly towards the interview venue her heels clicking awkwardly against the polished floor. She took a deep breath, willing her nerves to calm.
Up ahead, curved reception desk came into view. It was modern, glossy, and far too intimidating for her liking.
A woman with perfectly sleek black hair, high cheekbones, and a headset sat behind it, tapping away at a keyboard.
The receptionist didn't even notice her presence as she approached the tablet.
Lila cleared her throat. " Hump.. Hi, um, good morning. I'm here for an interview?" She said her voice slightly higher than she intended.
The receptionist finally looked up, her eyes scanning Lila from head to toe.
Lila tried not to shift under her gaze, fully aware of how she looked at the moment.
No one could probably come to an interview in a slightly wrinkled coffee stained blazer.
Well.
Except her.
"Name?" the woman asked, perfectly composed.
"Lila Hart," she replied quickly.
"For?" Her brows slightly raised.
"For the executive assistant position." she replied back.
The receptionist typed for a moment, then glanced at the screen. "You were scheduled for ten o'clock."
Lila cringed. "Yes. I'm… a little late."
The woman didn't comment, she just picked up the phone and pressed a button. "Mr. Valenti? Your ten o'clock is here. Yes. She's just arrived."
Lila froze. Her stomach dropped. Mr. Valenti? That name…
Before she could ask anything, the receptionist pointed toward a hallway to the left. "Last office down. You'll know it when you see it."
Lila swallowed hard, murmured a quick thank you, and turned to head down the hallway.
With every step, the knot in her stomach twisted tighter. The air felt heavier.
She didn't know who Mr. Valenti was.
But a small, horrible voice inside her whispered to her that she was in for the doom.
Her mind wasn't settled for some reason. The interview was supposed to be conducted by a group of officials not the Valenti him self.
She didn't expect the CEO to want to interview her himself.
This is going to be tragic.
And if anything...
"Miss Hart" A female voice called out from behind.
Lila turned slowly, smoothing the hem of her skirt nervously. "Yes?" She smiled faced the receptionist.
The receptionist slowed her steps as she filled the space between them maintaining intense eye contact with Lila. She leaned in close to Lila's ear whispering in a low hushed voice. "Don't get your hopes high."
For a moment Lila was confused.
The gut.
"Oh. I'm not trying to discourage you or anything. You just have to be careful. Mr. Valenti is not easy to impress. You're the eleventh candidate in two weeks."
Lila gulped.
"And with your everything." She leaned out casting Lila a long judgy look from head to toe. "I don't think you'll have the chance to get in." She chuckled irritating Lila. "Good luck."
Lil clearly annoyed by the receptionist tightened her jaw trying so much not to give the receptionist what she deserved.
Fuck good luck.
She took a deep breath, her face sterned and cold. She leaned in closer to the receptionist herself whispering as the adjusted the her blazer.
"You don't get to decide that. Besides__" she moved closer to her ears. "If looks could get you a job, you're not even qualified to mop the floor." Lila smiled at her face, maintaining eye contact. She gave her a little head tilt before patting her shoulder and leaving for the double door.
An eye for an eye.
She was so proud of herself.
She could feel the receptionist brain burning out of her head. Why would she even target her like that. It's not like they were familiar with each other or something.
Crazy people everywhere...
Lila sighed before knocked the door in front of her.
"Come in." A voice replied from inside.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed the doors open stepping inside.
The office was massive, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. A sleek black desk sat in the center, and behind it, the man from the elevator was seated, his dark eyes locking onto hers the moment she entered.
Lila froze.
"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath.
Dominic leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Miss Hart," he said, his tone as cold as ever. "I see you made it on time. barely."
Lila's jaw dropped. "You're the CEO?"
"And you're the rude one who spilled coffee on me." he replied, cold and humorlessly. "Good luck, remember."
Lila felt the blood drain from her face.
"Why are the here?" Dominic asked his voice darker than before.
"For... For the inter—"
"That's not what I'm saying." Dominic interrupted, his tone cutting. "What I said was why you're here? What's your real motive?"
"Motive?" Lila echoed, bewildered.
Dominic stood, walking around the desk to stand in front of her. He loomed over her, his presence overwhelming.
"Don't play dumb," he said coldly. "Did you plan this? The coffee? The interview? Was it all just an elaborate scheme to get close to me?"
Lila stared at him, stunned. "What are you talking about? I didn't even know you were the CEO until five seconds ago!"
Dominic's eyes narrowed. "Convenient."
Do everyone in this company behave like this? Lila asked her shock quickly gave way to anger. "You're a physco. If you really think I'd go through all this trouble just to get close to you. You're not that special."
Dominic's expression darkened, but before he could respond, Lila grabbed her bag and turned toward the door.
Dominic was stunned for a bit. Why go through all this to get a job. He was starting to wonder why her woman would give her body away for a job.
"This was a mistake," Lila said over her shoulder. "Good luck finding an assistant who can put up with you."
But as she reached for the doorknob, Dominic's voice stopped her.
"Wait."
She turned, glaring at him.
"You ruined an expensive suit this morning," he said, his tone calm but cold. "You owe me."
Lila crossed her arms. "Fine. Send me the bill, and I'll pay for it."
Dominic's smirk returned. "Oh, you will. But considering the cost of that suit, it might take you a lifetime."
"What?" Lila asked, her stomach sinking. "How..how much is it?"
"You can't pay for it."
"How much?" She asked again her voice firm.
"It's s is a kiton k-50. Sure you can afford it?"
Lila swallowed hard at the name. That suit costs more than forty thousand dollars and there's only fifty of them every year.
Her face went pale, but she still kept the anger.
"Work for me," he said simply. "That's the only way you'll pay off the debt."
Lila stared at him, her anger bubbling to the surface. "You're unbelievable. How can you threaten someone to work for you."
"Take it or leave it," Dominic said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Lila clenched her fists, debating whether to throw her bag at him or storm out. The later is definitely a bad idea cause as much as she hated to admit it, she needed this job. Stepping out would make her regret it.
She has pay for her brother's medical bill as well as this man's suit.
"How much do I get paid?"
"100"
"Fine," she snapped. "But don't think for a second that I'm doing this for you. I'm doing it for me."
Dominic's smirk widened. "Welcome to SilverTech, Miss Hart."