Ava's heart thudded in her chest as she stared at her phone screen, the glow illuminating her startled expression. The sender's name at the top of the email read:
Blackwood Company Recruitment Team.
Blackwood.
Everyone knew Blackwood Company, it was one of the most powerful and wealthy corporations in the country, with interests spanning finance, real estate, and technology. Its CEO, Damien Blackwood, was a name whispered with respect and awe in the business world.
With trembling fingers, Ava opened the message.
> "Dear Ava Morgan,
>
> Thank you for your application for the Secretary position at Blackwood Company. We are pleased to invite you to an in-person interview scheduled for October 14th at 10:00 AM…"
She stopped reading for a second, eyes wide.
Weeks ago, she had sent in the application almost on a whim, late at night after seeing the listing buried deep in a job board. She hadn't expected anything, companies like that didn't hire people like her. She didn't even have the confidence to dream about it.
But now… here it was. Real. Waiting.
Her breath caught in her throat, a mix of nerves and hope swirling in her chest. This wasn't just any job. It was a lifeline.
And maybe… just maybe… everything was about to change.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door.
Ava quickly put down her phone and walked over. She already knew who it was, Chloe's private nurse, Tory, The woman stepped in with her usual calm smile, dressed in scrubs and carrying her medical bag.
"Tory, good afternoon," Ava greeted, trying to sound more composed than she felt.
"Hi Ava," Tory replied gently. "How's Chloe been today?"
"She's been resting fine," Ava said, stepping aside to let her in. "Thank you for coming."
Ava had hired Tory a few weeks ago when the hospital bills became too overwhelming. It had been a tough decision, but keeping Chloe at home under professional care was the only way they could manage, both financially and emotionally. Despite the growing debt Ava owed her, Tory never stopped showing up. She was kind, patient, and treated Chloe like her own.
Tory moved efficiently, checking Chloe's vitals, preparing her medications, and administering an injection. Chloe stirred slightly but didn't fully wake, her breathing steady.
"She's improving," Tory said with a nod. "Still fragile, but she's responding well to the meds."
Ava exhaled in relief. "That's good to hear."
As Tory packed her things, Ava cleared her throat. "Um… I need to let you know. I might not be home next Monday. I have something important to attend to, and I might be out for most of the day."
Tory looked up, listening.
"I was wondering… if you could stay with Chloe that day? I promise I'll pay you what I owe. I just, this is really important."
Tory offered a soft smile. "Of course, Ava. I'll stay with her. Don't worry."
Ava's shoulders dropped slightly, the tension easing for a moment. She thanked her sincerely, watching the nurse leave after a short while.
As the door closed behind her, Ava turned around, her eyes drifting back to her phone, still lit with the message from Blackwood Company.
One opportunity.
One week.
Everything was riding on it.