gazed nervously at the towering building through t

g out. Standing on the sidewalk, she tilted her head back, trying to catc

volving door. Isla stood there for a moment, imagining the new life she might step into if she secure

tten heels echoing softly against the tiled floor. The spacious lobby was bright and

g her smile. "Good morning.

st replied warmly. "Please take

receptionist's cheerful demeanor, though likely j

glanced at her vintage wristwatch. Less

were already in motion, leaving he

e passengers inside. "Please wait!" she called, her voic

triggering the safety mechanism. The doors bounced back ope

of the men said firmly. Isla raised

lately tailored-just like the other men in the elevator. Except for one. The man in the middle stood out. Alex. He wore a neatly ironed blu

ath from the run, "but I need to be on the 27th

to wait for the elevator to return,

lready late. If I step out, we'll all just waste more time arguing. Do what you need to do,

ently raised his hand to stop him. The eleva

eld high as if she wasn't there. Shrugging slightly, Isla looked away,

heading straight for the nearest desk. "Excuse me," she sai

room, where several people were already seated. Isla

aught movement near the door.

usion. But instead of joining the candidates, he turned toward another door that le

wave of panic through her. 'What if he thinks I'm rude and disqualifies m

as called in. Isla's heart pounded in her ch

ead and anticipation swirling ins

Benn

er feet. She quickly scanned the room. Several candidates who had arrived before her we

toward the door. Her mind raced with questions. 'Why me? Why now?' She trie

pped into the office, ready t

ed by sleek chairs. At the far end of the table sat Alex, his expression unreadable as always. Bes

ority. Isla's eyes met his briefly before she quickly looked away, her heart racing. Meeting Jaxon in

identically to the ones outside the door. Their presen

ommanded calm

, only to find Jaxon's piercing gaze still fixed on her. His expression remained unreadable,

eaking, his voice cutting through the silence. "I believe you

ith a small, nervous smile

im. "Your CV states you studied English Language and h

ered beginning to waver. She could feel the weight of his

ere? This is a private security company. Are you suggesting

thoughts scattering. She glanced at Jaxon, silently pleading fo

I'll ask you to leave," Alex said sharpl

s Jaxon lit his tobacco. The sharp scent filled the

r voice trembling but determined

d an eyebr

your company. I'm smart, brave, a quick learner, and incredibly diligent. If

"What makes you different from the more experienced candidates waiting out

pected question. "No... no," sh

aside dismissively. "Thank you

g the lump in her throat, and gave a slight bow before leavin

chair and turned to Jaxon. "What do you think? She's a l

co, exhaling slowly as he raised his

d slightly

before, have they?" He paused, taking another pu

ners of her eyes. She clutched her bag tightly, willing herself not to break down in front of anyone. When she reach

her phone with shaky hands, and quickly dialed Sophie's number. Holding it to her ear, she muttered under

Sophie's cheerful voice came

Isla murmured, her voice trembling as

the hell happened?" Sophie's to

etty sure I said and did all the wrong things," Isla admitted, tears streaming down her cheeks as th

they're missing. You'll get a better

anding by the roadside a

you want me to leave

isappointed." Isla paused, attempting to muster some

ok as hot as he does in the pictures?" Sophie ga

plied, managing a smal

ther sound came through her line. "Argh, I've g

see you

r wet dream about Mr. Stranger!" Sop

softly, shaking her head

lled out her phone again, her thumb hovering over the email notification for the

d to swipe, a new email

red as the Secretary to the CEO at

disbelief. She stared at the screen,

exclaimed, her voice e