Chapter 6

Vera softly said, “Resume, school transcripts, photo identification, and a picture,” as she carefully attached the required documents one by one. The quiet click of her computer reverberated in the silence of her apartment, contrasting with the anxiety swirling within her. With nervous anticipation, she reviewed the email once more, her fingers poised over the mouse. After what felt like an eternity, she pressed “send.”

She let out a heavy sigh and murmured to herself, “I really hope I get the job.” The words felt like a prayer, a fragile hope grasping at her amidst a sea of doubt.

The following day, at nine o'clock in the morning, after much deliberation and a restless night, she decided to apply for the job. After all, her previous attempts had only brought her disappointment.

Vera had previously worked part-time at GHM Media Company, doing production tasks where she met Bryan, her former boyfriend. He held the position of Talent Manager at the TV network, a title that once filled her with pride but now caused unease, knowing he had the authority to fire her if he chose to.

Naturally, she had pursued part-time production positions at other TV networks related to her studies, but those attempts had proven fruitless. They all seemed to require full-time staff.

She had also sent applications to various places, but the schedules never matched her academic commitments. The rejection emails had started to feel like a heavy weight, stifling her ambitions.

As she got ready to leave, hoping to meet friends who might help with rent, her phone buzzed with a notification that pulled her from her thoughts.

Intrigued, she checked her email, her heart pounding. The words jumped off the screen as she read the reply quietly:

“Dear Miss Taylor,

Good morning!

We believe you are an excellent fit for the job. Please join us for a personal interview at the Fidelis Crystal Corporation and let the front office know you have an appointment with Brown James.

We look forward to seeing you at 10:00 AM.

Sincerely,

Brown James,

Executive Assistant to the CEO, Fidelis Crystal Corporation.”

Her eyes widened, disbelief flooding over her. “Fidelis Crystal Corporation?” she murmured to herself, her voice barely audible.

Vera dug through her bag to locate the flyer that had initially drawn her attention. “I am applying to Fidelis Crystal Corporation?” She could hardly believe her eyes! The weight of the opportunity began to sink in, filling her with both excitement and apprehension.

Settling into her living room sofa, she pondered her future. Who would she end up managing? What would it mean to work at such a esteemed company?

Realizing she had less than two hours to prepare, she rushed back to her closet, sifting through her limited choices. She ultimately chose the sapphire blue dress she had worn a few nights ago, its material fitting her body comfortably, giving her a sense of confidence in the midst of her anxiety.

After applying a touch of makeup, she looked at herself in the mirror, hoping to convey professionalism. With a determined breath, she departed for the company, her mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. Arriving at the Fidelis Crystal Corporation within an hour, the imposing glass building mirrored her aspirations.

As she approached the reception desk in the lobby, she said, “Excuse me, I have an appointment with Mr. Brown for a job interview?”

The two receptionists exchanged confused looks. One raised an eyebrow. “A job? Why would Mr. Brown conduct the interview personally?”

The other receptionist shrugged, her fingers moving swiftly over the phone as she called the assistant to the CEO. After verifying the appointment, the woman turned to Vera and smiled. “Please head to the top floor. A security guard will assist you.”

“Thank you!” Vera responded, her heart racing as she took a deep breath. “Has anyone else arrived for the interview?”

“Just you so far. Best of luck,” the receptionist said, her tone both supportive and slightly foreboding.

As Vera rode the elevator upwards, she contemplated why no one else had come for the interview. Could fortune finally be in her favor?

She was led to a small conference room on the highest floor of the city’s tallest building. With each step, her heart pounded, filled with both curiosity and anxiety about the situation she found herself in.

“Managing a luxury penthouse. How did I wind up in this prominent company?” She thought, her mind racing with potential scenarios.

The guard told her to take a seat, and she scarcely had time to gather her thoughts before Brown James walked in, holding a stack of papers. He radiated a professional charm that made her heart skip a beat.

Vera quickly offered her hand to Brown, but he did not reciprocate. Instead, he greeted her with a warm smile, his gaze briefly darting to the glass wall separator behind her, as if looking for something or someone behind her.

“Ah, Miss Taylor, your handshake is meant for another,” Brown quipped, a playful twinkle in his eyes. Confused yet fascinated, she took a seat, her thoughts racing.

As he started to explain the job responsibilities, Vera listened closely. “The penthouse you would manage will have housekeeping and hotel staff coming and going for cleaning and maintenance. It's situated on the top floor of the First Crystal Hotel. Even the meals are prepared by the property itself. So you might wonder, what will be left for you to do?”

Vera nodded, her heart racing. “Exactly… if I manage to secure the position.”

Brown locked eyes with Vera, examining her with a focus that made her cheeks flush. He noticed her attractiveness, her ideal height, a slender yet curvy physique, long silky caramel hair, and expressive hazel eyes. To him, she was an ideal fit for his boss.

Clearing his throat, Brown said, “To start with, we place great importance on loyalty here at the company, particularly from the owner of the penthouse. The key requirement is your dedication! If you are offered the position, we expect you to honour your contract, remaining for at least a year.”

Vera felt a moment of hesitation. With graduation just three months away, could she truly manage to work outside her area of interest for an entire year? The possibility of facing financial difficulties loomed over her like a shadow, but the urgency of her situation left little room for other options.

“Okay… a year it is,” she responded, suppressing her doubts.

“Great!” Brown continued, “The owner of the penthouse dislikes unnecessary drama, so unless it serves his interests, you’re prohibited from pursuing relationships with other men, particularly dishonest ones who could sidetrack you from your responsibilities!”

Vera’s forehead creased as she glanced around, trying to understand why this felt so recognizable. Shaking her head, she said, “I don’t want any drama either. I’m dedicated to my role.”

“Fantastic!” Brown exclaimed. “Next, you will not have the option to live anywhere else. We need you to be fully committed to your responsibilities and treat the penthouse as your own home. You will have your own area, and we will provide everything you need, including food and a private space. I assure you, the penthouse has ample room.”

“Oh?” Vera’s mouth opened in surprise, her eyes wide with astonishment. Not only would her job take care of her rent, but it appeared she would also receive a complimentary home.

“Yes. Now, let’s proceed to your primary duties at the penthouse.” Brown handed her the contract, pointing her to the section outlining her work responsibilities. “Your tasks include: First, make sure the hotel staff are reminded of their daily cleaning and maintenance schedule, which is detailed here. Second, you will let them in, and after they finish, you will secure the premises!”

Vera remained quiet, processing the weight of the responsibilities in front of her.

“Secondly, you must ensure there is a sufficient supply of food and toiletries at the penthouse, and that everything is operational, including electricity, internet, and water supply. If anything is off, just notify the hotel, and they will replenish supplies and address any problems.”

“Thirdly, you need to see to it that whenever the penthouse owner is around, his meals are prepared. In this regard, you might need to coordinate with him at times, asking whether he prefers to have breakfast or dinner at the penthouse,” Brown explained. “And don’t worry, the hotel will handle his meal preparation,” he added reassuringly.

“So it’s him,” Vera realized, the understanding dawning on her. Just as she was processing everything, she inquired, “Can I also cook for him? I love making home-cooked meals.”

Brown’s face broke into a smile. “Oh, I believe… that’s an even better idea. I’m sure he would appreciate such thoughtful gestures. I would definitely suggest that you do that as well!”