Chapter Ten: Meeting The Man And The Mini-man

Trina’s POV 

Early the next morning, I stood in front of the mirror, checking and rechecking my appearance for the umpteenth time and taking deep, calming breaths. I need to look as presentable as possible because this interview is very important to me. It is the ticket to the independence I so much crave, and also, my chance to show my evil conniving family what I am capable of. It's also my ticket to power and getting back what's rightfully mine. With one last intake of breath, l grabbed my portfolio and headed out of the door.

The Sunnyville hotel truly lived up to its reputation. It was indeed a sight to behold, with its grand, magnificent building radiating opulence, adorned with elaborate chandeliers and  marble columns that nearly reached for the skies. Each step I took inside felt surreal, just as if I was walking through a dream. I was both awed and determined as I walked into the opulent lobby. I’ll definitely do my best to get this job!

Just then, a smartly dressed middle-aged butler approached me, his manner impeccable.

"Ms. Ryder? Please follow me. The interview will be conducted on the top floor."

My heels clicked rhythmically against the marble floor as I followed the butler to the elevator. Though I appeared calm outwardly, with a polite smile on my face as we rode the elevator, deep down my mind was buzzing with potential interview questions and all the answers I had rehearsed. And  when the doors finally opened on the fortieth floor, I stepped out of the elevator with confidence, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

But alas, nothing could have prepared me for what awaited me in that lavish office the butler led me into.

As soon as I stepped into the most lavishly furnished office I have ever come across, I instantly froze on my tracks, my eyes widening in shock. There, standing behind an imposing desk, was the insanely handsome, aloof man l had encountered at the airport just yesterday! 

Jesus, it can’t be!

As our eyes met; warm hazel against cold, steely gray, I felt all the composure and confidence I’ve worked so hard to build crumble and disappear. What a small world! Who could have thought that I would stumble upon none other than the same man I woefully embarrassed myself in front of just the previous day!

Just yesterday, I’ve blatantly attacked this Greek-god look-alike, calling him a pervert when I was actually the one in wrong and now, look what fate has done to me; he's the one who’ll determine whether or not I get the job I so much yearn for as he's obviously the boss! What a sick joke fate has played on me!

The man's intimidating and piercing gaze seemed to see right through me, and I found myself struggling to breathe. Panic set in as realization dawned upon me; this interview is already doomed because I'm quite sure this handsome stranger will never hire a woman that attacked and falsely accused him. 

Just as I began retreating backwards, I heard the cold, frosty and authoritative voice of the man addressing the butler,  "Is this the candidate for the position of my secretary, Randolph?"

That stopped me from leaving the office as I whipped my head to face him in shock. Secretary? There must be some mistake! Mustering up all my courage, I took a step forward and with my voice trembling slightly, I spoke to him. "I'm sorry, but there seems to be a misunderstanding. I applied for the managerial position. My mentor in France arranged this interview."

One of the man's perfectly shaped eyebrows raised slightly, and something flashed in his eyes but it was just for a fraction of a second before it returned to its cold, expressionless state. Seeing that he wasn't going to say anything, I turned and had just taken one step towards the door when a small voice stopped me in my tracks.

"What's your specialty?"

I slowly turned, and was surprised to see a young boy I hadn't noticed before standing near the window. He was the spitting image of the man behind the desk– he's just a mini version of the strikingly handsome man whose name I still don't know. They have the same piercing, steely gray eyes, the same chiseled features and even the same cold expression. Yet, despite the boy's intimidating and aloof demeanor, I felt a warm smile automatically appearing on my face. I found the little boy’s mature and cool demeanor kinda cute!

And before I realized what I was doing talkless of stopping myself, I blurted out, "I can cook!”