In the Office

Clara and Sheina rode the elevator to the top floor.

During the ride, Sheina was very enthusiastic. She kept telling Clara about the company. “The CEO’s main office occupies the entire top floor. Most employees are not allowed to enter there. Only those who report directly to him or have something very important can go there.”

Clara listened silently.

She wanted to learn as much as possible about her new boss, so she appreciated this new lecture.

Suddenly, Sheina stopped. Then, she turned to Clara and asked casually, “I heard before that you worked at one of the group’s branches abroad. Why were you suddenly transferred to the headquarters? Did you know Mr. Halle before?”

Curiosity shone in Sheina's eyes. It was clear she wanted to know this for gossip purposes.

Never before in the history of Founderflash Group had anyone been hired or transferred without going through an interview. In fact, the process of becoming an employee here was longer than most.

Clara had broken that record.

There was speculation among the other employees that Clara was no ordinary person. As a result, Sheina wanted to know why the CEO himself had transferred Clara.

It was no secret that most of those who tried to get this job failed at the resume submission stage. This was because Adrian had strict requirements.

Sheina's chirpy questions made Clara frown. She didn't like it when people interfered in others' affairs.

She glanced at Sheina's work ID and said coldly, “Last time I checked, public relations professionals are supposed to have high emotional intelligence. They usually focus on their jobs.”

She had just said that Sheina was overstepping her boundaries.

As Clara finished speaking, the elevator stopped on the top floor.

Clara stepped out without looking at her friend.

Sheina's face darkened as a result.

Gritting her teeth, she stared at Clara's back as she walked out of the elevator.

Who did this newcomer think she was? How dare she use that tone when speaking to her?

They both waited outside the office.

Sheina glanced at her watch and went to a corner to make a phone call. When she came back, she told Clara, “Mr. Halle is on his way. We need to wait a little longer.”

Clara nodded understandingly.

Neither of them said a word for a few seconds. Suddenly, Sheina spoke in a casual tone, “Want to know why Mr. Halle is late?”

Still angry at Clara for shutting her up, Sheina wanted to state the facts clearly. She intended to bring Clara down from her arrogant, haughty attitude.

Clara didn't care at all about what her boss did outside the office. As a result, she responded silently.

Refusing to acknowledge the signal, Sheina said in an annoying voice, “You know, his wife just came back today. He took the day off work just to pick her up at the airport. He’s such a good husband!”

With hungry eyes, Sheina crossed her arms and added with regret and admiration, “It's a shame he got married so quickly. His wife is really lucky. I'm really curious what she's like.”

These words suddenly reminded Clara of what had happened to her earlier today.

It seemed some lucky women had good husbands. Her boss, Adrian, seemed better than Jordan.

After she had waited at the airport for almost an hour, Jordan had sent a text message saying that he couldn't come because he was busy.

What a ridiculous reason! Was he busier than the CEO of Founderflash Group?

Suddenly, the elevator dinged.

Sheina quickly straightened her clothes and ran her fingers through her hair. After smiling, she pulled Clara.

The elevator door opened slowly.

A man dressed in a custom-designed suit walked towards them with one hand in his pocket.

He had long legs that made him take large strides. His shoulders were broad, but his waist was slightly slim. His facial features were like a muscular model.

Clara estimated that he was over six feet tall.

The aura of nobility he exuded was very strong. Clara couldn't take her eyes off him.

“Good morning, Mr. Halle.”

Sheina's voice cut through Clara's observation.

With a slight reverence, Clara introduced herself. “Hello, Mr. Halle. I'm the PR professional who was transferred from the overseas branch. My name is Clara Clark.”

At that name, Adrian raised his eyebrow in surprise.

The name sounded familiar. But he couldn't remember where he had heard it.

His brow furrowed with a faint confusion. The next second, he gestured towards the door. “Let's talk in my office.”

With that, he entered the office.

Clara followed him without hesitation.

***

Sitting at his desk, Adrian looked at the file in his hand.

He had specifically chosen Clara to be his personal PR officer because she had achieved great success at the branch company last year. Her records showed that she had helped the company out of several situations that could have damaged its reputation.

More importantly…

Adrian turned to the last page of her resume and narrowed his eyes.

“You can design?”

Adrian's deep voice broke the heavy silence in the office.

This was the last thing Clara thought she would be asked. After being surprised, she nodded. “A little.”

Adrian raised his eyes, glanced at her calm face, and continued to ask, “You’re a PR professional. What does design have to do with your job? Why did you feel the need to include design sketches in your resume?”

Clara had come well-prepared for this question.

She sat up straight and answered confidently, “Founderflash Group is trying to take over the clothing industry. As a PR professional, my job includes marketing the brand image. That’s why I made some design sketches that can be utilized well.”

Adrian nodded thoughtfully.

He closed the file and placed it at the corner of his desk. Next, he turned to Sheina and instructed, “Help her settle in. Then give her some tasks.”

Sheina was shocked.

Was that all Adrian had to say?

Although Sheina was not happy at all, she answered politely, “Yes, Mr. Halle.”

Clara sighed in relief as she exited the office.

She loosened her clenched fists, and her palms were already sweating.

Imagining the CEO's indifferent and stern face, Clara became nervous again. She had a feeling that working under him would be harder than she had imagined.