Chapter Seven: The Offer

"Jim, what's wrong?" Cassandra pressed, her voice laced with concern.

Jim's eyes darted to Mildred's, then back to Cassandra's. "I just think it's best if you... and Mildred... stay away from me."

Cassandra's brow furrowed. "But you said it was about Mildred's behavior and yours."

Jim's jaw clenched. "I know, I... I meant what I said."

Mildred's leg continued its subtle manipulation under the table, fueling Jim's inner turmoil.

"Stay away from you?" Cassandra repeated, confusion etched on her face. "What's going on, Jim?"

Jim's hands fisted beneath the table, fighting the desire sparked by Mildred's touch.

Cassandra's eyes flashed with anger. "This is between you and me. You left me at the altar without hearing me out."

Jim's gaze dropped and Mildred shifted uncomfortably, her leg withdrawing from its subtle manipulation.

"Besides, I haven't bothered you since that day," Cassandra continued, her voice rising. "Explain yourself."

Jim's eyes met Cassandra's, "Mildred's been... embarrassing me," he said. "Whenever our paths cross, she insults me, accuses me of leaving you. She thinks she's your fighter."

Mildred's expression transformed from seductive to icy, her eyes narrowing at Jim. She let out an inaudible sigh of relief.

Cassandra's gaze turned to Mildred. "Mill, is this true?" She asked, her voice laced with disappointment.

Mildred's mask slipped, revealing a glimpse of malice.

"Of course not," Mildred replied, squeezing her face.

The tension between them thickened, secrets and lies hanging precariously. Cassandra's gaze shifted between Jim and Mildred, sensing the underlying tension.

"Is there something I should know?" Cassandra asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Jim's eyes locked onto Mildred's, a silent plea to stop, as her leg resumed,but her eyes never left Jim's face. The silence hung heavy, weighted with unspoken secrets.

Suddenly, Mildred stood, her chair scraping against the floor. "I think we've discussed enough," she said, her voice dripping with innocence. "Cass, let's leave Jim to his thoughts. Since it's obvious, he didn't call to hear you out."

Cassandra's eyes narrowed, her gaze lingering on Jim.

"Fine," Cassandra said, rising from her seat.

As they exited the café, Jim's eyes remained fixed on Mildred's retreating back.

Cassandra trudged back to the guest house, her heart heavy. She assured Mildred she was fine, but tears streamed down her face as soon as she closed the door. Exhaustion claimed her, and she cried herself to sleep.

Next morning, Cassandra entered the guest house cafeteria, determined to indulge.

"I'll take the full breakfast plate, please," she told the chef.

No worries about expenses; she'd spend every penny if it meant fleeting happiness. Cassandra sat alone, savoring each bite.

Her phone rang. Mildred.

"Hey, Cass. Continuing the job hunt today?" Mildred asked.

Cassandra sighed. "I'm tired, Mill."

Mildred's concern was laced with annoyance. "You can't give up."

"And I can't focus as well. Business management isn't child's play Mill. I need this job badly but I also need to focus." She replied.

"You're a smart woman, give it try again." Mildred persisted.

"I will find a Job, but I don't know when. I didn't strife hard to get a good degree in business management just to dump it." Cassandra said.

"Very well then, good luck."

Cassandra ended the call, her patience worn thin. Just then, a poised woman in her late 20s, approached Cassandra. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face. A subtle smile played on her lips as she sat opposite Cassandra.

Emma's tailored blazer and crisp white blouse exuded confidence and professionalism. A sleek silver watch adorned her wrist, complementing her elegant demeanor, and her eyes sparkled with warmth and genuine interest. Cassandra's eyes travelled from the woman's head to her sparkling black stiletto which looked quite expensive.

"I'm Emma" she said, her voice melodious and assured.

With that introduction, Emma's presence commanded attention, and Cassandra's life was about to take an unexpected turn.

Cassandra nodded, curiosity piqued.

"I overheard your conversation. You sound incredibly intelligent," Emma said.

Cassandra's eyes widened but guarded. "Ouh. What brings you here?"

Emma smiled. "My boyfriend's in town, here at this guest house actually. Man is a low-key human, I just came down here and thankfully I saw you, plus you sounded like you really need a job. I work with Clade Industries. We're hiring."

Cassandra's heart skipped a beat.

"Really?" she asked.

Emma nodded. "Yes."

"And you think I'm good for the Job, just by looking at me?" Cassandra asked.

"Oh, you'll undergo a critical scrutiny that's if you are interested but my instincts never lie." Emma replied flashing her white set of teeth.

"So I come in tomorrow?" Cassandra asked.

"Yes if you can, here's the company's card." Emma said as she handed a cream coloured small card.

The card read 'Clearview Enterprises'.

"Clearview?" Cassandra asked.

"Oh I understand your confusion, there are smaller companies all under Clade industries. We do the hiring at Clade, and fix the employees into the smaller companies. The woman explained.

Cassandra nodded in understanding and smiled to the woman who stood to leave. She sighed heavily as she looked back at her food, fate's door creaked open.

Emma settled into her office, phone in hand, and dialed Claus's extension.

"Emma here. Need to brief you on a potential candidate," Emma said.

Claus's deep voice came on the line. "Emma, what's this about?"

"I met a woman,at a guest house cafeteria. Intelligent, eloquent, and fluent. I think she'd be perfect for the open position."

"A guest house Emma?" Claus asked.

"My boyfriend is in town, sir." Emma cleared the confusion

"Cheap of him." Claus muttered, but Emma remained silent. She is used to these.

Claus's interest piqued. "Go on."

"I invited her for an interview tomorrow. Should I arrange for Mr Gad to conduct the interview since he is the manager of Clearview?" Emma asked.

"No," Claus replied firmly. "I'll handle it myself."

Emma raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Sir?"

"I want to assess this candidate personally, it's a sensitive position" Claus clarified.

Emma nodded, though he couldn't see her. "Understood, sir. I'll schedule the interview for 10 am tomorrow."

"See that she's prepared, Emma," Claus instructed.

"Will do, sir."

The line went dead.