6. The Job Offer

Ansel smirked as he saw Elisa's shocked expression. He thought about staying out of the interview and reveal himself later but then changed his mind. Besides, Anya would have a fit if he didn't show up.

"So, Ms. Elisa Campbell. It's a pleasure to meet you," Ansel said, acting as he had never met Elisa. He looked over at Anya. She was giving him a dirty look. He guessed his sister figured out that he had something to do with it, and she wasn't too happy with his tricks.

"Can I talk to you in private?" Anya forced a smile and grabbed Ansel's arm. "Excuse us for a moment, Ms. Campbell," she dragged him outside before he could say anything.

Anya punched him on the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" Ansel winced.

"What the fuck is she doing here? Is this one of your dumb pranks? You are too old to be doing this, Ansel," she hissed.

"What are you talking about? She has every right to interview for a job," Ansel feigned shock.

"Don't play dumb with me, Casanova. I know exactly what you're trying to do. You're trying to hire her so you can keep trying to get inside her panties. You're disgusting!" Anya said in a hushed tone.

"This isn't a prank. Yes, I do want to get closer to her and change her mind about me, but I also think she can handle this job. Besides, she wouldn't be here if she didn't need it. You can't take the opportunity away from her. Now that would be cruel," Ansel said.

"Whatever, let's finish the interview, and I'll decide whether she qualifies. You are officially banned from interviewing her," Anya declared.

Ansel laughed and followed her back inside the room. Elisa still hasn't moved from her spot. She must be frozen from the shock of seeing him and has yet to recover from it.

Anya and Ansel sat down in front of her again. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Campbell. Shall we begin the interview?" Anya chirped and stared into Elisa's eyes. Maybe she can read her mind and escape from the jerkface she called her brother.

Elisa finally snapped out of her shock and looked directly at Ansel. "Is this some kind of a joke?" she asked.

Ansel straightened his back and made eye contact with her. His face turned serious. "Adams Corp. is an extremely reputable company. We would never joke about something serious like this interview! If you don't want this job, you are free to leave," he declared.

Anya wanted to choke Ansel, but alas, it wouldn't look professional. She looked at Elisa, who was staring at Ansel. She could see the hatred in her eyes. The woman did not like Ansel. Not one bit.

Anya smirked. Maybe hiring her isn't such a bad idea. Someone needed to put Ansel in place, and Elisa seemed like the kind person who could do that. "You should stay. We offer plenty of benefits and a generous amount of compensation. Besides, this could be your stepping stone to have a successful career. You'll have lots of opportunity for promotion."

Elisa nodded and didn't say anything else, which encouraged Anya to continue the interview.

After the interview, Anya caught up to Elisa in the elevator.

"I am offering you the position, just so you know," Anya announced.

Elisa's eyes turned wide. "You are?"

"Absolutely. I know you hate my brother but trust me. This is a good company. You wouldn't even have to deal with him as much. You'll be sitting at the receptionist desk, far away from that idiot," Anya said.

Elisa thought about it for a moment. It wasn't like she had a choice. She just got fired, and there was no way she could find another job on such short notice.

"I'll be happy to accept your offer. Thank you so much! I won't disappoint you, I promise," she said. She had a mixed feeling about this because of Ansel Adams, but she decided to suck it up and roll with it.

"Great! You can start tomorrow. Tiffany will show you around," Anya smiled, and they shook hands.

Elisa went home and handed Esmeralda her payment. She was starting to feel good about this job.

"How did it go, Miss?" Esmeralda looked at her curiously.

"I got the job!" Elisa beamed.

"That's amazing! I'm happy for you," Esmeralda smiled and left.

Now to convince that perverted landlord, Elisa thought to herself. She took Audre's hand and headed to his apartment, which was on the first floor. She knocked on his door then anxiously waited. The door opened after a few seconds.

"Well, hello young lady, didn't expect to see you here," he grinned. His smile disappeared as he saw Elisa brought her daughter along. "What can I do you for?"

"I wanted to let you know that I got a better paying job so I'll be able to pay you everything I owed.

"Is that so?" the landlord's face turned dark.

"Yes, I will bring the money at the end of the month, I promise," Elisa said.

"Fine. But this is your last chance. Unless you pay me a little visit," he said suggestively.

Elisa tried her hardest not to show her disgust. She quickly grabbed Audre and went back to her apartment. After playing with Audre a bit, she hopped into the shower and thought about her new job. She wondered if that obnoxious and arrogant man had something to do with her getting fired. Gosh, she'd be so pissed if that was the case!

The next day she headed to Adams Corp. to start her day. She was excited and anxious at the same time. What if she makes a wrong first impression? She hoped Ansel don't try to flirt with her and make her uncomfortable. She couldn't stand him as a person, but she thought Anya was okay.

Tiffany stood up from her desk and greeted her as soon as she stepped inside.

"Oh great! You're here. I'm going to show you everything you need to know. You are to mostly answer the phone and direct people in the right direction when there are conferences and meetings here. It's an easy job, so you'll be just fine!" Tiffany chirped.

"Then why are you leaving?" Elisa asked.

Tiffany laughed and rubbed her pregnant belly. "I've decided to quit and be a full-time mom."

Lucky, Elisa thought. She wished she could do the same, but she didn't have the money or support for that kind of luxury. She walked behind the desk so Elisa could show how everything worked.

Her eyes turned cold as she saw Ansel Adams walking toward them. He looked at her and raised one of his eyebrows. "Good morning," he said, then walked into the elevator.

Tiffany sighed. "I'm going to miss that fine piece of ass," she confessed.

"Tiffany!" Elisa gasped. "Aren't you married?" she laughed.

Tiffany laughed along with her. "I am, but I'm not blind. Come on. You have to admit our boss is total eye candy. I mean, those intense grey eyes are just..." The phone suddenly rang, interrupting her. Tiffany turned to Elisa. "Mr. Adams wants to see you in his office."

Oh great, she's about to be subjected to more of his flirting, Elisa rolled her eyes and headed to his office which was in the 40th floor.

"Ms. Campbell, may I call you Elisa?" Ansel asked when she entered the office.

"That'd be fine, sir," Elisa said politely.

"Please have a seat," he motioned her to sit down, and Elisa obliged. "So, are you having a good day so far?"

"I am. I think I will like working here. Thank you so much for the opportunity," Elisa said. It wasn't a lie. She truly appreciated the job offer.

"That's great. But now you owe me that dinner date you missed the other day," he smirked.

Anger flickered in Elisa's brain, but she kept her cool. "Mr. Adams, I appreciate this opportunity, but I want to make some things clear. I accepted this job because of your sister, not you. And I most definitely won't tolerate your unprofessional behavior. I don't owe you anything," she said curtly.

Ansel leaned over to get closer. His piercing grey eyes bored into her. "And I too would like to make one thing clear, Elisa. Your life is in my hands now," he declared, his tone low and menacing.