7: Connected Paths

Chapter 7: Connected Paths

"Lavinia fixed her gaze on the man in surprise and crouched down, trying to hide quickly after recognizing him as the same man from the previous night."

"What are you doing, miss?" the ambulance driver asked.

"Is he coming? He can't see me!" she hissed through her teeth.

"Actually, he's asking the cars to move aside," the driver said, keeping his eyes on the young man.

Lavinia stood up and saw Zen a few meters away, knocking on the side of each car, telling them to clear the way.

The traffic was chaotic, with cars honking incessantly. The ambulance's siren pierced the air, a shrill sound echoing through the streets. The driver finally managed to move as Lavinia watched Zen until the ambulance passed him. He hadn’t noticed she was inside.

When they reached the hospital, Lavinia's father received care in time and was finally out of danger. At that moment, she sat in the waiting area, lost in thought, recalling the young man who had helped clear the way for the ambulance. Her musings were interrupted when her friend Zara approached, accompanied by her mother.

"We have the recruitment session; there's less than twenty minutes left. Should we postpone?" Zara asked anxiously. "None of them know who you are yet. There are all those presentations after the exams and interviews. You always know how to pick the best professionals."

"True, and besides, I have to present myself to those already selected and approved and give that welcome speech they always expect since we're such a prestigious company," Lavinia remarked, pressing her lips together. "Still… maybe it's better to postpone. It's not that urgent."

"Go!" her mother interrupted abruptly. "Your father won't want to see you here right now, and you need to deal with this matter. I know your father isn’t doing well with his cases, but I believe it’s just a phase. I know it’s because of me, but don’t give up on him yet," her mother said, sounding apprehensive.

"Then… let me know if anything happens. I'll be back if necessary," Lavinia replied hurriedly, following her friend to the company.

Zen, on the other hand, had arrived late for the interview. He thought he’d be disqualified for the delay, but he didn’t care much. He was dressed in standard attire, except for the blazer. Instead of formal shoes, he wore new running sneakers, and his shirt was half-open, revealing just his collarbone.

He drew the attention of most female candidates and disapproving glances from the male ones. But all he did was sit in a relaxed manner, waiting, bored, while staring at his wristwatch.

Lavinia had just arrived at the elevator when she was greeted by Samuel, one of her business partners—a tall man with an athletic build, a strong personality, and a beauty to match.

"You're late!" he said coldly, greeting them with a brief nod.

"How are things going?" Lavinia asked.

"Everything’s fine; the interviews haven’t started yet. The candidates are going through the initial criteria, though one of them arrived late."

"Disqualify him!" Lavinia instructed coldly.

"Yes, I'll do that as soon as we head up. The first rule is not to be late. I found it bold of him to come in, knowing he wasn’t allowed to participate anymore," Samuel remarked as they entered the elevator cabin.

Upon reaching the floor, as she stepped out, Lavinia accidentally dropped the clipboard containing the candidates' names, drawing the attention of everyone waiting in the hallway for their turn to be called for the interview. Before she could stand up, she squeezed her eyes shut, staying on her knees.

"Lavinia, are you okay?" her friend Samuel asked, frowning.

"Just… damn it!" she muttered softly while Zara, prompted by Lavinia, crouched next to her. "He’s here. Just follow my lead and agree with whatever I do!" Lavinia warned before standing up.

"What are you talking about?" Samuel asked, confused.

"Just follow my lead and agree with everything I say," she repeated as she stood up.

"Thank you, Mrs. Morrys and Mr. Devan," she said in a trembling voice, formally addressing her two friends with a slight bow, causing them to step back and stare at her in shock. "I’m so sorry for dropping your documents. I hope this doesn’t affect my chances in the interview!" she added with a dramatic pause, pretending to be genuinely desperate not to be disqualified.

"Heavens…" murmured Zara Morrys, staring at Samuel Devan.

"Ah… I see!" Samuel sighed, smirking with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You’ve already shown how useless you are to our company. I hope your skills are good enough for us to overlook this incident!" Samuel asserted as Lavinia lowered her head, squeezing her eyelids and lips shut.

"Maybe you should ease up," Zara whispered in warning.

"I’m just obeying our business shark," he replied indifferently.

"I’m so sorry, sir," Lavinia said through clenched teeth, then moved toward the candidates.

"The selection’s starting right here. One arrives late, and the other is clumsy. There are always those who don’t fit in but still want to try their luck," one of the men grumbled as Lavinia approached, joining them.

Zen remained frozen, watching her while she pretended not to see him. Walking past the candidates, she positioned herself at the very back, a bit behind Zen, among the last candidates, trying to stay hidden.