8

Chapter 8: The Boss Becomes an Employee?

“Good morning, everyone!” Samuel began his speech. “Welcome to Alpha Corp Advocates, one of the most prestigious firms in the industry. As you may know, such prestige doesn’t come without a price. We uphold strict criteria, and evaluations begin the moment you step into our company.” He glanced at Zen, who maintained a straight posture, his expression serious yet indifferent. “Now, can the candidate Zen Obedon step forward, please?” Samuel asked, unsure which of the candidates he was referring to.

Lavínia’s heart skipped a beat as she saw Zen step forward. She realized he was about to be disqualified.

“Yes?” Zen replied casually, walking past the other candidates with a nonchalant air. Most of the group struggled to suppress their laughter, already anticipating the outcome.

“Well... you were late…” Samuel’s voice trailed off as his eyes caught Lavínia in the background. She was subtly jumping up and down, frantically waving her hand and signaling him with a firm shake of her head. “You know, there are consequences for tardiness. But for now, it will cost you two points.” Samuel improvised, visibly uncomfortable.

“Sir? What do you mean by points?” one of the female candidates asked, raising an eyebrow. Samuel looked over to Zara as if begging for help.

“It’s one of our evaluation criteria,” Zara interjected hesitantly. “Every candidate starts with ten points. As you’re assessed, those with five points or more at the end are approved.” Her explanation caused a ripple of excitement among the candidates.

The group was ushered into a meeting room where the first activity of the day was announced: a paired task. The interviewers would randomly assign teams, and Lavínia found herself praying that fate would not betray her.

As the pairings were announced, Lavínia shot Zara a sharp glance, noticing the barely concealed grin on her friend’s face. It was clearly her idea, but Lavínia had no choice but to play along. Rising from her seat, she moved to join Zen, who was now sitting at their shared desk.

“Recovered well after last night?” Zen asked quietly, his voice tinged with mischief, his gaze equally teasing.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Lavínia mumbled, avoiding his eyes.

“Really? I doubt you drank enough to forget everything.” His tone was calm, but there was a mocking undertone. He began skimming the documents they’d been handed for the task.

“The test is straightforward,” Samuel announced to the group. “You’re to work through these case scenarios in your pairs. They don’t require advanced knowledge, but teamwork is key. Your answers must demonstrate collaborative effort.”

“You’re seriously going to pretend you don’t remember?” Zen pressed, his voice low, still directed only at Lavínia.

“Why don’t you focus on the test instead of annoying me? I have no idea who you are,” she shot back icily, refusing to meet his gaze.

Zen smirked, tossing his papers onto the desk. “At this rate, you won’t even have a chance to pass, especially since you’ve already lost two points.”

“It doesn’t matter. Pass or fail, I wouldn’t make it here even with a perfect score,” he replied, leaning back in his chair, exuding an air of indifference.

“This is a serious company,” Lavínia retorted, her tone sharp. “If you have the ability to succeed, then do so. Or are you just incapable?”

“I can excel at anything I choose,” Zen replied with arrogance.

“Then why not try to succeed here?”

“Because this is the one thing that doesn’t matter to me, so I’m not going to bother,” he said, crossing his arms, his focus now entirely on the documents.

“You are incredibly unpleasant,” Lavínia muttered, snatching the papers and starting to work on the task herself.

“Someone has to pass the test,” Zen replied dismissively.

“You can be sure it won’t be you. You’re nothing but an arrogant man with limitations,” Lavínia snapped, her irritation bubbling over.

“And you say you don’t remember me? How can you be so quick to judge someone you claim not to know?” Zen asked, his tone casual as he flipped through the case documents.

“Can you just pretend last night never happened?” Lavínia’s voice softened, laced with a hint of desperation. She was trying to remain discreet, aware that Zara and Samuel were likely watching them. Indeed, both of them were paying close attention to the exchange, though they pretended otherwise.

“Was the money enough?” Zen’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “I mean, it must be nice living off the privileges of having a rich friend.”

“You—!” Lavínia shot to her feet, her anger spilling over as the entire room turned to look at her.