Clash Into Clasp

CHAPTER 2 - Needed

Carl smoothed down his suit as he took a careful look at the frail woman who quickly stood back on her feet and dashed away without a word nor a glance at him. His brows were furrowed as his eyes trailed her back until she disappeared into the corner.

The woman was so familiar to him. How could he forget?

After a bit of hesitancy, he stepped back and hustled to follow her. 

When he arrived at the corner, he found her leaning on the wall with a phone by her ear, her other hand was wiping her cheeks. 

"Yes?" he heard her speak.

"No. This is Alexis, her sister."

Upon hearing the name, his lips twitched into a quick smirk. He's right. It's her!

He didn't expect to see her again after how many years. 

"What? ... Okay, please schedule her surgery... I'll take care of the bills." Her voice was soft and sad and he didn't know why he wanted to listen further.

"Can I talk to her?..." 

"Hey, Adrie... Don't worry, okay? I'll take care of it..." Her words were positive yet her face casts a gloomy appearance.

He noticed the guard approaching him so he moved away, going back inside the building. 

"Is everything all right Mr. Anderson?" the company guard asked when they met. 

"Yes. Go back to your post," he commanded simply as he took long strides. 

"Good morning, Mr. Anderson!" Sherry Evans greeted him cheerily after he entered.

He just gave her a small nod and went towards the conference room using the door for the executives. 

He stopped by the door as he heard the voice of the woman being interviewed.

"I'm honored, Mr. Caldwell. I'm looking forward to working with you." She gave a wink at the man before turning, her hips swaying as she marched towards the door, her high stiletto clicking.  

Carl raised his eyebrow. Women. Why do they always add seductions?

He walked towards Mr. Caldwell, stopping the secretary from calling in for the next interviewee. 

"Mr. Anderson, such a surprise that you're here!" Albert expressed his surprise. 

"Is there an Alexis Carter who came in for the interview?" he spoke of his purpose of why he came in. 

"Oh, yeah. Just a while ago," Albert replied with a puzzled frown. 

"Where's her résumé?" he looked at the papers on the table.

"Uhh..  wait," Albert pulled up a folder and passed it to him. "She's plain and unattractive. I don't think she's capable." 

Carl arched his eyebrow at him and accepted the folder in silence.

"She left that folder of hers. She quickly went out without even giving a polite response to what I said. She lacks respect," Albert spoke as he tried to study his face. 

Carl ignored him and only pulled a chair by the table and sat. 

"Carry on with your work. Don't mind me," he glanced at the manager and then began reading the resume in his hands.

So, she finished high school at Fairview Academy... 

Graduated with an Architectural Degree at Arizona State University... 

Single. His lips twitched slightly. 

He read further and learned that her past work was at TAF.

Did she resign or get fired? His curiosity was aroused since Thompson Architectural Firm was their company's rival in becoming the best in the city.

He skimmed through the remaining words in the paper until he saw what was written on the last part.