THE BILLIONAIRE'S MERMAID

Chapter Four: The Hiring Game

Belle's POV:

I stared at the ceiling of the villa's guest room, my heart doing its usual anxious dance as the interview day approached. Psyche Zypheria—the name alone sent shivers down the spines of anyone who dared cross her. But for me, it was a name full of possibilities. Psyche was more than just a businesswoman; she was my link to the mystery woman, the elusive figure I had been chasing for years.

In a week, I'd be sitting across from her in an interview for a secretary position—a job I wasn't remotely qualified for, at least not on paper. But I didn't care. I wasn't going to let nerves or qualifications stop me. No, I had a much bigger plan.

I paced the room, my hands running through my hair as my mind bounced between excitement and the tiny flicker of fear. I had always had a knack for getting what I wanted, even before I became human. And if push came to shove, I had a secret weapon—my ability to read and influence minds.

I hadn't used my power since I got my legs, choosing to live like a human, but the temptation was always there. It would be so easy to take a peek into Psyche's head, just to know her weaknesses or what she was thinking. But no, I wanted to do this without shortcuts. This was going to be fun—the human way.

*What's the worst that could happen?* I thought.

But then, as the interview drew closer, something strange started to happen. The nervous energy inside me began to fade. The tension that had twisted in my chest for days started to dissolve, replaced by something much more mischievous. A naughty idea crept into my mind. What if I didn't go in there to impress her? What if, instead, I went in there to *annoy* her?The thought made me grin.

Psyche was known for being cold, controlled, and unflappable. But no one had ever met someone like me before. If Psyche tried to dismiss me, I could simply use my power to manipulate her mind. I didn't need her approval. I could make her see what I wanted her to see. I could have the job if I wanted, no matter what she thought. But where was the fun in that? No, I wanted to get under her skin the *real* way.---The Interview Day: 

The day of the interview arrived, and I was no longer nervous. If anything, I was excited. My heart wasn't racing out of fear but out of anticipation. I stood in front of Psyche Zypheria's headquarters, feeling like I was walking into a game—one that I had every intention of winning.I walked through the glass doors with my head held high. 

The receptionist directed me to the elevator, and as I ascended to the top floor, I found myself smirking. This was going to be fun.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Psyche's sleek, modern office. Everything about it screamed power and control, from the minimalist décor to the stark white walls. It was like stepping into her mind—cold, pristine, and untouchable.

The tall woman at the door led me straight into Psyche's office. No waiting. No pretense. Just straight into the lion's den.

Psyche Zypheria was seated behind a massive desk, her presence as sharp and commanding as I'd expected. She looked up from a pile of papers, her eyes locking onto me with an intensity that could freeze a lesser person in their tracks. But not me. I wasn't here to be intimidated. I was here to shake things up.

"So," Psyche said, her voice cold and cutting, "you're the last applicant."

I smiled, taking my seat.

 "That's right."

Psyche didn't waste time with pleasantries. She gestured to my resume, which she had barely glanced at. 

"You have no work experience."

I leaned back in my chair, crossing my legs casually.

 "Didn't you read my CV? I'm a fresh graduate. No experience, obviously."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, irritation flickering behind them. "And yet, you think you're qualified to work here?"

I smirked, feeling a wicked sense of satisfaction at the growing frustration in her tone.

 "I mean, does it really matter? It's just a secretary position, right?"

Her jaw clenched. 

"*Just* a secretary?"

"Look," I continued, waving a hand dismissively, 

"I can answer phones, file papers, and look pretty while doing it. Isn't that what you're looking for?"

I could see her stiffen, her gaze hardening as she studied me. There was something incredibly satisfying about the way she was trying to maintain control, even as I pushed every button I could find.

"I'm looking for someone who can actually do the job," Psyche replied sharply. "Do you even understand what you're applying for?"

I tilted my head, pretending to think it over.

 "I'm applying to work for you, aren't I?"

Her lips thinned into a tight line. 

"Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"

"I'm getting myself a job, hopefully," I said with a shrug, my tone dripping with casual defiance.Her eyes bore into me, and for a moment, I could feel the tension crackle in the air between us. 

She was furious, but trying so hard not to show it. I loved it. I loved that I could get under her skin like this without even trying.

But the best part? I didn't have to. I could've manipulated her mind in an instant, made her forget her irritation, or even made her like me. But I didn't want that. I wanted her to feel every bit of frustration I was causing. I wanted her to know I wasn't here to play by the rules.

"If you're here to waste my time, you can leave now," Psyche said, her voice icy.

I leaned forward, meeting her gaze head-on. "I'm not here to waste your time. I'm here because I know I can do this job better than anyone else you've interviewed."

Psyche stared at me for a long moment, her jaw clenched. I could see her weighing her options, deciding whether to throw me out or keep me just to see how far I'd push.Finally, she spoke, her voice calm but laced with irritation. 

"Fine. You're hired. Let's see how long you last."

I stood up, smirking. "I'll last longer than you think."--- After the Interview

As I walked out of Psyche's office, the smirk never left my face. I had landed the job, and it wasn't because I'd played nice or tried to impress her. No, I had gotten the job because I had challenged her, irritated her, and refused to back down.

I could still feel the residual tension from our exchange buzzing through me. I had never felt more alive. Sure, I could have manipulated her mind if I wanted to, but where was the fun in that? Psyche might be cold and calculating, but that only made the challenge more exciting.I couldn't wait to see how this was going to play out. Psyche Zypheria had no idea what she was in for.