The Ruthless CEO

The interview

I was sitting nervously in that unbelievably sophisticated office waiting for Mr Salvestro to interview me. It had been half an hour since I was here and no sign of him. This resulted me biting my nails. A bad habit of mine whenever I'm nervous.

Suddenly I heard the door open but the coward that I was, I refused to turn and look. I could hear the person taking strides and soon in front of me was an old yet elegant man whom I guess is Mr. Salvestro. He was dressed in a perfectly designed suit and his hair was immaculately combed. By looking at him, I felt totally out of place especially with my baggy shirt and large pants. Well, this is what happens when you don't have money and you're struggling to make ends meet.

I got up from my seat and put my shaking hand forward to greet him. This is what professionals do, right?

Mr. Salvestro smiled bemusedly at me and shook my hand. "Please take your seat, Miss Wilson." He said in a composed tone.

I smiled at him and hesitantly took my seat.

"So, Miss Wilson," Mr. Salvestro began, "I see that you've got excellent results during your A-levels but what have you got apart from good academic results?" He asked looking straight at me, stroking his chin. What have I got apart from good academic results?

I ran my hand across my hair, another sign of distress. What should answer? During this while, Mr. Salvestro was analyzing all my movements making me even more subconscious.

I cleared my throat before answering, "Um, I haven't got anything apart from good results." Mr. Salvestro maintained his blank demeanor so, I took that as a chance to continue, "but I'm an honest person and I work with absolute integrity." I said honestly.

Mr. Salvestro nodded but he didn't show any sign of whether he was happy or displeased with my answer. Damn! "I can see that you haven't got any experience in the corporate world, so why should I employ you?" He asked in a totally business manner. Shit! What should I say now?! I don't give a damn about that experience shit, just employ me!

I mean certain companies don't employ you just because you don't have enough experience but if they don't employ us, who will?! Damn vicsious circle!

"Um, if I'm being truthful here, apart from me being hardworking, dedicated and honest, I don't have anything to offer you. But I can promise that I will not give you a chance to complain." I replied as convincingly as possible.

Mr. Salvestro wrote something in his notepad, probably that he will be rejecting me. Well, at least I tried.

"Okay, Miss Wilson. Thank you for your time." That's it? The interview was over? He got up from his seat and put his hand forward, just like I'd done before. I shoot his hand and started to make my way towards the door. "Before you go Miss Wilson, I have a question." Mr. Salvestro's voice stopped me from opening the door. I turned back towards and nodded, gesturing him to ask his question.

"Let's say I give you a hundred thousand dollars, will you be ready to marry my son despite the fact that you don't know him?" Mr. Salvestro crossed his arms against his chest and was firmly gazing at me. What kind of question is that? I mean who gets married for money?! My expression changed from a blank one to a completely confused one.

"Um, with due respect, Sir, um, no." I honestly replied. "In this time of recession, a hundred thousand dollars is much, but I personally don't think it's enough to lure somebody into getting married. I'm very sorry to say but to me, my self respect is more important than your hundred thousand dollars." I shocked myself with my answer but I was proud. Mr. Salvestro seemed totally surprised by my answer. He may be mad at me but who cares. I will not see him anytime soon.

"What about five hundred dollars?" That man clearly does not give up. My blank expression was now changed to a bewildered expression.

"Even if you give me one million dollars, my answer will still be the same. I'm sorry." I firmly replied.

"Okay, Miss Wilson. It was a pleasure receiving you here." Mr. Salvestro smiled at me. Really? He has the guts to smile at me after having asked such a question?! I guess this is how rich people are.

"Thank you, Sir. Good day." With that, I turned and got out of his office.

This was surely a very strange interview! Time for me too hunt for other jobs.

With sulked shoulders, I reached small apartment. Today was definitely a bad day. I got rejected by Mr. Salvestro. Well not rejected but I wasn't accepted either. I was also unwanted at Brody and Brody Company because of the very famous lack of experience. Bloody hell.

I took a seat in my second hand couch which I was able to buy when I still worked as a waitress. I sighed heavily and rubbed my hands all over my face. When did my life get so difficult?! Why couldn't I get a simple life with no troubles? Was it too much to ask for? Damn!

I was pondering deeply over my fucked up life when my phone started to ring. That was an unknown number. Who could it be?

I hesitantly pressed the green button and answered, "Yes?"

"Miss Wilson?" I female voiced asked on the other hand of the receiver.

"Yeah, it's me. Who's this?" My first thought was my landlord, who was using a different number to get to me. I haven't paid his rent for the last month and since then he's been pestering me.

"You are requested to come over to Salvestro Corporation tomorrow at nine." The female voice told me in a very firm tone. It was as if she had practiced how to talk to people several times. But why was I requested to come over?

"Um, may I know the reason why?" I asked hesitantly.

"You will get to know tomorrow, Miss Wilson." It was as if she was snapping at me. Rude much.

"Okay. Thank you." I cut the call.

Damn! Did Mr. Salvestro get offended by my response? Oh my God, please help me out. 

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Hey guys,

I hope you've liked this story so far. It might seem boring right now but I promise it'll  get better.

Give it chance.  

Love you all

Ina