Revenge Of The Hidden Boss

Chapter 13

“Is Bruce and his brother going to give me this job? Oh my God!” Cassie was sitting rigidly in her chair with her hands placed on the files which were placed on her laps, her heart pounding so loudly it was all she could hear. She couldn’t believe the mess she had just created for herself. Just minutes ago, she had insulted Bruce and Jonathan outside the building, and now here she was, sitting in their company as an applicant.

“Maybe I should just get the fuck outta here!” Her mind kept pushing her to leave, to just walk out and save herself the humiliation that was sure to come, but something kept her rooted in place. Maybe it was because of how desperate she was for a new job, or maybe it was sheer stubbornness. Either way, Cassie stayed, watching as one by one, applicants were called to the front to be interviewed.

“Shit shit shit!” Cassie felt cold, the room was completely filled with tension as the interview process continued. Each person approached the table nervously, answered a barrage of questions from the Gusman brothers, and then left either with a smile or a very disappointing look on their face.

Cassie’s stomach twisted with anxiety. Every now and then, she stole a glance at Bruce. He sat next to Jonathan, exuding calm confidence, the same confidence that was something she loved about him in the past, it had once drawn her to him. But now, his confidence and character was a reminder of how far apart they'd become.

The time finally came for her to be interviewed.

“Cassie Salvator,” the assistant called, her voice cutting through the silence.

Cassie froze. “Oh my God.” Her legs felt like lead as she stood up, her head bowed. For a moment, she felt like her legs weren't touching the ground. She didn’t dare look at anyone as she made her way to the table.

When she reached the front and took a seat, Bruce and Jonathan looked at each other and smiled briefly. That smile alone made her stomach churn. She knew this was going to be interesting for them, but not interesting for her.

“So uhm… Miss Salvator,” Jonathan began, his tone polite but dripping with mockery. “Why don’t you start by telling us why you want this job?”

Cassie wet her lips quickly, she swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. “I…I need this job to support myself.”

Jonathan looked up at her, pretending to be impressed. “Support yourself? Interesting.”

Bruce leaned forward with that familiar smirk playing on his lips. “And why do you think you’re qualified for this position?”

Cassie immediately knew these two were going to bombat her with rock-hard questions, she opened her mouth, but no words came out. The truth was, she didn’t feel qualified at all, and the smug looks on their faces only made it worse.

Jonathan folded his hands on the table with his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Cassie, do you think someone who shows arrogance, like the kind we saw earlier today, is a good fit for a position here?”

“Oh shit!” She mumbled. Her face burned. She knew exactly what he was referring to, it was about how arrogant and disrespectful she was to them outside after hitting their car, but she couldn’t bring herself to respond.

“Huh Cassie? Do you think someone so arrogant is qualified?”

Bruce took over with his tone sharper. “Or do you think a person who uses men, manipulates them, and throws them away when they’re no longer useful, can be trusted in a professional setting?”

Cassie’s heart sank further. Each word was like a dagger, cutting deeper into her already shattered confidence.

“And let’s not forget,” Jonathan added, leaning back in his chair, “your father’s reputation. Do you think a daughter of a man who thrives on deception and evil schemes is the kind of person a company like ours would want to hire?”

“Oh come on!” Cassie’s hands trembled as she tried to formulate a response. “I… I can change,” she finally managed to stammer with her voice barely audible. “I’m not that person anymore. I just need a chance.”

Bruce was clearly untouched by her words when he looked up at her. “Change? That’s a nice thought. But do you think we should gamble the company’s trust on someone who has a history of betrayal and manipulation? All because they've promised to change?”

She couldn't hold it in any longer, tears pricked at Cassie’s eyes. She wanted to defend herself, to say something that would redeem her, but “what would I say?” every single word she managed to say only made her look worse.

The room fell silent as Bruce and Jonathan exchanged another glance. Finally, Bruce turned to her and said “Cassie,” he paused then continued with his voice more firm, “you’re not qualified for this job. You should leave and give someone else a chance.”

“But I can…”

“Cassie, you are not qualified!”