Chapter 5: A strange interview

Ana's pov:

I was red faced and out of breath by the time I reached the car.

Tylor was strapping Sophia to the front seat and I was surprised to find that the woman that had been hitting on Tylor left already. 

That was too fast.

"What about Emily?" I asked, looking around.

"Oh, I have Sophia to thank for that," he grinned, ruffling my daughter's hair.

I sighed, already dreading what she could have done. She always turned devious towards women that showed the slightest bit of interest to Tylor.

"What did she do?" I asked, exasperated.

For some reason, Tylor only grinned wider. "She made a very big speech about how lovely her "mommy and daddy" were together and it pissed Hermione off."

"Her name was Emily," I growled, "and I'm guessing you encouraged her."

He raised his hands in defence, "hey, she was on a roll. I did want to steal her thunder."

I sighed deeply and looked at Sophia with a frustrated look but she only flashed me a proud, toothy grin, clearly pleased with what she had done.

I knew that nothing good would come out of letting her call Tylor her father but she was taking things too far and it had to stop before she gets too serious about all of this.

I glared at Tylor. "You can't keep encouraging this behaviour, Tylor."

He shrugged. "Why not? It's harmless. I think it's cute."

"Ty–" I warned.

"That's besides the point," he said, suddenly becoming serious. "What's your plan now that you're back?"

I paused. "Well... Going back to my father is not even an option." 

I can't depend on that evil man. Knowing him, he will probably find a way to take even more than he has already taken from me.

I clenched my fist angrily. One day, I'll take back everything he has stolen from me. I swear it.

"I'll just have to make a living for myself," I said with a shrug, trying not to sound hurt as the memories of five years ago came rushing back.

"I'll help with whatever you need," he said immediately. "I can lend you some money to start up a small business.

I shook my head. "No, that's not necessary. I have an interview scheduled tomorrow. For the managerial in Greyson Hotel and Suites."

"Really?" His eyes bulged. "Isn't that one of the biggest hotels in the country?"

"Yes." I blushed.

"Wow, I'm proud of you. How did you manage to get the interview?"

"My mentor back in Paris set everything up for me. I just have to show up on time and ace it and the job is as good as mine."

"I know you'll do well in the interview, Ana. You're smart and driven. You have nothing to worry about."

*****

The hotel was even bigger and more lavish than I had expected. I looked around, amazed as I waited for the receptionist to confirm my interview.

"You must be Anastasia Jones," a taciturn voice said suddenly. I looked at the straight faced butler in a spotless suit. 

"Yes. I have an interview for the managerial–"

"Come with me," he said, cutting me off. He turned on his feet and began walking away without bothering to check if I was coming with him.

I sighed and followed after him.

 Expensive chandeliers dropped from egg white ceilings, quartz cut floors glimmered under my feet as the butler led me to the top floor where I supposed the interview would be taking place.

I was already breath taken by the beauty of the hotel but when the door finally opened and I saw who it was that stood behind the desk, something knocked me off my feet.

It was the man I met in the rest room yesterday! The one I accused of being a pervert. 

Oh god, kill me now.

Don't tell me he's the one supposed to interview me. I'm as good as screwed.

Seeing him now was like staring at an expensive painting. Beautiful and exquisite but distanced, far off, unattainable. He had pure black hair and chilly grey eyes, a finely chiseled face and a beautiful nose that stood out nicely on his profile. He had lean clean cut muscles and his clothes fit him perfectly, tailored to his perfect build.

The man didn't look pleased at all and he turned to his butler and asked, his voice cold and sharp. "Is this the candidate for my secretary." His voice was so cold, it sent chills down my spine.

"N-no. I- you see, I applied for the manager post. There must be a mistake. I'll get out of your hair now," I said hastily, preparing to leave.

"Wait," a much younger voice ordered.

I froze immediately.

"What's your specialty?" He asked in a no-nonesense manner.

I turned around and saw a little boy walk out of the shadows.

He had to be five years old at least, and he looked like the little version of the man, sharing the same handsome and exquisite features, down to the way he styled his hair and the chilly look in his cold grey eyes. 

As intimidating as he was, I found him cute and adorable.

"I can cook!" I blurted, immediately, causing the boy's ears to perk up immediately.

He looked at the butler and stated calmly. "Take her to the kitchen to make something."

The butler bowed curtly and led me to the huge, industrial kitchen in the building with state of the art appliances.

Not wanting to go all out, I whipped up my special sandwiches that Sophia and Tylor always enjoyed.

I served it to the man and his son and to my surprise, they seemed to really enjoy it, eating every last crumb.

The butler looked at me, wide eyed and amazed. It was just like I had suspected. The man and his son must be very picky and it only made me feel proud of myself that they enjoyed my sandwiches.

The man looked at me and I fought the urge to stand steady under his withering gaze. "You're hired," he said, turning back to the work on his desk.

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

"John," he said to the butler who stood even more erect at the sound of his voice.

"Sir."

"Bring her to the house tomorrow. You both are dismissed."

My fingers dug into my palms as I protested. "You don't understand, I applied to be a manager here. My mentor, Madame Giselle… She introduced me."

The man's frigid gaze cut to me, immediately making me freeze on the spot. I swallowed as he brought out something. A small wallet, WAIT, MY wallet, and placed it on the table.

My heart wouldn't stop pounding inside my chest and his next words silenced me immediately.

"Giselle is a friend of mine, but you are applying in my company, not hers. You will do as I say, or you will go somewhere else to look for another job."