Summer’s POV
“Schmidt Director, this is Miss Taylor, here for the interview!” James announced as he ushered me into Leo Schmidt’s immaculate
office.
I straightened my shoulders and stepped forward with a confident smile. “Hello, Director Schmidt. I’m Summer Taylor.”
Leo Schmidt barely looked up from his computer, his piercing blue eyes giving me a quick once–over before shifting his attention to
James.
“I’ll leave you to it,” James said smoothly. “I have matters to attend to upstairs.”
As James slipped out, Leo gestured toward the chair across from his desk. “Please, sit.” His voice carried just a hint of an accent- European, maybe German.
I settled into the chair, smoothing my skirt as I watched him retrieve my resume from his drawer. His expression revealed nothing as he flipped through the pages. The silence stretched uncomfortably, but I refused to fidget or break it first. Playing the nervous candidate wouldn’t do me any favors.
“Taylor…” he finally said, looking up at me. “Summer Taylor?”
“That’s right,” I confirmed with a nod.
Leo closed my resume with a deliberate movement. “Your work experience is… ordinary,” he stated bluntly. “But I’m interested in the Johnston project you managed at Fortune Corp. Tell me about it in detail.”
Over the next forty–five minutes, I walked him through my previous projects, highlighting my decision–making process and problem–solving approaches. Leo asked pointed questions, occasionally nodding when I provided answers that seemed to satisfy
him.
“That will be all, Miss Taylor,” Leo finally said, closing his notebook. We’ll let you know our decision.”
“Thank you for your time,” I replied, rising from my chair. “I appreciate the opportunity.”
He nodded, already turning his attention back to his computer.
I had barely stepped into the hallway when my phone vibrated in my pocket. Brandon’s name flashed on the screen. Glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot, I answered.
“Hello?”
“Interview finished?” His deep voice sent an involuntary shiver down my spine,
“Are you spying on me?” I whispered, ducking into an empty corridor
A low chuckle came through the line. “Come upstairs.”
“No way!” I protested. “I’m heading home.”
“Be reasonable,” he coaxed, his voice softening, in that way that always made my resolve weaken. “What are you going to do at home? Come up. I have something good to show you.”
I bit my lip, considering his offer. “Fine,” I sighed. “But I can’t just waltz into your office–people will talk.”
1/2
fue ADI
Chapter 136
“Go to the private élevator in the east wing,” he instructed. “It leads to my personal underground garage. Take it up from there.”
Fifteen minutes and several wrong turns later, I finally found the correct elevator. After an unnecessarily complicated route that involved doubling back three times, I reached the executive floor. James was waiting for me at the elevator doors, relief washing over his face when he spotted me.
“Mrs. Stark! I was beginning to worry.”
“I got lost,” I admitted, stepping out of the elevator. “This building is like a maze. And please, James, just call me Summer. We don’t need people hearing, ‘Mrs. Stark‘ around the office.”
“Of course,” he agreed quickly, though I could tell the familiar address made him uncomfortable. “Right this way.”
James led me to a set of imposing double doors at the end of the hallway. He knocked firmly, waiting for Brandon’s muffled “Come in before gesturing for me to enter.
“Mrs… Miss Taylor is here, sir,” he announced formally.
I stepped into Brandon’s office for the first time and immediately felt my jaw drop slightly. The space was massive–at least three times the size of the average executive office. Floor–to–ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of Manhattan, bathing the room in natural light. The decor was minimalist but undeniably luxurious–sleek furniture, original artwork, and a distinct absence of
clutter.
Brandon looked up from his desk and beckoned me over with a slight wave.
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