Chapter 10: The Job Interview
Chapter 10: The Job Interview
Andrew needed work.
With his corporate reputation destroyed and a silent blacklist hovering over his name, no executive firm would touch him.
He was applying for entry-level sales positions.
He put on his only clean suit and walked into a logistics company for a final interview.
The hiring manager seemed impressed with his resume.
"Well, Mr. Sterling, you have excellent leadership experience."
"But I do have to ask... why did you leave your position as CEO so suddenly?"
Andrew shifted uncomfortably in his chair.
"Creative differences with the new ownership," he lied smoothly.
The manager nodded. "Fair enough. Let me just run this past the regional director."
The manager left the room.
Ten minutes later, the door opened.
But it wasn't the manager.
It was Mariana.
She walked in, exuding absolute authority, and sat directly across from him.
Andrew's blood ran cold.
"What are you doing here?" he choked out.
Mariana crossed her legs and smiled.
"Escalante Holdings acquired this logistics firm yesterday morning."
"I like to personally review all mid-level hires."
She picked up his resume and scanned it.
"Andrew Sterling. Seeking a Junior Account Executive position."
She tossed the paper into the trash can next to the desk.
"You lack the necessary qualifications for my company."
"Mariana, please," Andrew begged. "I need this job. I have rent to pay. I have to feed my mother."
"You should have thought about that before you destroyed the woman feeding you," she replied coldly.
"You're blacklisted, Andrew."
"In this city. In this state. In this country."
"Any company I own—which is most of them—will never hire you."
She stood up and straightened her jacket.
May you like
"Good luck with the job hunt."
She left him sitting alone in the interview room, staring at his reflection in the glass table.
