Chapter 3

Wendy arrived at Darnold Enterprise at exactly seven. She heaved in relaxation. With the help of the receptionist, she headed to the ICT room where the test will be taking place.

Just then, Wendy stumbled on a man who was walking out of the room and had his phone glued to his ear.

“Who are you? Do you want to push the chairman down? Get lost!” A young man scolded her.

“I am sorry, I never meant it that way.” Wendy bowed her head.

The man moved his phone from his ear and looked at Wendy who was fidgeting. He gestured to the man to let her be.

“Come in,” the young man uttered.

Within the twinkle of an eye, Wendy walked in. She turned back to see if the chairman would still be by the door but unfortunately, he wasn’t. She wished she was more composed earlier then she would have exchanged pleasantries with the chairman of Darnold Enterprise. The person everyone desired to curry favor from because of his great influence in the business world.

“Next time, be more careful and conscious.” Wendy gave herself a pep talk.

Wendy gazed at the room, there were other candidates. The atmosphere was so conducive and soothing to the soul.

The young man she met earlier announced that they should all take their seats and the test will start in the next ten minutes.

“Come to my office now.” Hilton spoke on the phone with an unreadable tone as he entered his office.

“What is Wendy doing here?” Hilton welcomed Jerry with a question.

“Wendy?” Jerry was lost.

“My wife of course.” Hilton pouted.

“She must be here to take the assessment for the job opening in the ICT department.” Jerry uttered.

“Fine, ensure my CCTV coverage reaches the office where they are having the test.” Hilton said and gestured for him to leave.

Hilton was never interested in the process of hiring employees. His only concern was the result. Jerry was surprised to hear Hilton speak in that manner.

The minute Jerry walked out, Hilton picked his I-Pad and glanced through his email. He had just received the information concerning Wendy Carter.

He was delighted that she had a lot of skills that would be useful to her career but he was only angry that she once had a man in her life who cheated on her.

“Jason is a bastard,” Hilton cursed.

Hilton picked his phone and placed a call to Jerry.

“Did she pass?”

“Yes, she has the highest score. We have selected the first, second and third position to move to the next stage of the assessment because we need just one person.” Jerry's voice rang out from the other end.

“Impressive. There is no need for the other stage. Prepare Wendy’s appointment letter.”

Before jerry could react, Hilton hung up and smiled

“My wife is more exceptional than I thought.”

Few minutes later, Hilton couldn’t stop thinking about Wendy’s performance in the test. He went on to call Jerry again.

“Do you care for anything? Jerry asked

“Yes. Make all the necessary connections. I will interview her further via voice call.

“Sir?” Jerry was shocked to hear this.

“I don’t like repeating myself and you know it.”

“I don’t mean to annoy you. It is just that her appointment letter is ready as you had instructed earlier.” Jerry said.

“Hold on to the appointment letter until I am done.”

“Alright chairman, I will do as you have ordered.” Jerry ended the call.

Almost immediately, Hilton received ZOOM login details.

He ensured the video icon was turned off before initiating the call.

“Good day sir.”

Wendy uttered respectfully but the tension in her voice was noticed. Just her and Jerry were now present in the room. She was disappointed when she only heard his voice without seeing his face.

His voice was deep and had a commanding aura which left Wendy speechless.

“Did you pass this test by merit or do you have someone who had walked behind the scene for you?”

Wendy felt insulted but remained calm. She was about to say something when Hilton continued.

“Darnold Enterprise is a place for tough and capable minds. To fit into our workforce then you must be ready to work. You look very young. I don’t think working here will be suitable for you.”

Wendy cleared her throat and said. “You cannot judge my capabilities by my appearance. I have heard a lot about Darnold Enterprise and I will do my best to fit in and stand out. I can adapt under any condition, sir.”

“I see” Hilton whispered before adding “So, do you have any man in your life?”

“Man? I don’t understand.”

“I want to know your marital status.” Hilton said plainly.

“What does my personal life have to do with my job application?” Wendy expressed her confusion.

Jerry, who was seated behind, was surprised to see his boss uttering such words. What has Wendy done to him in just a few days of getting married to him?

“Don’t question my words, young lady. Give the right answers.” Hilton said coldly.

“Well, since you insist. I have a man in my life and I will appreciate it if we don’t go further on this. Thank you, sir.”

Her response didn’t sit well with him and that made him frown.

“Do you have any questions, or need clarifications on anything?” Hilton asked.

“Yes, I have.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Mr. Jerry told me that I passed the test excellently and that I have been given the offer with benefits like having an apartment in one of the company’s estates. I will be glad if you allow my father to stay in the apartment instead of me for the time being.” Wendy spoke.

“Hmm. That is not a problem, do as you please. But ensure you are punctual to work and meet all deadlines.”

Jerry gasped. It was clearly stated that employees of the company must reside in the company’s apartment so they can be punctual to work and be available if anything arises suddenly.

Was the chairman changing the rules in favor of his dear wife?

“Thank you very much.” Wendy expressed her gladness.

“Lest I forget, since you are not proud to speak about the man in your life, I will advise you divorce him.”

“Divorcing my husband isn’t the solution to all my family and I are facing.” Wendy said inwardly and outwardly feigned a smile.

Hilton was about to end the call when he mistakenly pressed the video icon. The hand he placed on his forehead came into view and the black bracelet he wore was visible.

The bracelet drew Wendy’s attention.

Quickly, Jerry interfered by saying, “Chairman.”

“Shit,” Hilton muttered under his breath. The minute he raised his head to look at the screen, he saw Wendy’s back and she had her attention fixed on Jerry.

Without wasting time, Hilton disconnected the call.

“I have seen that same bracelet with my husband.” Wendy spoke calmly. She turned and saw that the call had ended.

“I’m just attaching meaning to unnecessary things. My husband’s own must be a counterfeit.”