chapter 4

A heavy silence settled over the office.

Julien stared at me as if I were the last person he had expected to find there. His brows were furrowed, and confusion was clearly written across his face.

“Marie Rose… what are you doing here?”

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm.

This was neither the time nor the place to lose control.

“I’m here for a job interview.”

A humorless laugh escaped him.

“An interview? At Terry Group?”

I looked him straight in the eyes.

“Yes.”

He shook his head, a mocking smile appearing on his lips.

“Don’t tell me you’re following me now.”

His words pierced my heart, but I refused to let him see that he could still hurt me.

I straightened my shoulders.

“You’re imagining things. I didn’t even know you worked here.”

Before Julien could respond, Clark calmly placed his pen on the desk.

The faint sound of metal against wood was enough to draw our attention.

“Julien.”

His voice was calm but firm.

Julien immediately turned toward him.

“Yes, Uncle Clark?”

Clark studied him for a few seconds before speaking.

“You’re interrupting an interview.”

Julien lowered his eyes slightly.

“I… I didn’t know.”

“Now that you do, you can come back later.”

His tone was polite, but left no room for argument.

Julien remained still for a few moments.

His gaze moved between me and his uncle, as though he were trying to understand what was happening.

I could imagine all the questions running through his mind.

Finally, he clenched his jaw.

“Okay.”

He took a few steps toward the door but stopped right in front of me.

“Marie Rose, we need to talk.”

I crossed my arms.

“I have nothing to say to you.”

His expression hardened.

For a moment, I thought he was going to insist.

But he simply gave me one last look before leaving the office, gently closing the door behind him.

Silence once again filled the room.

I lowered my eyes, feeling slightly uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry… I didn’t think this would happen.”

Clark didn't answer immediately.

He remained seated, his fingers interlaced on the desk.

Then he calmly asked,

“You know my nephew?”

I slowly raised my head.

There was no point hiding the truth anymore.

“Yes.”

“For how long?”

I discreetly ran my tongue over my lips.

“We were together for three years.”

His expression didn't change.

There was no surprise.

No judgment.

He simply nodded.

“I see.”

He didn't ask anything else.

His reaction surprised me.

Most people in his position would have asked dozens of questions.

But not him.

He simply picked up my file again.

“Your references are excellent.”

I blinked.

I had almost expected him to end the interview after what had just happened.

Instead, he continued as though nothing had happened.

“You worked as an administrative assistant for two years.”

“Yes, sir.”

“What interests you about this position?”

I thought for a few seconds before answering.

“I like keeping things organized. I’m disciplined, and I learn quickly. Even under pressure, I always give my best.”

He studied me for a few moments.

“Here, pressure is part of everyday life.”

A faint smile appeared on my face.

“That doesn't scare me.”

For a split second, I thought I saw his features soften.

It was almost imperceptible.

The slightest movement at the corner of his lips.

But it was enough to make his expression seem less cold.

He slowly closed my file.

“Very well.”

My heart began beating faster.

Clark stood up.

At that moment, I understood why everyone seemed to respect him so much.

His mere presence commanded authority.

Without raising his voice, he managed to silence everyone around him.

He walked around the desk and stopped in front of the enormous window overlooking the city.

With his hands in his pockets, he stared at the buildings for a few seconds before turning toward me.

“Miss Rose.”

I stood as well.

“Yes, sir?”

He held my gaze.

“The position is yours.”

I froze.

I was convinced I had heard him wrong.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re hired.”

I stared at him, unable to hide my surprise.

“You… you’re serious?”

His expression remained impassive.

“I never joke when it comes to my company.”

An immense wave of relief washed over me.

I wanted to smile, cry… perhaps even laugh.

“Thank you… Thank you very much, Mr. Terry.”

He gave a slight nod.

“Olivia will explain your new responsibilities. You’ll start Monday at eight in the morning.”

“I’ll be there early.”

“I have no doubt.”

I picked up my bag.

When I reached the door, I turned around one last time.

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

Clark looked up at me.

“It’s not about giving you an opportunity.”

I looked at him, confused.

He continued in his usual calm voice.

“You earned this position because of your skills. Nothing else.”

His words touched me more deeply than I wanted to admit.

I gave him a sincere smile.

“I won’t disappoint you.”

Then I left his office.

The moment the door closed behind me, Olivia approached me curiously.

“So… how did it go?”

I let out a small laugh, still in shock.

“I think… I just got hired.”

Olivia’s face immediately lit up.

“Congratulations! Welcome to Terry Group.”

She shook my hand enthusiastically.

I thanked her with a smile.

As we started walking down the hallway, I felt someone watching us.

I slowly turned my head.

A few feet away, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, Julien was still there.

He hadn't moved.

He was staring intensely at me.

His dark eyes never left mine.

He didn't seem ready to leave.

And something told me I would no longer be able to avoid the conversation he had been demanding for so long.