Chapter 3

The day before the career fair, George brought Julia to campus and made sure everyone saw them together. Students quickly gathered around them, hoping to make a good impression.

Wade rushed over before anyone else, nearly stumbling in his eagerness to greet George and Julia. I stayed at the edge of the crowd and watched.

Julia enjoyed the attention. She looked around the group until she spotted me, and George immediately leaned in to whisper in her ear.

She walked over and gave me a dismissive look.

"So you're Hank. The one who lied on his resume. You're not even out of college, and you're already trying to cheat your way into a job. We don't hire people like you at Westbrook Holdings."

Then her gaze traveled over me, and her tone changed.

"Still, if you make it worth my while, maybe we can work something out. Meet me at Nocturne Lounge tonight. Keep me company over a few drinks, and I might find you something. Reception, maybe. Or a job on the cleaning staff."

George's face tightened. He brought Julia here to humiliate me, only to watch her take an interest in me instead.

He stepped closer to Julia.

"This guy's been giving me trouble at the dorm for months. You should talk to President Rogers. See if he's still so cocky when his diploma's on the line."

Julia pushed him away. The suggestive smile disappeared as she turned to him.

"Don't be ridiculous, George. You want me to call your president and demand that he stop some student from graduating? I'm not embarrassing myself over a dorm room argument."

Julia knew how far she could push her influence. Flirting with a younger man, buying him an expensive watch, and arranging an internship were favors she could manage through her position at the company.

Pressuring university administrators was another matter. She wasn't going to risk her own standing just to keep a young lover happy.

She expected something in return for every favor. George mattered to her because she thought he could help her get closer to the CEO.

George's jaw tightened when she pushed him away in front of everyone. He held his tongue, but the glare he shot me made it clear who he blamed.

I ignored him and turned to Julia.

"Ms. Schmidt, I hear the owner of Westbrook Holdings is coming to tomorrow's career fair."

I smiled slightly.

"What do you think he'll say when he finds out you used your position to hand someone else's job to George?"

Julia's expression hardened. She studied me, suspicion flickering across her face.

Late the night before, Emily posted a message in the company chat announcing that the owner would attend the career fair to see how things were going. Julia only just heard the news herself, and she couldn't understand how a student could know about it.

Before she could respond, George scoffed.

"Nice try, Hank. You're just mad you didn't get the job."

He gave me a scornful look.

"Where'd you hear that? Some security guard you're friends with?"

Then he turned to Julia.

"Nobody ever sees the owner. Why would he suddenly show up at a college career fair? Hank's just trying to scare you."

Julia's frown eased as George spoke. Apparently, she found it easier to believe Emily was bluffing to keep the staff on their toes than that the owner would actually attend.

She snorted. "I'll give you credit, Hank. That almost worked. Go ahead, then. Let's see you bring this to the owner's attention."

She turned and walked away, taking George with her.