CHAPTER 004

****Lana's POV****

“He's awake?” someone from the crowd said, pointing at the man whose eyes were now wide open, staring at me weakly.

“Boss!” His driver flew toward him, pushing me off. I fell to the ground, completely covered in dust. “You're awake, boss.”

I picked myself up, dusting off my oversized suit.

“Uhm, the traffic has cleared up now,” I noticed, glancing at the open road. “You still need to get him to a hospital for a check-up—his vitals…”

Before I could finish, his driver had already lifted him into the car and sped off.

“You did great.”

“Good job, nurse.”

“You're a lifesaver.”

The crowd cheered. I grinned slightly, gave a small bow, picked up my bags, and walked away, still dazed and confused.

Well that was one hell of a shock, regardless still glad I could help.

Following the map on my phone I began walking once more, though still reeling from the shock of the driver pushing me off like I didn't matter.

I guess that's what you get when you're in the middle of a shock accident.

I was still wandering aimlessly when I glanced at my watch.

11:30!

What the hell—I had completely lost track of time, I was incredibly late to my interview . I broke into a sprint toward the address, heart pounding in my chest.

My eyes widened as I arrived in front of the massive building. My phone's map announced, “You’ve reached your destination,” and I nearly had a heart attack.

The estate was enormous. Wide gates, several security guards at the entrance.

This had to be it, or I got the wrong address or worse…it was a prank from scammers…I was still skeptical, go back or at least try to talk to someone.

I made up my mind, I was going to try regardless.

I approached the gate slowly, fear clinging to every step.

“Hi, I’m Lana. I’m one of the applicants being interviewed today.” I said to one of the security guards.

He exchanged glances with his mate, scanned me, then opened the smaller pedestrian gate.

I followed him inside, mouth hanging open at the sight of the luxurious buildings and rows of expensive cars.

“This way, please.” He opened the large double doors, and a short, chubby woman stepped out.

“You… are… one of the applicants?”

I nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I was called for the interview…”

“Alright, follow me.” She turned and walked off in quick, short steps.

Okay….this was real….

“You’re in luck. The interviews were supposed to start about an hour ago, but the boss got delayed. He’ll be here soon, so join the other candidates and wait.” She gestured toward the waiting area.

I stepped inside slowly. There were several other applicants seated in the vast room—all looking polished, expensive, and experienced.

I immediately felt small sitting among them. I could hear their whispers. Some chuckled at my shoes; others made snide remarks about my suit.

I started to feel like I didn’t belong here at all. No way was I getting picked over these people, even with my outstanding grades and certificates.

“Are you here for a different position?” the woman beside me asked, smiling sweetly.

I looked up from my clasped hands. “Well… I—”

“A cleaning job, perhaps? Or one of the maids?”

That drew low, stifled chuckles from the others.

“Excuse me?” I raised a brow. “I’m here for the private nurse position… why?”

“In this*suit?” another one laughed. “Sorry, girl, but you should put more effort into upgrading your appearance instead of chasing jobs way above your level.”

“Wow. I didn’t realize a high-paying job required faking it…”

They went quiet.

“I’d appreciate it if we all minded our own business like responsible adults. Thank you.”

I turned away quickly, heart hammering. My feet felt like lead. Part of me wanted to run out right then, but that would only prove them right. I couldn’t believe I’d let Stephen talk me into wearing this ridiculous suit. They weren’t entirely wrong—I looked out of place.

We sat in silence as the clock ticked on. Minutes stretched into hours. By around 3 p.m., several applicants had given up and left one by one.

I sighed, staring at my watch. I was determined to stay until the end no matter what. Just as the rude woman beside me started to stand, the woman who had guided me earlier walked back in.

“The boss will join you shortly. Please be patient,” she said, a smug edge to her tone.

A few minutes later, an entourage entered, led by a middle-aged man in a sleek navy-blue suit.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting, ladies and gentlemen. I had an emergency,” he said in a hoarse voice.

I turned slowly—and froze. It was him. The man from earlier. The one with the medical emergency.

His eyes landed on me and narrowed in recognition. “Young lady… I’ve been looking for you. You’re the one, right?”

I shot to my feet.

“Yes, sir. How are you feeling now?” I asked genuinely concerned.

He broke into a broad smile, revealing perfect white teeth that brightened his whole face.

“Miss Paltz,” he said, turning to the woman beside him, “this is the lady I told you about—the one who saved me earlier today.”

She nodded politely, though her expression remained neutral. “I’m happy to hear that, sir. What great timing.”

“Yeah… You know what? I’ve been meaning to thank you properly, but we lost contact before I fully came to consciousness. So, as thanks—you get the job. Considering your expertise earlier today and the fact that we’ve already reviewed all the other applicants, you seem fit… congratulations.”

“What the—” Several applicants gasped, exchanging stunned looks.

My mouth fell open. “Really, sir? Just like that?”

“Yes. Why? You are qualified, aren’t you?”

“Yes! Yes, I am!” I practically shouted, blinking rapidly.

“That’s settled then. You’ve got the job. Meet me in my office in ten minutes. Ms. Paltz will show you the way.” With that, he walked off without another word.

I stood frozen, mouth still hanging open. Who would believe this? I’d walked in thinking I had zero chance, and now the job had been handed to me on a silver platter.

“What are you still doing there? Follow me,” Ms. Paltz said sharply, already striding away.

I turned to the other applicants, their mouths still agape in shock and embarrassment. They quickly looked away.

I couldn’t help it—I beamed, squared my shoulders, and marched after Ms. Paltz with my head held high.