CHAPTER 5 - Eligible

CHAPTER 5: Eligible

ELIAS POV

The air in the room turned frigid the moment our eyes locked. Of all the people in this city of millions, of all the desperate graduates clawing for a seat at Sterling Global, it had to be her. The girl with the coffee-stained temper and the sharpest tongue I had ever encountered.

“You… what are you doing here?” I demanded. The shock made my voice grate like gravel.

She didn't shrink. She didn't tremble like the girl in the "club dress" had. Instead, she squared her shoulders, her eyes sparking with that same fire I’d seen in the lobby. “You? What are you doing here?”

The audacity. It was breathtaking. “I asked first,” I snapped, leaning forward until the shadows of the desk swallowed the space between us. “Answer me now.”

“Don’t you know what’s happening here today?” she countered, a mock-sweet smile touching her lips. “Or are you blind? It’s an interview. I’m here for a job. Though, if I’d known the 'nobody' from this morning was the one conducting it, I might have brought a stronger cup of coffee to pour.”

My father’s head whipped toward her, his eyebrows nearly disappearing into his hairline.

“Did you just talk back to me again?” I hissed.

“Nope. I just answered your question, sir.” The way she said 'sir' made it sound like an insult.

“Elias,” my father interrupted, his voice vibrating with suppressed laughter. “Is this the one? The girl from the lobby?”

“She is exactly who I told you about, Dad,” I said, not taking my eyes off her. “Arrogant. Disrespectful. Unfit for this company.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful,” my father beamed at her. “Please, dear, have a seat. Ignore my son; he’s had a very stressful morning, clearly.”

I felt my jaw tighten. “No. She is not sitting. She is not eligible for the next round. You can leave, Miss… whatever your name is. The exit is exactly where you left it.”

I watched her face, expecting to see her crumble. I wanted to see that spark go out. I wanted her to realize that in this building, I was the god she had blasphemed against.

“Who gave you the right to decide that without a single question?” my father asked me, his tone shifting from amused to firm.

“I want people who are hardworking, Dad! Not people who lead with insults and arrogance.”

“Woah,” she spoke up, her voice ringing through the massive office. “Look who’s talking about arrogance! You’re sitting there like you own the sun, but you don't even have the manners to look at a resume before tossing it. If anyone here lacks professionalism, it’s the man in the navy suit.”

My father let out a bark of laughter. He looked at her like she was a prize-winning thoroughbred. “I love her. Dear, what is your name?”

“My name is Annabel Blake,” she said, her voice finally softening as she addressed my father.

“What a lovely name. Now,” my father said, sliding her resume out of the trash can where I’d tossed it, “let’s get back to the business at hand. Elias, if you’re going to be difficult, at least be professional. Ask a question.”

I leaned back, crossing my arms. I would play his game, but I would make it impossible for her. “What educational degree do you have, Miss Blake? And don't lie; I can smell a fake from a mile away.”

“I just finished my Bachelor’s degree at Sunnyside, and—”

“Not eligible,” I cut her off immediately. “We require a Master’s minimum for the executive track. Thank you for coming.”

“And who gets to make the final decision on the ‘executive track’?” my father asked, his eyes fixed on me.

“You and me,” I replied. “And I say no.”

“Well,” my father said, standing up and smoothing his suit. “I allowed you to dismiss the other candidates because they were vapid and unprepared. But as for Annabel? I’ve seen enough. She’s observant, she’s brave, and she doesn't fold under pressure—even when that pressure is you. Annabel, you are hired. You don’t need a second round. You’ve passed the only test that matters to me.”

“Dad!” I stood up, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“We are at the office, Mr. Sterling,” he said, using my own words against me. He turned back to Annabel. “You will be posted to your department tomorrow morning. Report to the HR desk at 8:00 AM sharp.”

A wide, stunning smile broke across her face. It was the first time I’d seen her look truly happy, and for a split second, I forgot why I hated her. “Thank you, sir! Thank you so much. I really appreciate the opportunity.”

“Don't thank him yet,” I muttered, my mind already spinning. I would make her life a living hell. I would give her the most grueling tasks, the longest hours, and the shortest deadlines. I would make her beg to leave.

“Elias,” my father said, pointing to the desk. “Give her the preliminary paperwork. And try not to growl while you do it.”

ANNABEL POV

I walked out of that office feeling like I was floating on a cloud of pure spite and victory. My heart was racing, but for the first time today, it wasn't from fear. I had done it. Against all odds, against a CEO who clearly wanted me dead, I had secured a job at the most prestigious firm in the city.

The waiting room was still half-full, the tension palpable. As I emerged, Emily—the girl who had defended me earlier—looked up with wide eyes.

“By the look on your face,” Emily whispered, stepping toward me, “someone just conquered the beast.”

“I did,” I laughed, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I’m Annabel, by the way. I realized I never properly introduced myself amidst all the drama.”

“I’m Emily,” she replied, shaking my hand. “I’m so glad you made it. You gave that Constance girl exactly what she deserved.”

“I couldn’t have done it without your help earlier,” I said sincerely. “Listen, once you’re done with your interview, let me take you to lunch. My treat. It’s the least I can do for my first real friend in this building.”

Emily smiled, a genuine, calm expression. “I’d like that. I think they’re about to call my number, though. Wish me luck?”

“You don’t need luck. You’ve got the brains,” I told her.

I waited for her, and when she finally emerged—smiling and looking relieved—we headed to a small café just a block away from the Sterling tower. We sat by the window, sharing a meal and talking as if we’d known each other for years. We talked about our struggles in university, our dreams for the future, and how "abnormal" the other candidates had been. It felt good to have an ally in a place that felt so hostile.

By the time I reached home, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting long, golden shadows across our small apartment. I was exhausted, the adrenaline of the day finally wearing off. I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my bed, intending to just close my eyes for a second.

“Anna? Anna, is that you?”

I jerked awake at the sound of my mother’s voice. “Good evening, Mom,” I called out, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I walked into the kitchen.

“How are you, my love?” she asked, setting her bag down. She looked tired—her shifts at the hospital were always long—but her eyes brightened the moment she saw me.

“I’m fine. How was work?”

“The usual chaos,” she sighed, then gripped my hands. “Now, stop stalling. Tell me! How did the interview go? Did you meet the mysterious Mr. Sterling?”

I took a deep breath. I decided right then to omit the part where I’d spilled coffee on the CEO, or the part where he tried to throw my resume in the trash. She didn't need that stress. I wanted her to be proud, not worried.

“It went well, Mom,” I said, a genuine smile spreading across my face. “I got the job! I start tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” She gasped, pulling me into a tight hug. “But I thought there were more trials! Oh, my brilliant girl, they must have loved you.”

“The judges said I was one of the most professional candidates there,” I said, which was technically true if you only counted the older Mr. Sterling. “Most of the other girls showed up dressed for a party. I think my 'moderate' outfit really stood out.”

“I knew it! I knew your hard work would pay off.” She stepped back, looking at me with such pride that it made my chest ache. “Did they tell you which department?”

“Not yet. I’ll find out in the morning. I just hope the people I’m working with are as nice as the man who hired me.” I strategically didn't mention Elias.

“Well, you need to eat. I kept some food for you in the fridge.”

“Ahem… actually, Mom, I ate out with a friend.”

She paused, a smirk playing on her lips. “A friend? Already? My shy Anna made a friend on the first day?”

“Her name is Emily. She’s wonderful, Mom. Calm, smart, and she really helped me out today. I think… I think things are finally going to change for us.”

My mom kissed my forehead. “I know they are. Now, go rest. You have a big day tomorrow. You need to show that company exactly what a Sunnyside graduate can do.”

“I will, Mom,” I promised. As I headed back to my room to pick out my clothes for the morning, an image of Elias Sterling’s furious face popped into my head.

I will show you, Mr. Sterling, I thought. You can try to make me leave, but I’m not going anywhere.