Chapter 4: The Interview

Emma’s POV

“What did you just do, Lila?” I snapped. “I ruined someone’s clothes, and you dragged me out without even letting me apologize properly!”

“He’s a powerful man, bestie,” Lila said, rolling her eyes. “Do you think any billionaire in there would accept your apology? District V isn’t just a club..it’s where power lives. Mafias, billionaires and both good and bad. We don’t even know who you spilled your drink on.”

“Wait...you didn’t see his face?” I asked, stunned.

“Nope. Just the figure from afar. Look, I know you’re pissed I dragged you away, but I was scared too,” she admitted.

I sighed. “I get it, Lila.”

Minutes later, we reached home. It was almost midnight. I took a quick shower and sank into the soft bed.

So much happened today..back in New York, the club… and that man. If he starts looking for me? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. It was an honest mistake, but… he was ridiculously hot. Tall. 6’1, maybe 6’2.

And his eyes… they held something I couldn’t place. Like he’d been waiting for me. Longing? That wasn’t possible… but that look… it lingered. His lips… sharp, commanding… I had to shake my thoughts away. Charming. That was all.

A knock thundered at the door, jolting me upright.

“Holy crap!” I shouted.

Lila barged in, grinning.

“What was that for?” I asked, my heart racing.

“I want to sleep with you! I missed my baby!” she exclaimed, diving onto the bed and dragging me with her. Memories from our childhood came flooding back..this was our thing, back then.

“I missed you too, love,” I laughed as we hugged and fell asleep.

A week had passed since I returned. Lila and I were checking off our long list of New York adventures but not even halfway through. I’d visited my favorite coffee shop. I missed Mr. Patrick’s coffee.

Now, I was home alone. Lila was at work, planning the week’s exclusive New York Fashion events. I was proud of her.

Finding a job had been hard. Most positions weren’t what I wanted. But yesterday, Lila told me about an opening.

“Walton Apex Capital has a personal assistant position,” she said. “Number one in New York. You’re perfect for this.”

I opened the company profile. Walton Apex Capital wasn’t just an investment firm it was a global powerhouse. Private equity, asset management, restructuring undervalued companies, scaling them into market leaders. They didn’t just invest they controlled.

They held billions in assets across technology, energy, real estate, healthcare, logistics. Majority stakes in tech startups, energy firms, luxury hotels, office towers, industrial facilities. Silent shares in international banks and transportation companies.

Everything calculated. Diversified. Strategic. Aggressive expansion. Restructuring. Profit. Reputation: efficient, powerful, unsentimental. They didn’t participate in industries they influenced them.

I was in awe. This was the kind of company I wanted to work for. Passionate, driven, strategic.

I clicked the job link Lila sent, completed the questionnaire, uploaded my CV, and whispered my quickest prayer ever: “Let it favor me, Lord.” I hit submit.

I looked at the time. Late. Lila would be home soon. I needed to make dinner.

I scanned the fridge and cupboards. Ingredients for creamy spaghetti..perfect. Spaghetti, sausages, bell peppers, onions, cream everything landed on the counter in quick succession. Simple. Fast. Exactly what I needed.

Twenty-five minutes later, dinner was ready. Lila walked in, smelling the food.

“Wow, it smells amazing!” she said, settling on the couch.

“Go freshen up, my husband, then come eat,” I teased.

“Yes, wifey!” she laughed, dragging herself to her room.

We ate. She complimented my cooking skills. I credited mom. She shared her stressful day at work.

“I’ve applied for the job,” I told her mid-bite. My phone pinged. My eyes widened.

“Holy Mary!” I gasped.

“What?” Lila asked.

“They want me for an interview… tomorrow.”

“Go! Reply yes!” she said, bouncing with excitement.

“Are you crazy? I’m not ready. Zero prep!” I panicked.

“Calm down, Emma. You got this. Smart, capable… still a little time to pull things together,” Lila encouraged.

I nodded, typed my reply, sent it.

We stayed up late, prepping. Lila made it easier, like she always did.

Morning came. Lila’s voice called me awake. “Emma, alarm off!”

Groggy, I turned it off. 6:30 a.m. I needed to leave before 9 a.m. for the interview.

Lila left early after a good-luck kiss.

I checked the mirror. Navy tailored suit, cream blouse, nude heels. Hair glossy, flowing down my back. Sleek. Bold. Perfect.

Booked a ride. Mind racing. Dream job, chance of a lifetime. The city flashed past the window, filled with possibilities and tension.

“We’re here,” the driver said.

The building screamed power, authority. I stepped inside, feeling both awe and determination. Every step echoed in the marble hall, everyone moving with purpose. My heartbeat quickened.

Receptionist smiled warmly. “Good morning. How may I help you?”

“For the interview,” I said.

Directed. Others waiting. Faces of past candidates passed by not all pleased.

At exactly 9:00 a.m., I was called in.

The office was flawless sleek, powerful, commanding. But then my eyes landed on the man behind the desk.

Time stopped.

My heart raced.

Every thought froze.

He looked… unreal. Sharp features. Dark, intense eyes that seemed to see right through me. Commanding. Unyielding.

This is not happening.

I swallowed hard. My legs felt like lead.

And then, slowly, he lifted his gaze and locked eyes with me.

For a moment, the world outside that office didn’t exist.

Everything I’d imagined about Walton Apex, this job, this moment ...it all blurred.

Because in that instant, I knew… nothing would

ever be the same again.

And I wasn’t sure I was ready for it.

And I wasn’t sure I was getting this job… Lila has killed me.