Chapter 2
Chapter 2 The Interview Trap
Zoe followed behind Mr. Kelvin in stiff silence as they ascended the elevator to the top floor of Carrington Corp. Her mind raced, equal parts panic and fury.
Of all the companies in New York…
Of all the buildings…
Why did I have to argue with the CEO himself?
The elevator doors slid open into a sleek, expansive office suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed the room in morning light. The skyline stretched endlessly behind Damian Carrington, who stood with his back to her, sipping from a black ceramic mug like he didn’t just flip her entire morning upside down.
“Go ahead,” Kelvin whispered. “He’s expecting you.”
Zoe took a breath and stepped inside.
Damian turned slowly, as if savoring the moment. “Miss Bennett. Please, sit.”
His voice was cool, unhurried. A man in control of everything, especially people like her.
She sat, clutching her resume folder like a shield. “Thank you for… seeing me.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” He set down his mug and folded his arms across his chest, leaning against the edge of his desk. “So, let’s begin. Tell me, what makes you think you’re qualified to work at Carrington Corp?”
Zoe cleared her throat, trying to ignore the dried coffee stain on her collar. “I graduated from NYU with a degree in communications. I interned at two media firms, helped lead campus campaigns, and…”
“Excellent,” he cut in. “And what about your people skills? How do you handle difficult personalities?”
Was that sarcasm in his voice?
Zoe’s jaw clenched. “I try to stay professional and address conflict respectfully. Even when others don’t.”
He smirked. “That’s mature of you.”
The silence stretched for a moment, thick with unspoken challenge. He was enjoying this. Toying with her. She knew it and she hated how smug he looked.
“Tell me,” he said, circling the desk and sitting across from her, “what would you do if your boss gave you tasks that seemed… impossible?”
Zoe stared at him. “I’d figure out a way to get it done.”
“Even if he was rude? Dismissive? Demanding?”
“Yes.” Her voice was sharper now. “Because that’s part of the job. And I don’t scare easily.”
A flicker of something unreadable passed through his expression. Interest? Respect? Annoyance?
He leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “You’re either brave, Miss Bennett… or reckless.”
“I’ve been called worse.”
His lips twitched. For a second, it almost looked like a smile. “You’re hired.”
Zoe blinked. “What?”
“You start tomorrow. Eight a.m. sharp. My assistant will send the paperwork. Welcome to Carrington Corp.”
She blinked again. “Wait…I got the job?”
He stood and walked to the window, his tone neutral again. “Yes. Let’s see how long you last.”
Zoe stood slowly, both dazed and suspicious. “Thank you… I guess.”
As she turned to leave, his voice floated after her, low and deliberate.
“Oh, and Miss Bennett?”
She paused.
“Next time, try not to spill coffee on your potential boss. It’s bad for first impressions.”
Her cheeks burned.
She didn’t respond. She just walked out with her head held high and her heart hammering in her chest.