Chapter 29: Hiring Caroline Means Going Against Me!
Caroline closed her eyes, letting out a long, resigned sigh.
Here I go again, falling into the clutches of this demon. Who knows what’s going to happen next?
“Mrs… uh,” William quickly corrected himself, “Ms. Caroline, this way, please.”
Neither the CEO nor his wife had acknowledged their relationship, so William’s slip-up was no surprise. But it still stung a little. Caroline’s mind was a whirlwind, but she wasn’t going to let herself falter now.
Fine. Let’s just see what happens. It’s not like he’ll actually do anything to me in front of everyone here, Caroline thought.
Beside her, Anna chirped excitedly, oblivious to the undercurrents of tension. “Oh wow, Caroline! The CEO himself is interviewing you! This could be your big break!”
Caroline just stared ahead, silent. Anna’s way too clueless. If only she knew that I’ve already been chewed up and spit out by this man.
The interview room was tense when they entered. The other interviewers immediately stood when David entered, all greeting him with respect.
“Mr. David!” they said in unison.
David simply nodded, acknowledging them, and took his seat at the head of the table. Caroline, feeling every pair of eyes on her, followed him into the room, fully aware that what had transpired earlier with the supervisor had nothing to do with her. It was all about David’s pride and need for control.
David was a man of contradictions—arrogant, controlling, deeply territorial. No matter how much he disliked Caroline, he would never let anyone else walk all over her. If anyone’s going to crush me, it’ll be him, and him alone, Caroline thought bitterly.
David glanced at her application, then leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re applying for the position of formulation specialist?”
“Yes,” Caroline replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
“You need this job badly?” he asked, his tone mocking.
“Yes,” she answered, her jaw tightening.
He smirked again, flipping through her file with feigned disinterest. “But you lack experience and don’t meet our requirements. You don’t even qualify for the basics.”
Caroline kept her composure. “I believe that what matters most in a job is a person’s capabilities, not their educational background. As for experience, everyone has to start somewhere. I’ve excelled in my studies and received high praise during my internships. The only reason I haven’t secured a position yet is…”
Her voice trailed off, but the implication was clear. If not for him, I’d already be charging full speed ahead and building a career. I’d be living as an independent woman.
David sneered, his gaze cold and dismissive. “Not qualified means not qualified. Stop making excuses for yourself.”
That was the breaking point. Caroline couldn’t hold back anymore. She shot up from her seat in frustration. “Fine. I’m done here. I don’t need this job!”
She turned to leave, her heart pounding. Who cares? This stupid job isn’t worth the headache. If not for Anna’s efforts, I wouldn’t have bothered to come in the first place. It’s not like this is the only company in the city. My hands and feet are still intact, I can easily find another job!
But just as she took two steps toward the door, David’s voice rang out. “So, you don’t want the job?”
Caroline paused, glaring at him. “Nope!”
David’s smirk deepened. “What if I insist that you take it?” His voice was teasing, almost mocking. “What then? Hmm?”
Caroline’s jaw tightened. So he’s toying with me.
When she wanted the job, he nitpicked her qualifications. Now that she was walking away, he insisted on hiring her. David was clearly playing a game, and Caroline refused to be part of it.
Spinning around to face him, Caroline deliberately enunciated each word slowly. “Mr. David, even if you offered me the highest salary in the world… I. Would. Never. Accept.”
With that, she stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a resounding bang.
The room fell into stunned silence. The other members of the interview panel were wide-eyed, their mouths agape. Who in their right mind would dare slam a door in front of Mr. David?
But David didn’t flinch. He maintained his usual poker face, showing no sign of anger. If anything, there was something unreadable in his expression.
“William,” he called flatly.
William rushed to his side, clearly waiting for instructions.
“Spread the word,” David continued, his voice cold and commanding. “Any company that dares hire Caroline is going against me.”
Caroline’s heart sank at the implication of his words. She had hoped to leave the Ellison Group behind, but David had just made sure that no one else would take her in. So much for being independent…
