2025-05-27 13:02:16
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10
Francine closed her folder and looked at Jake directly. "Mr. Morrison, I'll be honest—your resume doesn't inspire confidence. But your answers today have been thoughtful and mature. You've shown emotional intelligence and moral conviction that many candidates with better credentials lack."Jake felt hope blooming in his chest."However," Francine continued, "this is ultimately a business decision. We need someone who can hit the ground running and contribute immediately.""Give me that chance," Jake said quietly. "I guarantee you won't regret it."Francine studied him for a long moment. "We'll be in touch within 48 hours."As the panel filed out, Lewis lingered behind, his face twisted with malice."You think you're so smart," Lewis hissed. "But this isn't over. I'll make sure you never work at this company, and I'll destroy Grace Chen's career while I'm at it.""Try it," Jake replied calmly. "See how that works out for you."That felt good, Jake thought as he walked toward the lobby.
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Jake Morrison straightened his tie one final time as he approached the sleek glass doors of Stellar International's downtown branch office. The building was smaller than the main headquarters but still impressive, with polished marble floors and contemporary artwork adorning the walls. His heart hammered against his ribs as he checked in with the receptionist."Jake Morrison for the 2 PM interview," he announced, his voice steadier than he felt."Please take a seat," the receptionist replied with a professional smile. "Ms. Romano will be with you shortly."Francine Romano. Jake had researched her online during the bus ride over—Harvard MBA, fifteen years in corporate HR, known for her no-nonsense approach to hiring. This wasn't going to be easy.Twenty minutes later, a woman emerged from the elevator that made Jake's breath catch. Francine Romano was strikingly elegant, probably in her early forties, with auburn hair pulled back in a severe bun and sharp green eyes that seemed to anal
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The elevator doors opened to reveal a typical corporate floor—beige carpeting, fluorescent lighting, and the smell of coffee and printer toner. Grace led Jake down a hallway lined with framed motivational posters and employee recognition plaques.Manager Lewis's office door was open. Jake could see a man in his fifties sitting behind an oversized desk, his receding hairline combed over and his tie slightly loosened. When Lewis looked up and saw Grace approaching with Jake, his expression shifted from anticipation to annoyance."Ms. Chen," Lewis said, standing up with false politeness. "I thought we agreed you'd be coming alone.""This is Jake Morrison," Grace replied, her voice steadier than Jake had expected. "The candidate you're interviewing today."Lewis's eyes narrowed as he looked Jake up and down with obvious disdain. "Mr. Morrison. You're early. The interview isn't scheduled for another hour.""I thought it would be good to arrive early," Jake replied evenly. "Show initiative.
7
Jake Morrison stood in front of his cracked bathroom mirror, adjusting the tie Grace had given him for the third time. His hands trembled slightly—whether from nerves or residual anger from Danny's taunts, he couldn't tell. The interview at Stellar International was in ninety minutes, and despite his lottery winnings giving him financial cushion, this job still felt crucial.This isn't just about me anymore. It's about proving Danny wrong and showing Grace her faith isn't misplaced.A sharp knock interrupted his preparation. Jake opened the door to find Grace standing in the hallway, her face drawn with exhaustion but her eyes bright with nervous energy."I need to tell you something about the interview," Grace said, glancing around nervously. "Can I come in?""Of course." Jake stepped aside, noting how Grace kept looking over her shoulder toward her own apartment where Danny's voice could be heard talking loudly on the phone.Grace closed the door behind her and leaned against it. "T
6
The next morning, Jake Morrison woke to the sound of Danny Chen's obnoxious laughter echoing through the thin walls. He'd barely slept, his mind churning with anger over Grace's situation and the upcoming job interview at Stellar International Corporation. The irony wasn't lost on him—interviewing at Frank Zhao's company after the humiliating encounter with Sarah.Jake emerged from his apartment to find Danny lounging in the hallway, smoking a cigarette despite the building's no-smoking policy. Danny's bloodshot eyes locked onto Jake with predatory satisfaction."Well, well, if it isn't the white knight," Danny sneered, blowing smoke in Jake's direction. "Sleep well, hero?""Better than you, apparently," Jake replied, trying to move past him toward the stairs.Danny stepped sideways, blocking Jake's path. "You know what I find funny? You acting like you give a shit about Grace when we both know you're just trying to get in her pants."Jake's jaw clenched. "Move.""Or what?" Danny laug
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Chapter 5: Unexpected ComplicationsJake Morrison stood outside the upscale bistro on Fifth Street, checking his phone for the third time. Grace had texted an hour ago saying she couldn't make it due to a work emergency, but that Maya would meet him instead. The lottery money still felt surreal in his bank account—thirty-seven thousand dollars that had transformed him from desperate to hopeful overnight.A sleek black BMW pulled up to the curb, and Maya Rodriguez emerged from the passenger seat. Behind her stepped another woman—tall, elegant, with striking auburn hair and designer clothes that screamed expensive taste. She moved with the confidence of someone who had never worried about rent money."Jake!" Maya called out, waving him over. "This is my friend Sofia Ross. Grace couldn't make it, so I brought reinforcement."Sofia extended a perfectly manicured hand, her green eyes scanning Jake from head to toe with obvious disappointment. "So you're the lottery winner Maya's been telli
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