"But…. there's a condition."
Selina's brows narrowed in confusion.
"What condition?"
"You have twenty-four hours to apologize to one of our potential partners whom you offended. It came from Chairman Gilbert."
"Who?"
"Maura Harrison." The HRM answered.
Selina's blood spiked hot with burning indignation at that unpleasant name as her hands clenched to the side. She stared at her sister, who was also staring at her, utterly puzzled about what was happening as if a greater force was pulling strings that no one could question.
Selina's lips parted to demand an explanation about how Maura was involved in this but every word crumbled as that cold face wearing a smug expression crossed her mind.
She knew better than anyone who made such a demand. She couldn't believe Zane was using her grandfather against her now.
As Selina stepped out of the interview room, she waited quietly at the other end of the corridor, keeping a modest distance from the room. She couldn't relax without understanding the swift turn of events that had just unfolded — so sudden it almost felt like a movie.
She must deal with her problems in the company, one after the other.
When the HR manager emerged from the room with hurried steps in her direction, Selina instinctively straightened her spine.
Before he could pass by, she called out softly, "Excuse me, mister?"
The HRM halted and turned to her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face at seeing her still there.
"Miss, is there anything I can help you with?" he asked, his tone careful and overly polite.
That cautious politeness only deepened Selina's curiosity.
"Do you happen to know what happened at the reception a moment ago between the receptionist and me?" she asked in a reserved, courteous tone.
The HRM, who was heading toward the reception alongside her, adjusted his medicated glasses with a faint sigh.
"I'm sorry for what happened earlier," he said apologetically. "It might've been my fault for not adding your name to the list at the reception. I've been having a bit of trouble with my eyesight lately, but I'll make sure to address the matter right away."
Selina listened in silence as they walked together down the hallway toward the waiting area. She wasn't sure whether to believe his words or not — but she knew one thing: if she didn't get to the root of this, working in this company could quickly turn into a struggle.
"I'm sorry if I seem too curious," she began, clutching the strap of her handbag draped across her shoulder. "It's just that what happened earlier was… embarrassing. May I ask one question?"
"Of course."
"The scene was quite intense," she continued carefully, "and then suddenly, there was a call. Was it from you—or from someone else in the company who knew what was happening?"
The HRM scratched the back of his head, clearly nervous as he recalled the scolding he'd received earlier. "Somehow, the upper management found it. I got the call from them,"
"That must've been the case," Selina repeated inwardly, with suspicion. The upper management's floor was not close to the lobby, leaving her to wonder about their awareness quickly.
"Was it Mr Everett?" she asked, wondering if her grandfather cared this much to give her an opportunity in the company.
"I'm not sure," the HRM said, lowering his gaze. "But your situation nearly caused a stir among the higher-ups. Please, don't take the incident too seriously, and forgive us for the inconvenience. I'll personally make sure that the staff member faces disciplinary action."
Selina blinked blankly, noticing the fear etched into his expression. Could that single scene have escalated this much?
Her instincts whispered that there was more beneath the surface. But who could've been involved? The thought lingered despite her effort to push it aside—so long as her interview had gone well, that was what truly mattered.
"It's nothing to worry about. I've forgotten about it already," she finally said with a small, polite smile, hoping to ease the man's unease.
The HRM exhaled in relief, loosening his tie slightly as if to breathe better.
Moments later, they arrived at the reception where Selina spotted Noah standing a short distance away.
The HRM immediately turned to the receptionist, his voice sharp and reprimanding. "You've violated company conduct, and your behaviour nearly brought serious consequences to us!"
The receptionist bowed quickly. "I'm sorry, sir. I was only following the rule not to let anyone onto the floor without clearance. I didn't mean to be rude."
"If you're really sorry," Noah cut in, frowning, "shouldn't you apologize properly?"
The receptionist bowed again, this time toward Noah. "I'm sorry, Mr Noah. I didn't know this woman mattered to you."
But she didn't so much as glance at Selina, pretending she wasn't even there. The deliberate disregard made Selina's chest tighten in disbelief.
Before anyone else could speak, Selina's calm yet commanding voice filled the air.
"Do you think he's the only one who deserves that apology?"
The receptionist froze, her brows furrowing as she clenched her hands beneath the desk. After a long moment, she muttered, "I'm sorry, miss. It won't happen again."
Selina's voice was cool but firm. "Make sure it doesn't. Not just to me, but to anyone. A person's social status or reputation doesn't give you the right to mistreat others—especially not customers."
She turned away gracefully, her composure unshaken.
Both the HRM and Noah exchanged looks of quiet admiration at how naturally Selina carried herself—with poise and integrity.
Then came a cold, final voice behind her.
"You're fired."
Selina froze for a brief second, taken aback. The receptionist… had just lost her job? That was the last outcome she'd expected to witness today.
Still, as she walked away, she couldn't help but think— well, it was a lesson well deserved, and she hoped it'd teach the young receptionist a lesson to conduct herself professionally, too.
Behind her, the sound of the receptionist's desperate pleas echoed faintly in the hall.
But Selina didn't look back.
----
Selina emerged from the building and approached the waiting car. She opened the door and settled into the passenger seat, where Noah was already behind the wheel.
Her tense shoulders slumped as she let out a long, weary sigh. "Phew…"
Honestly, she felt as though her soul had nearly left her body after that interview—her first in such a renowned company. Until now, she had only worked briefly in a small factory, but had quit after the boss repeatedly cheated her out of her modest paycheck.
With a faint, prideful smile tugging at her lips, Selina murmured to herself, "You really did well, Selina."
"How was the interview?" Noah asked, handing her a chilled milkshake.
Selina accepted it gratefully.
"Thank you," she said before her face brightened. "I passed."
"Wow… that's amazing. We should celebrate—maybe grab dinner at a nice restaurant," Noah suggested.
Selina liked the idea and wanted to celebrate, but she couldn't take any chances—not until she had dealt with her pregnancy. Though still wary of letting people get too close, she could only let Noah offer her a ride to her home afterwards.
But the thought of returning there made her stomach churn uneasily. Eloise, with her motherly sharp intuition, would surely notice—and then Zane would find out.
She had a lot to deal with.
"I like the idea," Selina said, though her tone grew heavier. "But maybe we can do that another time. For now… could you drop me off at KS Group?"
Noah frowned, a concerned flicker crossing his features. "What happened again?"
"Someone needs to be reminded that I'm not to be messed with."
"If so," Noah whispered, tightening his grip around the steering wheel.
The car fell quiet as Noah drove.
Selina sipped from her milkshake while she forced her courage and defiance to stay unshakeable to confronts that untouchable Devil.