Chapter 2
Ella stepped into the office and immediately got a text message.
She opened it and froze. What did it mean? Was he saying he was sick?
Her mind was a whirlwind. She couldn't tell if Michael was joking or if he had seen her sincere apology and decided to tell her about his health out of nowhere.
"Ella, get to the meeting!" Her supervisor's call snapped her out of it.
Today was her big promotion day. If she nailed it, the research institute's funding for experimental materials would be secured.
Ella pushed her personal feelings aside and hurried to the meeting.
The conference room was tense. As soon as she sat down, she noticed several fellow interns looking at her with despair in their eyes.
Her heart sank, sensing something was wrong.
"The boss has had some issues recently. The company can't operate anymore. Everyone, pack up your things today and go to HR for compensation. First come, first served," the supervisor said bluntly.
While other executives and interns were still trying to ask questions, Ella stood up and headed straight to HR.
She didn't have much to pack, so she figured she might as well get more compensation to cover her short-term expenses.
Ella requested full compensation, didn't give herself much time to feel sad, and after a brief rest, she immediately opened a job search app to find work.
Meanwhile, in the president's office at Vanguard Security Company.
A striking woman frowned and complained, "What’s with these young women? They come for interviews and can't stop talking about you. Are they here to work or to flirt with the boss?"
Michael smiled helplessly and said, "Just reject them directly. Don't let it get to you."
Aria Johnson's eyes widened, "How can I not be upset? Twenty of them came this morning, all the same. Wasting time. You'd better take down your photo from the job posting."
Unable to argue with Aria, Michael complied and removed his photo, leaving only the company logo.
Just as he finished, a new job application notification popped up.
Michael glanced at it and thought he saw a familiar name.
He moved the mouse over the notification, but didn't click it before Aria interrupted, "It's almost lunchtime. Go buy some groceries."
"Okay." Michael withdrew his hand, thinking he must have been mistaken. Someone that talented wouldn't be looking for a job here.
He stood up, patted Aria's shoulder, "There are a few new resumes. Take a look. It's just a receptionist position, don't set the bar too high."
Michael hadn't planned for Aria to be so involved, but he couldn't find a suitable manager, and Aria's thirty-plus years of executive experience made her indispensable.
Meanwhile, Aria took over the job application software, and Ella's profile popped up: [Hello, I'd like to apply for this position...]
After sending her resume, Ella did a background check on the company. It was newly established, with a simple and flat organizational structure—just the boss and regular security staff.
The research department was non-existent, likely just a bodyguard company. As a receptionist, the workload should be light, perfect for a transitional job.
While Ella was analyzing, the company responded: Miss, are you available for an interview?
Ella frowned and asked, "Miss?"
Could the interviewer be an elderly boss?
She went to the interview with skepticism.
The entrance was even more modest than Ella had imagined, unguarded. She pushed open the door, thinking she had stumbled upon a bankrupt company's remnants.
After navigating through the building, Ella found the office and stepped inside, politely greeting, "Hi there."
She looked up and was surprised to see a middle-aged woman.
Aria noticed her change in expression but didn't comment, jumping straight to the point, "Have you familiarized yourself with our company's situation?"
Ella switched to interview mode and replied, "Yes, I have."
She spoke confidently, summarizing the company's status.
Initially, Aria was satisfied, but as Ella continued, Aria's expression changed. Why was this young woman so focused on the boss she hadn't met?
Aria questioned, "Are you particularly interested in the company's boss?"
Ella paused, pursing her lips.
It wasn't interesting, but the boss's experience reminded her of someone, so she paid extra attention.
Ella responded politely, "The boss's achievements at a young age are truly impressive."
Saying something flattering couldn't go wrong, right?
Unexpectedly, Aria's friendly demeanor vanished. If not for her manners, she might have scolded Ella directly.
Aria said, "The interview is over. I don't think you're a good fit for our company."
Ella was caught off guard. She could accept failure, but not such an inexplicable one. She pressed, "Can you tell me why I'm not suitable?"
Aria snorted, "We only welcome people who are serious about their work. I didn't expect someone with such a polished resume to be so superficial."
She internally criticized Ella for waiting until the photo was changed to apply, avoiding suspicion. No wonder she applied right after the photo was removed.
Ella was stunned by the accusation, her face darkening, "Mrs. Johnson, please respect my character."
"I don't think people with ulterior motives deserve respect," Aria said firmly.
Ella couldn't tolerate this, standing up, "No wonder your company can't find employees!"
She had wondered why such a high-paying job couldn't attract applicants!
Ella stormed downstairs, seeing workers moving various explosion-proof tools into the lobby.
Out of professional curiosity, she tapped on them, revealing a knowing expression, "No wonder this company is a mess, even the materials are subpar."
"Young lady, what do you mean?" A strong but elderly voice asked.
Ella looked over and met the eyes of an old woman.
The elderly woman was kind, with a curious expression. She asked, "Tell me, what's wrong with the materials?"
Facing the elderly, Ella couldn't be harsh but still used her expertise to explain the different material qualities.
Outside the company, Michael let his grandmother, Rhea Wilson, go in first while he carried the bags to follow. Turning around, he saw that familiar figure. Just hours ago, she had clung to him, making him lose his composure.
He leaned against the car, finding a hidden spot, silently watching.
Seeing Rhea finish talking to her and skillfully pull out a business card, Michael's eyelid twitched. Here we go again. When would Rhea give up on matchmaking for him?
Michael couldn't believe Rhea had printed a thick stack of business cards with her contact information just to find him a suitable girl!
Ella was surprised to receive a business card from the elderly woman, but politely accepted it. "I have to go now. These explosion-proof tools should be replaced."
"I understand." Ella waved and walked out, seeing the bright sun and empty surroundings. That feeling of being watched was just her imagination!
Her phone rang.
Ella answered, and her smile quickly faded. She questioned, "When are they coming?"