Chapter 6 CHAPTER
JULIE'S POINT OF VIEW
"I'm so sorry! You never mentioned you had children. I'll help myself out. I rushed away while saying "Thank you" before I turned my back.
"Wait."
His deep, commanding voice left no space for disagreement. I paused to look behind me.
He adjusted his head toward the boy who held onto his leg before speaking. "This is not my child."
I frowned. Not his child? The boy clung to him tightly, so why did he not claim the child to be his own?
The idea made my stomach twist with discomfort. The father seemed to be ignoring his son's need for attention as the boy held onto him while he attempted to flirt with me. How disgusting. According to my brother, men share a common trait of being flirty and irresponsible when faced with attractive women.
I folded my arms while my face turned stern. "I really respected you, sir. How could someone abandon their child to pursue flirting activities? Being a father means taking responsibility for your child. Children admire their parents, yet they need love instead of being ignored.
His brows furrowed.
"Look at this poor child!" I pointed to the little boy as I spoke with increasing volume. You should never consider abandoning your child.
I walked away with a heavy heart because of my frustration.
"Miss, wait—"
I spun around sharply. I immediately decided to file a complaint with the academy's head official.
He sighed, rubbing his temple. "You passed."
My mouth opened, then shut. "What?"
"The interview. He explained the situation in a relaxed manner, stating that it was a test.
A test?
I stared at him with disbelief as I blinked.
He explained that the interview was designed to determine whether teachers would engage in inappropriate behavior with parents or maintain professional conduct. The academy has experienced previous issues because of improper relationships between teachers and parents.
The anger inside me vanished as embarrassment took its place. Oh no. I had just criticized my potential employer for his fathering skills even though he was not a father at all.
Oh. My. God.
The heat rose from my neck to my face while I pressed my lips together. "I'm so sorry, sir! I didn't realize—"
He smirked. "No need to apologize. Your straightforwardness has left me with a positive impression.
I exhaled shakily. I asked nervously, "Does this mean I secured the position?"
Your first day starts at nine in the morning.
Relief washed over me. "Thank you so much!"
Lucas will handle all recruitment paperwork, according to the boss, who pointed to a man standing by his side. You can share your questions about salary or working hours directly with me.
I asked, "Sir, what is your name?" I asked cautiously.
His face showed a wide smile. "Vladimir Peters. You can call me Vladimir.
He winked.
Oh no.
Oh no, no, no.
I had just made a fool of myself by embarrassing myself in front of Vladimir Peters, who served as the head of Juncasa Academy. And worse—he was charming.
Lucas brought me to an office where they provided me with my employment contract. I almost lost my eyesight from the shock of what I saw.
Lucas adjusted his glasses before delivering the mandatory oneyear contract requirement. The penalty for breaking this contract amounts to a staggering ten billion.
My hands trembled while holding the document. "That’s... a lot."
Lucas nodded. "Nonnegotiable."
"But... what if something happens? I asked him what would happen if my family needed to relocate. I pleaded.
He spoke in a short and businesslike manner when he said, "We will think about it again." The agreement stands as written unless we encounter abnormal situations.
I swallowed. "And the salary?"
"One million a month."
I choked. You must have entered the numbers incorrectly because the amount seems too high.
Lucas remained unfazed. "That’s the standard rate."
"Standard?!" Does anyone in their sound mind pay kindergarten teachers such exorbitant salaries?
He spoke in a dull tone when he offered to increase the amount.
My jaw is nearly unhinged. "You must be billionaires or members of a topsecret organization because no one else could afford that kind of payment."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. Do you consider this signature acceptance of the contract?
I exhaled, gripping the pen. The amount of money exceeded my ability to refuse it. I signed.
Lucas handed me my copy. "Welcome to Juncasa Academy."
I left the building while my thoughts raced uncontrollably.
"Leaving already?"
The sudden appearance of Vladimir at the entrance made me almost leap out of my skin.
I rushed to tell him, "You don't need to see me out."
He responded with a smooth tone as he matched his pace to mine.
Something about him made me nervous—not in a bad way, but in a way that made my heart pound way too fast.
I released a breath while pretending to maintain composure. "So... you own Valcrest Corporation?"
He nodded.
I almost lost my balance because of my own feet. My father worked at Valcrest Corporation. My brother had been planning to apply to this place for multiple years.
I strolled next to the person who owned Valcrest Corporation without showing any sign of surprise.
You chose to visit this rural area despite owning Valcrest Corporation." The words escaped my lips before I could control myself.
His eyes met mine briefly before his face revealed nothing. "I have my reasons."
Vague.
Suspiciously vague.
But I wasn’t about to push.
A sudden loud honk interrupted our conversation.
I turned my head quickly toward the road. Christian.
Shoot.
I mumbled, "I should leave," before retreating from the situation. I express my gratitude once more for the employment opportunity, Vladimir.
His arms wrapped around me.
I froze.
What. Was. Happening?
I was hugging Vladimir Peters.
My brain shortcircuited.
I should move. I should move.
But I didn’t.
Instead, I stood there, my heart pounding wildly, every nerve in my body tingling from the warmth of his embrace.
I couldn’t even breathe.
His hold felt strong and unbreakable, as if he meant to keep me there forever.
"Umm... Vladimir?" I whispered, feeling lightheaded.
"Stay still," he murmured.
WHAT?!
Stay still?!
I should be pulling away. I should be running.
His voice created a powerful effect on me.
A cold sensation traveled from my neck to my feet while I forced down a big gulp.
Why was I feeling this way?
I felt overwhelmed by fear, but I still wanted to remain in his presence.
The sudden awareness triggered a loud warning in my mind.
He released me after what seemed like an endless period.
I backed up while clutching my chest because my heart felt like it would burst out.
What the hell was that?!
The intense expression in Vladimir's eyes remained a mystery to me.
He spoke in a low tone, saying, "See you tomorrow, Julie."
I ran directly toward the truck.
Christian had already stepped out of the driver's seat while crossing his arms. He asked, "What the hell took you so long?"
I opened the door without response while pulling it forcefully.
Your face looks red, so why are you honking? Seriously?
I entered the truck and then shut the door before resting my forehead against the glass.
"You okay?" Christian showed genuine concern when he asked that question.
No.
No, I was not okay.
My body gave away my secrets when I found myself in a tight embrace with my boss, Vladimir Peters, who had a dangerous appeal.
This was not okay.
What was happening to me?
What made me sense that our relationship had shifted in some way? And more importantly...
I had a strong feeling that he was keeping secrets from me.