Page 19 of The Damaged Billionaire's Obsession

I huff out a breath. Go in, solve the problem, do your presentation, get out.

At exactly 9:20 a.m., after driving like a maniac, I stand in front of the Acercraft building. I’ve seen photos before and know the general location, but seeing the building in real time is jarring.

It’s an enormous obelisk of marble and black glass, pristine in its appearance. I don't know what I expected, but I didn’t think that an online gaming company would need to have a building this big. I catch myself before the familial discomfort, which I often mask as scorn, takes root.

I may, or may not, end up working here. It wouldn’t be wise to start by hating it so soon.

I change into my heeled pumps, stuffing the boots into my large backpack, and step inside.

I’m blown away. I feel like I’m caught inside a virtual reality paradise. Decorated in tones of black and gray, the enormous lobby gives off a calming, somber atmosphere. Life-sized figurines and avatars of best-selling games decorate the area while large potted plants infuse life and humanity into the futuristic look. It's breathtaking.

I approach one of the smartly-dressed receptionists at the front desk, and she directs me to the waiting area, informing me that someone will be down for me soon. I take a seat, observing as people stroll around in clean-cut suits.

Then I notice the looks from other clients in the lobby.

I’m sitting down, so it can't even be the skirt.I discreetly do up another button on my silk shirt.

There, guys, happy now?

You should invest in a sober stylist.

Fuck you, Ethan. I’ve never questioned my style before. I’m not about to start now.

“Bonnie Russo?”

A rail-thin man with curly brown hair approaches me. His simple, black t-shirt emblazoned with the Acercraft logo and jeans makes me want to hug him. For a second there, I was getting worried about all the stuffiness and suits.

I give him a wide smile and stand. “Here.”

“I’m Danny, Mr. Farrington’s assistant. Welcome to Acercraft.” He checks his wristwatch.

Crap. I know I’m late. Kick me out now.

“Thanks.”

“Your slot was ten minutes ago, but I’ve moved things around, so you’re up in approximately twenty minutes. That doesn’t give you much room to work on the bug, but I’m afraid that’s the best I can do.” He leads me towards a bank of elevators.

“There are two more candidates after you, but they specifically requested those slots. Will you manage?”

I don’t need half an hour to find and fix a bug. “Yeah, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Good. We have everything set up for you in a quiet room.”

He quickly shows me what to do if I have any tech issues, then points to a large door at the end of the room.

“Once you’re done, you can wait in that conference room down the corridor, where someone from IT will take you to the next stage. Good luck, Bonnie.”

“Thanks,” I say to his already retreating back.

When I see the challenge, for a moment, I wonder if it’s a trick question. There’s got to be more to it. It’s too freaking easy.

In less than fifteen minutes, I’ve debugged the code. Finding other problems with the initial code I go a step further to write a prototype for a new program that would track the codes from getting bugs in the future.

I pack up and then head to the conference room, where two nervous-looking candidates are waiting. One guy is pacing around, and the other is leaning against the wall and tapping his foot.

Nodding at them in greeting, I take a seat.

“When is yours?” I hear the guy behind me ask the other one.