Page 25 of The Damaged Billionaire's Obsession

I know I’ve lost the argument, but I can’t help making a last-ditch effort to stop this.

I lift a file from the desk. It’s Bonnie's resume, which I haven’t seen yet, but I imagine Sajid and Jordan have had a good look.

“She dropped out of school.” Not once.Not twice.

Three times.

Does my point sound as weak to everyone’s ears as it does to mine?

“So? When did we start putting the ticking of boxes over raw talent? Have you seen her portfolio? It's insane.”

“Raw talent can only get you so far. You need soft skills to sustain you, and not having them will cost us more in the end. For instance, is she going to quit on us at the slightest inconvenience?” I argue.

“I can’t predict the future,” Jordan answers. “But I know she’s qualified, she’s outgoing, she has excellent problem-solving skills. She takes instructions very well. And she fucking knows how to own a room. That woman can sell water to a fish. So again, in light of all these, tell us what your misgivings are.”

They’re right. I have now run out of sensible reasons, and I’m left with the ones that make no sense.

The ones I could never give voice to.

“Fine!" throw up my hands. "We’re picking her.”

The last two interviews were pointless. Whether it's because they performed that badly, or because after having interviewed Bonnie, our expectations had gone sky high. Jordan ended up staying, just to rub it in, I’m sure.

We decide to hire Owen and Bonnie as staff trainees.

As we leave the conference room, Jordan comes over looking really pleased with himself.

“I have to say, Ethan, your enthusiasm for selecting the best candidates in this interview is quite touching.”

“Fuck off, you sneaky bastard. You could have warned me.”

“I thought I’d make it a pleasant surprise.” Jordan smiles at my obvious annoyance.

“Anyway, I meant what I said. If she messes up, she’s out.”I say.

“Yes, boss. And just to make you feel better, she and Owen will be on probation for the first three months.”

“You’re her line manager, you can sort out those details,” I remind him.

“Absolutely. Now, I just have to share the good news.”

“That’s assuming she still wants to work here,” Saj points out, having overheard us. “What must she think of us? Performing that brilliantly and still getting knocked down in her interview. That’s already giving off the impression that nothing she does will be appreciated here.”

I wish Sajid would stop whining.

“Well, you're lucky that my specialty is smoothing ruffled feathers then. Don’t worry, Saj, Bonnie will take the job,” Jordan reassures.

God, I hope not.

Chapter 6

Bonnie

The first thing Ido when I get home is take a long, hot bath. I was only at Acercraft for about an hour, but it felt like I’d just completed a twelve hour shift.

The interview itself wasn’t stressful, but seeing Ethan today and feeling the brunt of his dislike again just drained the energy out of me.

I don’t ever remember doing a pitch or speaking to a client who wasn’t in awe of my ability. I always left them with the sense of not deserving me or my skills. But today, I was made to sweat and was asked a question I didn’t know how to answer.