Page 7 of My Ruthless Neighbor

“Yes, and you know why I did that.”

She nods. “I went through five rounds of interviews to select the best assistant for you, Archer. Five.” She raises her hand, displaying five fingers.

I stare at her blankly.

She sighs. “I am not doing that any longer.”

“You’re quitting?”

“And lose the benefits package? Hell Nah.” She huffs.

“Then what is it?”

“You are going to sit while I interview the candidates.”

“I don’t have time for that.”

She takes a deep breath. “Okay. If I select a new assistant this time, would you promise to not fire her at least for a month?”

“I can’t make any promises.”

She throws her hands up in frustration. “This is an endless loop of torture. You just have to sit in the room. I’ll do the talking. Just sit and observe them from a corner.”

I regard her silently. At her desperate expression, I give in. Releasing a sigh, I turn to Julietta. “Get Rondell and ask him to accompany you.” She nods.

Facing Janet, I say, “Lead the way.”

???

As soon as I cross the threshold of the conference room, I shed my suit jacket. Walking past the large glass table and green chairs surrounding it, I drape it over one chair and stand in front of the floor-length window.

“How many applicants in total?” I ask Janet as I unbutton my cufflinks and roll the sleeves of my shirt over my arms.

“Around seven.”

“Hmm. An hour should suffice to wrap this up.” I murmur as I whip my vibrating phone out of my pocket.

I am sifting through the business emails when her phone chimes with an incoming message. She checks it and grimaces. “Make that eight.”

I don’t respond, just tilt my head in question.

“There’s one more girl who showed up. My assistant just updated me about her.” She gestures to her phone.

I lower my brows in confusion. “I assumed the applicants went through numerous rounds before you interview them.”

She bobs her head. “That is correct. I usually don’t allow this but my assistant mentioned this person is your friend.”

“What?”

“Yeah, well, we can’t ignore someone who has ties with you.” Even if Janet doesn’t look at me, I can tell she doesn’t approve of the idea.

I don’t practice biasedness in my work. Even the interns have to work hard to get the internship. I don’t give chances based on connections. If you have the talent, I can give you a chance to prove yourself. I would never serve you anything on a silver platter.

Whoever works here has acquired their position in this agency purely because of their dedication and efforts toward their job.

Needless to say, I don’t approve of Janet or any other of my employees ever doubting my ethics.

Pocketing my phone, I move then. Rounding the table, I slide into a chair and lean back. “Sit, Janet,” I instruct softly.

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