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Chapter 3 – New chance

The morning sun painted the city streets with a golden hue as I set out on my journey to the imposing structure that housed the Lewis Group. Dressed in my best but worn-out clothes, I felt a mixture of excitement and nervousness bubbling within me. My stomach grumbled with hunger, but I pushed the gnawing ache aside, my determination drowning out any distractions.

Entering the grand building, I was immediately engulfed in a bustling atmosphere that overwhelmed my senses. The polished floors echoed with hurried footsteps, and the air carried a palpable sense of anticipation and nervous energy. I approached a security guard, my voice trembling slightly but filled with hope.

"Excuse me, sir. Could you please direct me to the Human Resources office? I'm here to apply for a position."

The security guard, his face adorned with a warm smile, pointed towards a bank of elevators. "Sure, take the elevator to the 25th floor. You'll find the Human Resources office there. Good luck!"

Gratitude filled my eyes as I thanked the security guard, and I made my way towards the elevators, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Stepping into the elevator, I found myself surrounded by a sea of other hopeful applicants, each with their own dreams and aspirations, all hoping for a chance at a brighter future.

The ascent to the 25th floor felt agonizingly slow, each passing floor increasing my anticipation. I stole glances at my fellow passengers, wondering about their own stories and struggles. Finally, the elevator doors opened, revealing a bustling office space filled with neatly dressed individuals and the hum of nervous conversations.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out into the world of potential opportunity. Making my way to the reception desk, I was greeted by a friendly receptionist with a warm smile.

"Hello, how can I assist you today?" the receptionist asked, her voice kind and welcoming.

Clearing my throat, I spoke with determination. "I'm here to apply for a position. Could you please guide me in the right direction?"

The receptionist nodded kindly. "Of course! Please fill out this application form and take a seat. We'll call your name when it's time for your interview."

Taking the application form, my hands slightly trembling, I looked around the room, taking in the multitude of applicants all vying for the same chance at stability and a better life. The weight of the competition settled on my shoulders, but I refused to be discouraged.

Finding a seat among the sea of hopeful faces, I struck up conversations with those sitting nearby. We shared stories of our struggles, dreams, and hopes for a brighter future. The room buzzed with a mixture of anxiety and camaraderie, reminding me that I was not alone in this journey.

As hours ticked by, I waited patiently for my turn, my anticipation growing with each passing moment. The conversations around me gradually subsided, replaced by the sound of my own thoughts. Doubts crept in, threatening to undermine my confidence, but I pushed them aside, reminding myself of the stakes and the importance of this opportunity.

Finally, my name was called. With a steadying breath, I rose from my seat and approached the interview room. I pushed open the door, meeting the gaze of the interviewer, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Little did I know that this interview would not only test my qualifications but would also lead me down a path I could never have imagined. It would intertwine my fate with a man harboring deep secrets and desires beyond my wildest dreams. As I stepped forward into the unknown, I could only hope that this opportunity at the Lewis Group would be the key to unlocking a brighter future for myself and my family.


Frowning deeply, I sat in my office, reviewing the stack of resumes on my desk. Each candidate brought in by the human resource manager fell short of my expectations, and frustration surged through me. Some of them were clearly more interested in getting close to the CEO than fulfilling the duties of a secretary, oozing flirtatiousness in their approach. Others had dressed inappropriately, looking more like strip dancers than professional assistants. And then there were those who were plainly incompetent, lacking the necessary skills for the job.

My voice boomed through the office walls as I berated the girls who failed to meet my criteria. "Unbelievable! Is it too much to ask for a competent, professional secretary? I will not settle for anything less!" The echoes of my words reverberated off the walls, my frustration seeping into every corner.

The human resource department knew all too well of my exacting standards. They had heard rumors of my short temper and ruthless nature, but they also knew that I had a keen eye for detecting false intentions. This made their task all the more challenging—to find someone who not only possessed the necessary skills but also showed genuine dedication and loyalty.

As Samantha's turn approached, a hush fell over the office. Whispers among her fellow applicants circled around her, a mix of curiosity and sympathy for the inevitable encounter they knew awaited her. Stepping closer to my office, Samantha took a deep breath, preparing herself for the challenge ahead. She was aware of the rumors, the tales of my harsh treatment and high standards, but she was determined to seize this opportunity for the sake of her family.

With each step she took toward my office, Samantha's nervousness intensified. Yet, she remained composed, smoothing down her worn-out clothes, straightening her posture, and exuding a sense of self-worth and capability. She saw herself as more than just a struggling young woman from a poor background; she believed she had the intelligence, resilience, and drive to succeed against all odds.

As she entered my office, I fixed my stern gaze upon her, my frown deepening as I glanced at her modest attire. My initial impression was unimpressed, and Samantha sensed it. But she stood her ground, refusing to let my judgment deter her.

Leaning back in my chair, I spoke with a sharp and commanding voice. "State your name and qualifications. Impress me."

Samantha cleared her throat, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of nerves. "My name is Samantha Russell, and I graduated with honors from Milton University on a scholarship. I hold a degree in Business Administration, and my previous experiences have honed my organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. I am highly motivated, adaptable, and dedicated to providing exceptional support to my superiors."

Arching an eyebrow, I kept my gaze fixed on Samantha. "And what makes you different from the rest? Why should I consider you for this position?"

Samantha met my gaze directly, her eyes brimming with determination. "Mr. Lewis, I understand your high standards, and I respect that. But I believe that my background, unwavering work ethic, and determination to succeed against all odds set me apart. I am not here for any ulterior motives or to simply get close to the CEO. I am here because I genuinely believe in my ability to excel in this role and make a positive impact within the company."

Narrowing my eyes, I observed Samantha, my face a mask of unreadable expression. The tension in the room was palpable as I deliberated her response. After what felt like an eternity, I leaned forward, my voice slightly softer but still commanding. "Very well, Samantha Russell. You have piqued my interest. You may have potential, but you must understand that I demand nothing short of excellence. You will be held to the highest standards, and any shortcomings will not be tolerated. Do you still wish to proceed?"

Samantha's determination burned brightly within her, her voice resolute. "Yes, Mr. Lewis. I understand the expectations, and I am ready to prove myself. I am committed to giving my best and exceeding those expectations."

Nodding, a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "We shall see. You have earned a chance. Welcome to the Lewis Group, Samantha Russell. Let us hope that your words match your actions."

As Samantha left my office, a mix of relief and excitement washed over her. She had passed the first test, but she knew that the real challenges lay ahead. With each step she took towards her desk, she braced herself for the unknown, determined to prove to me and herself that she was more than capable of thriving in the demanding world of the Lewis Group.

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