12.

He let out a little laugh.

"I'm not trying to be your brother." William mumbled incoherently.

I'm not sure if I heard him right.

Continued of the last episode ...

~~~

"Do you know where Rose is? I didn't see her after lunch." I stated, suddenly remembering.

"She must've bunked again." William let out a deep sigh.

"Mother's gonna go crazy on her *** if she finds out Rose's been missing classes." He said in a matter-of-factly way.

"I'm sure it'll be fine. Mrs. Harkleroad's so nice, I'm sure she'll be cool with it. It's just a couple of classes Rose's missed." I thoughtfully stated.

"I highly doubt that." William laughingly admitted.

We drove together in comfortable silence.

Well.....I've got the interview to look forward to which is in about....I looked down at my watch.... 5 hours.

~~~

"Thanks for dropping me off", I told William as I got out of the car, slinging my bag onto my shoulder.

I heard him say something like," You know me, always at your service mademoiselle."

I just laughed it off, William's French was terrible.

I looked up at the gigantic building in front of me, the letters at the top of the entrance gate screamed in bold, flashy letters, Wright Enterprises.

The building alone seemed so intimidating as it towered in all its glory making us humans feel so insignificant.

I sauntered in towards the humongous structure, trying to look confident.....I don't think I succeeded very well.

Showing my appointment slip to the receptionist, I was led away to an office.

I slightly opened the door and walked in, trying to get in control of my nerves.

He was sitting right there, next to a too-big table. The office was too big for a single man but he's a CEO and much older than me I'm guessing, so what do I know?

As I neared him, trying to shake off the nervousness, he stood up.

"We meet again.... Ivy." He took longer than normal to emphasize every syllable of my name. It made my insides turn to mush but I tried to not let it show.

We shook hands as electricity buzzed within me when we touched, such an innocent touch but it made me feel so much and that scared me.... really scared me.

I sat down on the sleek, beige sofa and slung my bag off my shoulder.

Taking out the notepad Rose gave me, I got ready with my pen as I ruffled through the pages.

"Ready when you are Ivy", Mr. Wright cajoled.

I looked up from my lap, his eyes seemed to be laughing at me.

His messy red hair covering half his forehead. He ran his fingers through the strands, trying to straighten them out. ****! I wanted to do that.

How could someone look so good so effortlessly?

I decided to focus on the questions as I peered down at the notebook in my lap.

And then when I was sure of everything, that I had my breathing under control, my heart wasn't thundering against my chest, blood wasn't pounding in my ears and I wasn't that nervous, I decided to get on with it and asked the first question.

"What do you think are the most important attributes of successful people much like you in today's world?"

Wow! That came out more confident than I thought it would.

He seemed to think this over for a second, then he started to answer, Drive is everything. You have to have the determination to work harder than most and think differently from the usual crowd. You pride yourself on getting things completed and you take charge when necessary. You drive yourself with purpose and align yourself with excellence."

I was in a trance, hanging on to his every word.

He took a short pause and then continued, "You need to have the strength to see things through-you don't vacillate or procrastinate. When you want it, you make it happen. The world's greatest achievers are those who have stayed focused on their goals and been consistent in their efforts."

I wanted to say," But isn't it unfair how some people are born rich and don't have to work too hard for something whilst some are so poor that they have to fight for everything."

But sensibly, I held my tongue, biting my lip to keep myself from talking.

"If you have something to say Ivy, just say it. I don't like those kinds of people who do not have the courage to voice their opinions." Chase blankly stated.

Ok... that hit home.

"This is an interview Mr. Wright, not a debate. Therefore, I do not have the liberty to voice my thoughts since I'm the interviewer but you do since you are the interviewee. " I mimicked, my expression challenging.

Woah! Where did that come from?

"Well played, Miss Ivy. Well played." He remarked, not insulted in the least.

In fact, he actually looked a bit admiring.

He seemed to be lost in thought for a second but then he continued," I'm afraid I didn't catch your last name Ivy."

"That's because I didn't say it." I mumbled, staring down at the crooked pages scribbled with words.

"And why is that?" He countered, I could feel his hot gaze burning my skin, forcing me to look up at him.

"Because I don't have one." I mumbled in a low voice, just loud enough for him to hear me.

He seemed puzzled, a confused look taking over his sharp facial features.

"What do you mean you don't have a title?"

"I mean I don't have a title." I plainly stated, growing red in the face as I fidgeted with the ends of my pencil skirt. I was growing more anxious by the minute.

Could this be more embarrassing?

"Sir, if we could please continue with the interview..." I trailed off, trying to make him understand that this was a sensitive topic for me.

Thankfully he caught on, saving me from further embarrassment.

"Of course, you may go on."