CHAPTER 23: A Familiar Stranger

  Victoria's POV

  Even now, after passing the first two rounds of interviews, my heart still pounded heavily against my chest and my body still trembled. I was still so anxious walking through these halls. Doubt continued to weigh on me.

  I shook off the doubt creeping into my mind. I had prepared for this. I had made it pass the first two stages of the interview and the panel had been impressed; that wasn't going to change, and I was going to make it through the final stage.

  My heels clicked softly against the floor as I approached the reception desk again.

  "Ms. Hawthorne, welcome back," she said, her tone warm yet professional. "You've been doing wonderfully so far. The final stage will take place in the conference room just down the hall. I'll show you the way."

  I nodded, offering a polite smile in return. "Thank you."

  My palms were all sweaty now, I was even scared to wipe them on my skirt for fear of leaving a darker blotch.