The tea is served warm. The sound of the spoon and the ceramic clinking resonates in the room as Reis, Felix, and Gi exchange glares with each other.
"Tell us how you met our father," says Gi, his tone sharp and accusatory.
"I met Mr. Ratchana through a friend," Felix replies calmly, though he can feel the tension in the air.
"Which friend? Care to tell us the name?" Gi acts hostile again. The session feels more like an interrogation than an interview.
"I believe Miss Ratchana knows him. Jupe Nitthitorn..."
Reis turns pale upon hearing that name. It's the man her father mentioned before.
"Jupe... Nitthitorn? From NitTech Corporation?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
Felix nods. He hands his resume to Reis. She takes the paper with a heavy heart. "What's your connection to Mr. Nitthitorn?" she asks Felix, her eyes filled with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
"I used to intern at NitTech Corporation as his second personal assistant. After I graduated, he knew I was looking for a job. A week later, someone from Ratchana Corporation called and told me that the president of The Bubbles is looking for a new personal assistant," Felix answers earnestly.
Por is always meddling in our business like we belong to his company!" Gi gushes, cracking the joints of his hand, letting out his frustration.
Reis carefully studies the resume before her gaze shifts back to Felix. "You have a Master's in Business Administration. A double degree in Administration Science and Information Technology..." She shakes her head slightly. "You do know The Bubbles is a fashion house. How do you see yourself fitting into that?"
"I believe what I learned during my internship at NitTech is useful. Besides, I'm applying for a personal assistant position. I don't need to know everything about the company; I just need to manage your schedule, both at work and after work," Felix replies with full confidence.
Reis glares at Gi. The man still looks upset by the idea of hiring someone recommended by their father, knowing the controlling nature of that old man. But this man is capable of the position. He's young, skillful, and has experience working with a well-known corporation.
"I'll give you a trial. Three months, approximately. If you do well, I'll permanently hire you. In the meantime, you do what you're supposed to do as my personal assistant," Reis finally states, her voice firm. Felix smiles as he politely takes his document from Reis.
"Cè! Shouldn't you at least think about it properly?!" Gi jumps a bit in his chair. His brows entwine, showing his dissatisfaction with the proposal made by Reis.
"He is capable enough for the position. I think this time, Por chose the right person for the job..." Reis patiently justifies her decision.
"It's unbelievable!" Gi exclaims before he storms out of the room, leaving the awkward Felix alone with Reis. She shakes her head in disbelief before landing her gaze on Felix.
"I'm sorry for that. Gi... I mean, not only him... My siblings have a strained relationship with my father," says Reis, her voice tinged with sadness.
"What about you, Miss Ratchana?"
The question makes Reis pause. She lets out a huge sigh. "I have a hard time as well. But I don't want to drag this matter down to the worst for the sake of my siblings," she continues, her fingers lifting the teacup politely, as if seeking comfort in the warmth.
Felix stares at Reis with full interest. Her poise and demure demeanor make his heart feel at ease. But there's vulnerability behind that charismatic facade of a CEO. She is a perfect girl, yet she carries deep issues.
"When should I start?" Felix asks, breaking the silence in the room.
"I have an event tonight. Would you care to join me?" asks Reis. She wasn't planning to attend that party, but since she plans to hire Felix, she might as well take this opportunity to see his performance.
"What time should I pick you up?" Felix's inquiry makes Reis halt. A crinkle forms between her forehead.
"You'll pick me up?" Reis asks, her tone a mix of surprise and uncertainty.
"Yes. I believe that is my duty as your personal assistant, Miss Ratchana," Felix answers politely.
Reis pauses, contemplating her decision in silence. "Fine. But you have to use my car. Ask the key from my secretary, Ran. I'll inform her later."
"Certainly, Miss Ratchana..."
"8:30 PM, don't be late," Reis relays a soft warning to Felix.
"Yes, Miss Ratchana..." He slowly rises from the seat and walks straight to the door when suddenly he turns around and glances at Reis.
"One more thing, Miss Ratchana..."
"Yes?" Reis tilts her head, looking straight at Felix, curiosity piqued.
"About the incident in the elevator..."
Her heart sinks. Felix can see how her face goes pale, the color draining from her cheeks.
"I promise, I won't tell anyone about that," says Felix, his voice steady. He bows slightly before leaving the room.
Reis slumps back on the sofa, letting out a huge sigh as she stares blankly at the ceiling. Today has been a hard day for her, and that elevator incident only deepened her turmoil.
***
Felix walks straight to the Department of Designs after grabbing the access card from Ran. As she informs Felix that Reis prefers her personal assistant to dress appropriately, he has no objection to that.
As he strolls along the corridor, he feels a vibration from the pocket of his jacket. He checks the caller ID before finding a secluded spot to answer the call.
"Yes. I just met her. She's...beautiful..." Felix whispers. "You can count on me, Mr. Nitthitorn. She definitely matches your taste... " he pauses, listening intently to the other side of the call. "I'll give you the update soon..."
Felix ends the call and sighs, as he stares at the highest level of the building that visible from his spot.
I hope, I'm making a right decision.. He murmurs as he continues down the corridor with a weight pressing on his shoulder.