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.
She offered me a and reassuring smile. It was obvious that I was anxious.
“Just a handful of people made it this far. She told me, maybe hoping to lessen my anxiety.
I nodded, gratitude evident in my eyes.
As I followed her down the corridor, I couldn’t help but feel the tension building in my chest. The first two interviews had been nerve–wracking enough -an intense grilling of my technical skills and industry knowledge. But this final stage was different. It wasn’t just about proving my expertise. It was about showing that I had the vision and confidence to represent the brand.
When we reached the conference room, the receptionist gestured to the door. “The panel is just getting ready. Take a moment to collect yourself and step in when you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” I said again, my voice steadier than I felt.
She gave me an encouraging nod before walking away, leaving me alone in the hallway. I took a deep breath, pressing my hand against the cool wood of
the door.
This was it. My chance to prove that I could rebuild my life on my own terms.
The first two rounds had been challenging but invigorating. The second stage had tested my creativity, asking me to design a piece of jewelry based on a single word: rebirth. My sketch of a pendant featuring an intricate phoenix had drawn praise for its symbolism and elegance.
Then the stage had shifted the focus to problem–solving, presenting me with real–world scenarios in which I had to navigate client demands and production limitations.
“Let’s begin with a scenario,” one of the interviewer has said, his voice firm. A high–profile client requests a custom necklace with emeralds sourced from Colombia. However, midway through production, your supplier informs you that the shipment has been delayed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances. The client expects the piece on a strict deadline for an event. How would you handle this?”
I paused, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. I knew they were testing more than my practical skills–they wanted to see how I handled pressure.
“First, I began, meeting his gaze, “I would contact the client immediately to inform them of the situation. Transparency is key in maintaining trust. While doing so, I would assure them that I am working on alternative solutions to meet their deadline.”
He raised an eyebrow, motioning for me to continue.
“Next, I’d explore local or nearby suppliers who could provide emeralds of comparable quality and ensure expedited delivery. If that’s not viable, I’d present the client with options to modify the design, such as incorporating another gemstone with a similar hue and significance. I’d also offer additional perks–perhaps a complementary matching piece–to compensate for any inconvenience caused.”
The woman on the panel nodded, clearly impressed. “You’d prioritize communication and flexibility. That’s an excellent approach. But what if the client insists on the original emeralds and won’t accept substitutions?”
“Then I’d adjust the timeline,” I replied confidently. “I would negotiate with the client, explaining that while I understand their urgency, delivering the best quality product is non–negotiable. I’d present a timeline for when the emeralds would be available and offer to work with the event organizers or stylists
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CHAPTER 23 A Familiar Stranger
to accommodate alternative options in the anterim.
The panel exchanged approving glances.
Both times, I had walked out feeling drained but accomplished. This stinned) inmover) the stakes fett hagher.
I adjusted my blouse, making sure it was perfectly tucked into my skiitisak comedy.posture couldnt afford to let nerves or self–doubt show With one last calming breath. I pushed open the door and stepped inside
The conference room was spacious and modern, with floor–to–ceiling windowssthat to freecabbreathtaking view of the city skyline. At the far end of the long table sat three individuals, their faces familiar from the earlier interviews.
‘Good afternoon.
My nerves eased slightly as I recognized them. The older man with salt and pepper hand bicentreret to chillenge me during the problem–solving exercise, and the woman beside him—a poised, sharp–eyed brunette–had shown interestumradescomposttrolio.
But as my gaze moved to the third figure seated at the head of the table, my breath caught.
There he was.
The man had met twice now, both times in the most unlikely circumstances. The strenger whoscepterengehampoogetto confidence had unsettled me more than I cared to admit.
We hadn’t crossed paths again since he saved me, since I turned down his offer and he left the hospital) and hohl hsdexpected to meet him again! hadn’t thought meet him here.
He sat there with the same commanding presence, dressed in a tailored navy suit that accentuated his beads holders softtess poise. His dark eves tacked onto mine, and for a moment, it felt as though time had stopped.
My mind raced, strugging to piece together what I was seeing. What was he doing here?
WoJtrocouldn’t be.
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