Chapter 36
To work there was every designer’s dream. But Parvati’s reputation for brutal hiring standards made it an intimidating prospect, Still, the company reserved a few spots each year for fresh graduates, offering them a rare chance to break into the elite ranks of the industry
Melissa had been one of those chosen few three years ago. Parvati had extended her an offer during campus recruitment, recognizing her potential. But life had derailed her plans, and she’d missed her chance.
She knew applying to Parvati was a long shot–it was practically impossible. Her credentials barely scratched the surface of what they demanded.
But Hannah had left her no choice, comering her until the only way out was forward. If she had any hope of saving herself, she had to aim high. Besides, not even the Wallaker family could influence a corporate titan like Parvati. At least, that’s what she told herself.
Across town, Ned Cole was flipping through a stack of resumes when a familiar name jumped out at him: Melissa Bush.
He immediately thought back to her heated clash with Hannah and the fallout that followed–Bradley cutting all business ties with the Wallakers in one decisive move.
There was no denying it: Melissa was more important to his boss than she probably realized.
When Ned delivered his daily update, he casually brought up her application
“She applied to Parvati?” Bradley’s sharp gaze lifted, curiosity flashing in his eyes
Ned handed over the resume. “She sent in her portfolio for the designer position.”
Bradley’s long fingers flipped through the pages, his lips curling into a faint, amused smirk “Bold move. Does she not know what our hiring standards are?”
Parvati didn’t hire just anyone. A designer needed a minimum of five years‘ experience in the industry–no exceptions.
Ned hesitated, then added, “She’s probably out of options. Mrs. Wallaker’s made it clear to other companies that hiring her is..not advised
Bradley’s eyes lingered on one of Melba’s designs, clearly created late at night, the lines still fresh with determination. After a long pause, he said flatly, “Handle it by the book. No need to report back to me on this sort of thing”
Ned took the resume back, disappointment creeping into his expression. He paused, then took a leap. “So… no interview, then?”
Normally, he wouldn’t push. But he remembered Melissa’s small kindness–handing him a towel during a rainstorm–and it made him reluctant to let the matter drop
Bradley raised an eyebrow, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. After a moment, he changed his mind. “Let her interview. I’m curious to see what she’s made of
He knew she was struggling–her job hunt had likely been a string of dead ends. Yet, during her calls with Curtis, she never let it show. Her voice remained steady, full of warmth and encouragement, a stark contrast to his own shortcomings as a father.
Still, his decision wasn’t purely out of pity. Her work had potential. And if there was one thing Bradley didn’t tolerate, it was dead weight. If Melissa had no talent, she wouldn’t last a day at Farvan. Whether she succeeded or not was entirely up to her.
Back in her apartment, Melissa sat in front of her laptop, nervously refreshing her email inbox. She knew applying to Parvati was a stretch- borderline delusional–but she had no choice.
Noon crept closer, and hope was slipping away. Then, her phone buzzed. The unfamili number on the screen made her heart race.
She swallowed hard, steadied her trembling hands, and answered “Hello?”
“Is this Melissa Bush?” The voice was warm and professional, but unfam
“Yes, this is Melissa,” she replied quickly, her voice tinged with hope.
The man chuckled lightly. “Melissa, come on. You don’t recognize my voice! It’s Scott Mason,”
Her brows furrowed, a mix of confusion and disappointment washing over her. “Scott Mason! Really?”
Scott Mason Class president back in university. The guy everyone liked–friendly, charming, always willing to lend a hand. But he’d never been more than a passing acquaintance to her, and she hadn’t spoken to anyone from her past in years.
2.04 AM &c.
Chapter 36
How the hell did he even
even get my number?” she thought, frustration bubbling up
Tve been at Parvati since graduation, Scott explained, as if reading her thoughts. “I saw your application earlier and wanted to see if you were available for an interview this afternoon.”
AD
