Chapter 30
As the launch date for Kova, SynNexus Group’s Al medical assistant, drew closer, Simone had narrowed the candidates from a thousand applicants to three promising finalists. Only one would make the cut,
She’d skipped two afternoon classes to conduct interviews at the café near the campus entrance. The interviews were set for 2 PM, and she arrived five minutes early.
The candidates included two recent grads–a girl and a guy–and a girl with some work experience. All three were still on their way
They spotted each other halfway down the campus street, their formal outfits standing out against the casual wear of other students.
“You here for the interview too!” the bubbly girl in front called out.
The other two nodded.
The outgoing girl, Donna Newman, quickly broke the ice, and soon they were chatting comfortably.
The guy, Joshua Clifton, glanced around and frowned. “Who decided on this place! It took me two hours to get here”
Donna jumped in. “Same here! 1 thought SynNexus interviews would be at their office. This commate was a nightmare. Is their HR even on the hall
Their complaints flew back and forth like a ping–pong match. Sarah Roberts, the other girl, fiung back, feeling uneasy about all the negative talk
When they entered the cafe, they found no one waiting with a clipboard or company folder.
“It’s past 2” Joshua complained. “Are we being pranked Who sets up a meeting and then ghosts?”
“Yeah, seriously. HK’s just another employee. Why make things hard for us? They’re not the boss or anything. Why’re they acting all high and mighty!” Danna snorted.
Right then, Simone’s voice cut in from behind. Her voice had a bit of a chill and youthful edge. “Here for the interviews?” She’d overheard their chat and sized up their outfits, putting two and two together.
The three of them whipped around to face Simone. She was in Sogin High’s standard uniform, looking like she was barely fificen
Donna and Joshua blushed with guilt at first–until they saw a high schooler calling them out. The two glanced at each other but didn’t say anything to Simone.
Sarah stepped forward, genuinely curious. “How’d you know we’re here for interviews!
Simone pointed at each of them in turn. “Sarah Roberts, Donna Newman, Joshua Clifton—am I right?”
Sarah froze. Even Donasa and Joshua, who’d been ignoring Simone before, were staring at her now.
“I’m here to interview you, Simone said, pulling three resumes from her backpack and slapping them down on the coffee shop table.
“Wait, you’re interviewing us?” Donna raised an eyebrow. Simone was still wearing her Sogin High uniform jacket–a giveaway she was just a teenager.
“So Is that a problem?” She looked up at her with a smile.
you’re wearing a Sogin High uniform” Donna couldn’t wrap her head around the idea of a high schooler being the HR for SynNexus Group.
Simone shrugged. “Does my student ID make these resumes
mes Lake?
Joshua’s angry voice cut in. “Listen, kid, we came all the way here for this job. This ain’t some joke.”
And I’m here to give you the job. Simone’s smile vanished. She was getting tired of their doubts.
“Alright,” Joshua crossed his arms. “So, what’s your real position at SynNexus Group!”
Joshua was already thinking of Simone as just another spoiled rich kid playing executive with Daddy’s money,
Simone didn’t catch his sarcasm. She stayed calm and said, “I’m the Chairman of the Board”
As soon as she finished speaking, the cafe erupted in loud laughter.
Chapter 30
“If you’re the Chairman, then I’m the richest person in Sogin.” Dorma clutched her sides, tears streaming down her face from Laughter she couldn’t
control.
“Thai kad’s a rint,” Joshua said, doubling over with Donna
Simone watched them coldly before quietly messaging the HR Manager, her eyes cast dowmard.
A minute later, Donna’s phone buzzed loudly. When she saw it was the FIR number from SynNexus Group, she shot a glance at Simone and flipped her phone around with a smirk. “Guess who’s calling! SynNexus HR. Let’s see if you can keep this act up now, she said.
With a confident stride, Donna headed to a quiet corner and answered the call. “Hello, this is—”
“Miss Newman,” the HR manager cut her off. The Assistant to the Chairman position needs the Chairman’s personal approval. I’m afraid your imerview has been canceled due to unprofessional behavior,”
All color drained from Donna’s face. “Wait, are you telling me that high school kid is your Chainman?” she yelled into the phone.
Donna tightened her grip on her phone, a mix of shock and dread churning in her chest as she awaited a response. The line went silent, but deep down, she already knew the answer.
After Donna returned from her call, Joshua got one, too. When he came back, he looked pale and shaken, like he’d just seen a ghost.
Simone gave them a calm, knowing look that clearly said, “See! I told you” She sighed deeply. “You guys should really consider leaving. SynNexus Group isn’t the place for you.
Donna and Joshua exchanged uneasy glances, their complexions drained. Had they known Simone was SynNexus Group’s CEO, they’d never have challenged her
Joshua’s eyes flickered. “My bad. Madam,” he said quickly, bowing to Simone. “We really messed up. Could you please give me another shot?”
SynNexus Group was new, but it already had top–notch offices downtown and had made a serious impact on the industry in just a few months, With awesome salaries and great benefits, SynNexus Group was right up there with the Irwin Group in Sogin. Missing out on this would be a huge mistake
Donna anmediately followed suit, bowing deeply and repeatedly. “We were foolish not to see who you really are, Donna pleaded “Please, give us another chance”
They just wouldn’t
stop begging. Simone could feel her irritation starting to rise. They were so full of themselves before. Now they’re putting on this act? she thought.
“You only had one chance, slie said, “And you blew it”
As they started to argue again, Simone glanced at her watch. “Time’s up. I’ve got to get to class. She walked out of the cafe without looking back. Donna and Joshua stumped against the window, watching Simone’s figure disappear. Knowing they’d lost their chance, they left, heads down, feeling unterly dejected.
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