chapter 12

The next morning, Charles woke up feeling refreshed and energized. He got dressed in his signature suit and tie, and then walked over to his son Christian's room to bid him farewell. Christian, still looking a bit sleepy, sat up in bed and gazed at his father with a tinge of sadness in his eyes. Charles smiled reassuringly and gave his son a warm hug and a gentle kiss on the forehead. "Don't worry, champ, I'll be back in just two days," he whispered. Christian nodded, trying to hide his disappointment. Charles hugged him again, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving his son behind, but knowing that this trip was crucial for his business.

With a final goodbye, Charles headed out to the car, where his driver was already waiting for him. The driver helped him with his luggage and then drove him to the airport, where Charles boarded his private jet. As he settled into his plush seat, an air hostess approached him with a warm smile and asked if he needed anything. Charles requested a glass of champagne, which she promptly delivered. Just as he was sipping his drink, the pilot's voice came over the intercom, announcing their departure. The plane soared into the sky, leaving the city behind.

Charles spent most of the flight sleeping, only waking up occasionally to stretch his legs or grab a snack. After exactly 10 hours and 26 minutes, the pilot announced their arrival in China. Charles stretched his arms and legs, feeling a bit stiff from the long flight. As the plane landed and taxied to the gate, Charles gathered his belongings and disembarked. A driver was already waiting for him, holding a sign with his name. Charles nodded in recognition and followed the driver to his car. They drove to the hotel, where Charles had booked a room in the luxurious penthouse suite.

He needed a proper rest in a proper bed, so he took a nap, knowing that he had a long day ahead of him tomorrow with a series of meetings scheduled. As he drifted off to sleep, he felt grateful for the comfort of his hotel room and the prospect of a successful business trip.

Chloe woke up that morning feeling a mix of emotions - excitement and anxiety - as she thought about her interview scheduled for 10 am. She had been preparing, practicing her responses to common interview questions. After a quick shower, she got dressed in her professional attire, applied a light layer of makeup, and headed out the door.

Hailing a taxi on the street, she gave the driver the address of the building where her interview was taking place. As they arrived, she paid the fare and stepped out onto the sidewalk, gazing up at the towering structure before her. With a deep breath, she pushed through the revolving doors and entered the building's lobby.

Once inside, she realized she wasn't quite sure where her interview was being held. Spotting a security guard standing near the elevators, she approached him and asked for directions. He smiled kindly and instructed her to take the elevator to the 6th floor, where she would find a receptionist who could provide all the necessary information. Chloe thanked him and stepped into the elevator, feeling a slight sense of relief as the doors closed and the elevator began its ascent.

When the doors opened on the 6th floor, she saw a receptionist sitting behind a sleek desk, surrounded by a bustling office. The receptionist looked up and smiled, telling Chloe to take a seat and that she would be called when it was her turn. Chloe joined the other candidates seated in the waiting area, all of whom were likely there for the same interview. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as she waited for her name to be called.

Elise was thrust into the role of lead interviewer, a responsibility she hadn't anticipated, but Charles' sudden and unexpected trip to China had left her no choice. With a deep breath, she settled in for a long day of interviews, determined to find the perfect candidate for the position.

One by one, she called each candidate into the conference room, greeting them with a warm smile and a firm handshake. As they took their seats, Elise began her meticulous questioning, probing for details about their experience, skills, and approach to the work. She listened attentively to their responses, her eyes scanning their portfolios and her pen scratching notes on her pad.

As the morning wore on, Elise's questions grew more pointed, her scrutiny more intense. She was determined to leave no stone unturned, to uncover every strength and weakness, every talent and flaw. The candidates, sensing her rigor, responded with increasing enthusiasm, their passion for the work evident in their words and body language.

As the hours passed, Elise's notes grew thicker, her impressions more defined. She was searching for a specific blend of creativity, skill, and fit, and she was determined to find it. With each successive interview, her standards rose, her expectations clarified. She knew that the right candidate was out there, and she was determined to find them.

When Chloe's name was called, she stood up, smoothed her dress, and walked confidently into the office. She extended a hand and greeted Elise with a warm smile, her eyes shining with a hint of nervousness. Elise welcomed her with a firm handshake and a kind smile, gesturing for her to take a seat.

"Please, Chloe, tell me a little bit about yourself," Elise said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Chloe took a deep breath and began to speak, her words flowing smoothly as she described her previous job, her qualifications, and her recent move to Paris. Elise listened attentively, her expression thoughtful, as Chloe shared her story.

"I've always been drawn to the beauty and magic of Paris," Chloe said, her eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "As a child, I dreamed of living here, surrounded by the art, culture, and history that this city has to offer. And now, I've finally made that dream a reality."

Elise was moved by Chloe's sincerity and passion, her heart warming to the young woman's courage and determination. But she pushed on, her questions probing deeper into Chloe's skills, experience, and approach to the work. Chloe answered each query with confidence and poise, her responses revealing a depth of knowledge and a keen insight that impressed Elise more and more with each passing moment.

As the interview drew to a close, Elise felt a sense of satisfaction and hope. She had found a candidate who was not only qualified but also passionate, driven, and inspiring. And as she smiled and thanked Chloe for her time, she knew that she had found someone truly special.

As Chloe bid Elise farewell and stepped out of the office building, she felt a sense of relief and optimism wash over her. The interview had gone remarkably well, and she had left a lasting impression on Elise, or so she hoped. But as she walked away from the building, her thoughts turned to the other candidates she had seen in the waiting area, all of whom had seemed impressively qualified and experienced.

Many of them had been living in Paris for years, some even their entire lives, and Chloe couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt creeping into her mind. How could she possibly stand out among such a talented and seasoned pool of applicants? The odds seemed stacked against her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that it would take nothing short of a miracle to land the job.

As she walked, her feet carrying her away from the building and into the bustling streets of Paris, Chloe's thoughts turned to her desperate need for this opportunity. She had left everything behind in her home country, seeking a fresh start in this beautiful city, and the thought of returning empty-handed was unbearable. Her heart heavy with longing, she whispered a silent prayer, pleading for a miracle to happen, for Elise to see something in her that no one else did, something that would set her apart and make her the chosen one.

With each step, her prayer grew more fervent, her desire for this job burning brighter with every passing moment. She knew it was a long shot, but she couldn't help but hold onto hope, onto the belief that sometimes, miracles do happen, and that this time, it might just happen to her.

She continued her leisurely stroll, allowing the crisp Parisian air to clear her mind and calm her nerves. As she turned a corner, her gaze fell upon a charming restaurant, its inviting aroma and warm ambiance beckoning her to enter. Realizing she hadn't eaten all day, she decided to treat herself to a delightful brunch.

As she savored each bite, she sat by the glass window, mesmerized by the vibrant city scene unfolding before her eyes. People-watching, she observed the eclectic mix of locals and tourists, each with their own unique story to tell. The gentle hum of conversation, the soft chime of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter created a soothing symphony that eased her tension.

After a relaxing repast, she lingered a while longer, reluctant to leave the cozy haven. Finally, with a contented sigh, she requested the check, paid her bill, and bid the restaurant adieu. Stepping out into the bustling streets, she hailed a taxi with a graceful wave of her hand. The driver, with a courteous smile, ushered her into the vehicle, and they glided through the city's winding streets, returning her to the comforting embrace of her hotel.

As the taxi pulled up to the hotel entrance, Chloe felt a sense of gratitude for the serendipitous discovery of the restaurant and the rejuvenating interlude it had provided. With a renewed sense of calm and a full heart, she stepped out of the taxi, smiled at the driver, and disappeared into the hotel's welcoming lobby.