It was crazy, really. Jade couldn’t believe what had just happened. She stood there in the elegantly intimidating office, still processing their words. You’re hired.
She blinked a few times, clutching her hands together tightly to stop them from shaking. “Thank you. Thank you so much,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. “I… I can’t tell you how much this means to me. My grandma, she’s sick, and this is such an opportunity.”
The moment the words left her mouth, she froze. Oh no. Why did I say that?
Milan’s eyebrows lifted ever so slightly, his piercing blue eyes narrowing with interest. “Your grandma is sick?” he asked, his tone calm but curious.
Jade felt her stomach drop. She wanted to hit herself. “Uh… yeah,” she admitted awkwardly, her voice faltering. “She… uhm, she requires all these expensive medicines that I can hardly afford…”
Stop talking. Stop talking right now. But it was like her brain and mouth were disconnected.
“Expensive medicines,” Milan repeated slowly, leaning back in his chair as his gaze bored into hers.
Thiago tilted his head, a frown tugging at his lips. “And you can’t afford them? What about your job?”
Why did they have to ask? Jade laughed nervously, the sound coming out high-pitched and unnatural. “Oh, my job. Yeah, it’s… well, it’s not great. I work at a hotel, you know, front desk stuff, and it doesn’t exactly pay a fortune.” She waved a hand, trying to downplay it, but she could see their expressions darkening.
“You’re saying your boss underpays you,” Enzo said flatly, his voice carrying a subtle edge that made her squirm.
“Oh, no! Well, yes… kind of…” Jade stammered, feeling like she’d just walked into a trap. “It’s not that bad. I mean, okay, he doesn’t give raises even though I’ve asked, but it’s not—uh, never mind. I shouldn’t have said that. I’m so sorry.”
The silence that followed was deafening. Milan’s lips pressed into a thin line, and Thiago’s brows furrowed in thought. Enzo, on the other hand, leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk as he studied her with a look that made her feel like she was under a microscope.
“I’m so sorry,” Jade blurted, desperate to break the tension. “I’ll just go now—uh, when should I start?” She was practically tripping over her words, her face flushed with embarrassment.
Thiago finally leaned back, breaking the heavy silence. “You’ll start in two days,” he said, his tone firm but not unkind. “We’re heading to Paris for a meeting, and you’ll need to come along.”
“P-Paris?” Jade repeated, her eyes widening.
“That’s what he said,” Enzo said dryly, his lips twitching in amusement.
Thiago continued, ignoring his friend. “My assistant will arrange your uniform. Before you leave, give her your measurements. She’s waiting outside.”
“Okay, yes, of course,” Jade nodded quickly, her heart racing. “I’ll do that. Thank you again. I really appreciate it.”
She turned toward the door, ready to flee before she said something else that could jeopardize this incredible opportunity.
“Jade,” Enzo’s voice stopped her just as she reached for the handle. She turned back, meeting his dark, penetrating gaze.
“Don’t worry about your grandma,” he said, his voice softer than she expected, though it carried the same commanding presence. “She’ll be taken care of.”