Chapter 63
Chapter 63:
She stopped. Her eyes swept the scene in one practiced pass — the guards, the smug HR manager, the humiliated young woman by the door.
“Mr. Ross.” Her voice wasn’t loud, but it cut through the air like glass. “Why are you harassing my candidate p>
Gavin went pale. He looked as though he might be sick. “Ms. Koch! She isn’t qualified. I was simply protecting the firm’s reputation p>
“Her portfolio came highly recommended,” Augustina stated, walking toward Eliza with calm, unhurried steps. “I’m looking forward to discussing it with her personally p>
She stopped in front of Eliza and looked her over with sharp, intelligent eyes.
“Red lipstick,” Augustina noted. “Bold. I like it.” She turned toward the elevator. “Come with me, Ms. Solomon. The elevator is waiting p>
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘳 nе𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝖺vo𝗋𝗂𝘵е 𝗋е𝘢𝘥 i𝘴 оn 𝗀a𝗅ոо𝘃е𝘭𝘀.соm
She didn’t look back at Gavin.
“But — Ms. Koch —” Gavin stammered.
Augustina didn’t pause.
Eliza, still stunned, hurried to follow. As the elevator doors slid shut behind them, she caught a last glimpse of Gavin’s ashen face.
Augustina turned to her as the car ascended, her eyes kind but razor-sharp. “Don’t let small men block your path, dear p>
“Yes, ma’am,” Eliza said, barely above a whisper.
Once the doors sealed and the lobby disappeared below them, Augustina’s professional composure softened by a fraction. “And tell Dallas he owes me lunch,” she added, her tone perfectly dry.
Eliza blinked. Dallas. Of course.
The elevator chimed at the top floor.
Augustina’s office was a museum of design, architectural models displayed on lit pedestals throughout the room.
She settled behind a massive glass desk. “Show me what you can do,” she said simply.
Eliza opened her portfolio. Her hands were trembling, but the moment she began talking about restoration, the nerves dissolved. She laid out her philosophy on preserving the soul of a building while updating its function.
Augustina listened. She asked sharp, difficult questions, testing Eliza’s knowledge of materials, of history, of chemistry.
Eliza answered with confidence. She knew her craft.
After thirty minutes, Augustina closed the folder. “You have talent,” she said. “Raw, but real p>
She paused. “Gavin was an idiot. But Anson Hyde is a powerful enemy. He made calls p>
“I don’t let my personal life affect my work,” Eliza said firmly.
“Good. Because if you work for me, you belong to S&D. Not Hyde. Not anyone else.” It was a test, and they both knew it.
“I belong to myself,” Eliza corrected.
Augustina smiled — a genuine smile, unhurried and warm. “Correct answer. You’re hired p>
Eliza exhaled, the tension leaving her body all at once. “Thank you p>
That evening, Eliza burst into the penthouse.
“I got it! I got the job p>
Dallas was in the living room, reading a file. He stood as she came toward him. She hugged him impulsively, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Augustina was amazing — she saved me from Gavin, and she hired me p>
Dallas stiffened for just a moment, then wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tight.
“I knew she would like you,” he said into her hair.
He pulled back and reached into his pocket, producing a small velvet box.