When the Tables Turn

The morning of the interview arrived, and Jalissa woke up to the sunlight streaming through the partition that separated her small corner of Gina's living room. She stretched and sat up on her twin bed, her heart already racing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Today wasn't just another day—it was a chance at a fresh start.

She carefully slipped into her new outfit: a sleek black blazer, matching tailored trousers, and a white blouse with subtle detailing on the cuffs. The clothes fit perfectly, accentuating her curves in a way that gave her a renewed sense of confidence. She took extra care with her makeup, keeping it natural yet polished, and tied her curls into a neat bun.

Gina appeared at the edge of the partition, holding a steaming mug of coffee. "You're glowing, girl," she said, leaning casually against the wall. "If they don't hire you, they're blind."

Jalissa laughed, her nerves easing slightly. "Let's just hope I can convince them I'm more than a good outfit."

"Don't sell yourself short," Gina said firmly, handing her the coffee. "You've been through so much, but look at you. You're walking proof that bounce-backs are real. Now, deep breaths, eye contact, and don't let them intimidate you."

Jalissa nodded, taking a sip of coffee. "Thanks, Gina. I don't know where I'd be without you."

"Hopefully in your own apartment soon," Gina teased, winking.

On her way to the interview, Jalissa decided to stop by a nearby coffee shop to calm her nerves. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted her as she stepped inside, momentarily grounding her. She ordered her usual—a caramel latte—and moved to the side to wait for her drink.

The shop was bustling with activity, the hum of conversations blending with the whir of the espresso machines. Jalissa took a deep breath, reminding herself of everything she'd prepared.

As she waited, a tall man in a sharp navy suit approached the counter. He was on the phone, his voice low and authoritative as he rattled off what sounded like business jargon. He carried himself with a confidence that made people instinctively step aside.

When he ended the call, his expression shifted to one of mild frustration. He patted his pockets, muttering, "I forgot my wallet."

Jalissa glanced at him, noticing the annoyance etched on his face. Without thinking twice, she stepped forward. "Don't worry about it—I can cover it," she offered with a small smile.

The man blinked in surprise before his lips curled into a grateful grin. "Are you sure? That's incredibly generous of you."

"It's just coffee," she said with a shrug, handing her card to the cashier.

As they moved to the side to wait for their drinks, he turned to her, his demeanor softening. "Thank you again. That was kind of you. Do you always rescue strangers in distress?"

Jalissa laughed softly, some of her nervous energy dissipating. "Only before 9 a.m. After that, you're on your own."

He chuckled, the lines around his eyes crinkling slightly. "Fair enough. So, what do you do for a living?"

Jalissa hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to share. "I'm actually in transition. I just started going back to school, and I have a job interview today."

"Good for you," he said, nodding approvingly. "Where's the interview?"

"At Victor Owens' company," she replied. "It's for an administrative assistant position."

His eyebrows lifted slightly, but his expression remained casual. "Victor Owens, huh? What do you think about him?"

Jalissa tilted her head, surprised by the question. "Well, I don't know him personally, but from what I've read, he's brilliant. Building an empire like that from the ground up? It's impressive."

The man smirked, leaning casually against the counter. "That's one way to put it. I've heard he's a tyrant—a complete nightmare to work for."

Jalissa raised an eyebrow, her posture straightening. "I suppose genius can come with a strong personality, but that doesn't mean he's a nightmare. If he were truly impossible, he wouldn't have such a successful team around him."

"Fair point," he said, his smirk widening.

Their drinks were called, and as Jalissa grabbed her cup, she smiled politely. "Well, it was nice meeting you. I hope your day gets better from here."

"Same to you," he replied, his grin lingering as she walked out the door.

The drive to the interview gave Jalissa plenty of time to rehearse her answers. She had spent hours preparing for this moment, reading everything she could about Victor Owens and his company.

She parked Gina's car in the massive lot and stared up at the building in awe. The glass exterior reflected the morning sunlight, making the structure gleam like a beacon of opportunity.

Inside, the lobby was a hive of activity. Employees in tailored suits moved with purpose, their conversations blending into the sleek and modern decor. Jalissa took a deep breath, smoothing her blazer, and approached the front desk.

"I'm here for the administrative assistant interview," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves.

The receptionist smiled warmly. "Welcome. Please take a seat in the waiting area, and someone will call your name shortly."

Jalissa moved to the designated area, where several other candidates were already seated. She scanned the room, taking in the polished appearances of the competition. They looked confident, composed—like they belonged here.

Clutching her portfolio tightly, she reminded herself of Gina's advice: deep breaths, eye contact, and remember your worth.

The candidates were called one by one, each disappearing down the hall. Jalissa watched as they left, her anticipation building with every passing minute.

Finally, her name was called. She stood, smoothing her blazer once more, and followed the assistant down the hall.

But instead of being led to the same room as the other candidates, she was directed to a private elevator.

"This will take you to the top floor," the assistant said with a small smile, pressing the button for her.

Jalissa's heart pounded as the elevator ascended. The top floor? Why wasn't she being interviewed with everyone else?

When the doors opened, she stepped into a stunning office space. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city, and the minimalist decor exuded power and sophistication.

"Right this way," another assistant said, leading her to a set of double doors.

Jalissa took a deep breath as the doors opened, revealing an expansive office with sleek furniture and a massive desk.

Behind the desk sat the man she had met at the coffee shop that morning.

Her eyes widened in shock, and he smirked, rising to his feet. "Surprise," he said, extending his hand. "I'm Victor Owens."

Jalissa quickly composed herself, stepping forward to shake his hand. "I—uh—didn't expect to see you here."

"I like to keep people on their toes," he said, gesturing for her to sit. "And I have to say, you made quite an impression on me this morning."

She sat down, clutching her portfolio tightly. "I hope that's a good thing."

"It is," Victor said, his tone serious now. "Let's get started."