A Wife for the Billionaire
Chapter 19: RICHARD

Chapter 19: RICHARD

"The fuck?"

I found myself asking as I heard Delores still coughing from the hallway. I just asked her a question. I made a mental note not to hire or accept applications from aged persons ever again.

I loosened my tie, then decided to get rid of it totally. Unbuttoned my shirt, three buttons down and I found myself breathing again. I didn’t even know that I had been scraping for breath since until now.

Leaning back, I waited for the next set.

"Justin Rogers, Gail Miller, you are next" I heard Vera’s voice echo from the hallway.

In less than 30 seconds, I looked up as they came in.

"OMG, it’s really you. I can’t believe my eyes. Like am I dreaming? Someone pinch me, Richard Wellington in the flesh! Sir, I’m like your number one fan. That winter collection you designed last year was spectacular. I have seen the runway videos like a million times. I even purchased a fur coat from that collection. Truly amazing. So sorry Sir, I tend to get really animated when I meet celebrities like you" the dark haired lady squeaked to my utmost displeasure.

"The fuck?" I asked myself again.

Who was this loquacious lady who doesn’t seem to know how to comport herself?

As if reading my mind, she answered,

"Gail Miller, Sir" offering me her hand.

Leaving her hand still hanging, I masked a smile and said,

"It’s always a pleasure to meet

enthusiastic fans, you may have a seat

now, Gail"

"Oh thank you, Sir" she beamed, sitting beside the other candidate who had seated while she squeaked away.

"This is not going to be your usual interview, I’m looking for the best to avoid a repeat of what happened with the last employee. I need someone who understands what it means to be a Wellington staff_"

"Totally" Gail agreed, interrupting me.

Gritting my teeth in an effort not to use a tone that will have her mute throughout the duration of the interview, I said,

"Gail, honestly I appreciate your eagerness and your enthusiasm, but I bid you to remember that I don’t take it lightly when interrupted, consider that your first strike, another and I may not be so kind"

Her smile vanished and she leaned back in fear. Then in a voice as meek as that of a beggar asking for alms, she said,

"My apologies, Sir"

"Good, now as I was saying before that interruption, in order to get what I want, I will be testing your knowledge on the Wellington Empire and if you can answer correctly, then you are a step away from being employed. The questions are simple, I even heard that Harry taught them. So without further ado, write down the answers to these questions in your journal:

In which year was the Wellington Empire founded?

Who founded the Empire?

What is the company’s motto?

What are the five core values of the Wellington Empire?

And what are the five guiding principles?

All you get is a minute to write and show me your answers"

Even before I finished speaking, Gail was scribbling already in her journal. Her colleague, the guy, didn’t share her drive, it was obvious from his slack attitude that he didn’t know the answers.

Twenty seconds later, Gail alerted me that she was through. Taking her journal even as the other boy still wrote, I stared at her answers written in cursive flowing lines,

Founded in 1850

Lord Charles Wellington, Lord Thomas Grey, Lord Henry Fisher, Lord Frederick Day and Lord William Manson, founders.

Wellington Motto - "Elevating elegance, refining style, and inspiring confidence through timeless fashion excellence."

Core values - Excellence, Innovation, Sustainability, Heritage and Refinement.

Guiding principles - Attention to detail, Passion for fashion, Respect for tradition, Embracing change and Customer-centricity.

She had gotten every question right, but to be honest, I wasn’t really surprised. For someone who claims to be my number one fan, she would’ve been lying had she failed any of the questions. But then again, everyone in that boardroom seeking employment should know these key information, if not then what the hell are they doing here?

I looked up to see her smiling at me, she knew she had gotten every question correctly and probably she was expecting a remark from me. But it seems there’s still much she needs to learn about me as my fan. I don’t praise or compliment, especially not for something as basic as correctly answering questions one is expected to know as someone seeking employment in the company.

Not even glancing at her direction, I took the guy’s journal and shockingly, he was right as well. It had taken cultivated restraint for me not to smile at him.

Handing them their journals, I said,

"You both are a step away from being employed, now tell me, you can decide to write or just say it, qualifications and recommendations aside, why do you think you are worthy of being a Wellington staff?"

"Because I’m the best at what I do," Gail answered immediately.

Her pride was intolerable. I just couldn’t stand it. Credit to my cultivated restraint, I stopped myself from offering a retort that would have had her reconsidering her words. Instead I waited for the guy as he wrote.

"Because I believe I can elevate elegance, refine style and inspire confidence through timeless fashion excellence by doing my part as a clerk" I read aloud what Justin wrote in his journal.

Ever proud Gail laughed at his words. And if not that I was looking for the best not some copy and paste writer, I would have hired the guy just to spite and teach her a lesson.

Perhaps if it were another who was conducting the interview, he/she would applaud Justin for such an answer, but not me. I need originality, a flair of surprise not some sugar coated answer intended to impress me.

"Really? This is what you could come up

with?" I asked him, inspiring another fit of laughter from Gail.

"Um Sir, I don’t understand what you are trying to say? I mean those exact words if that’s what you are asking" Justin replied, nervous as fuck.

Restraint be damned, I couldn’t take another sound of Gail’s laughter, facing her I asked,

"What exactly might I ask, do you do that prompted you to say that you’re the best?"

"Ok Sir, well with a Bachelor’s degree in Office Management degree, Summa Cum Laude, a Master’s in Business Administration, a COA (Certified Office Administrator), a former Senior Clerk for Xenith publications..." I allowed her to list the very things she had written in her resume, not feeling like reminding her that I had said qualifications and recommendations aside.

"I have also worked with other top publishing firms like Rite" she continued after giving me an earful of her managerial prowess, organizational skills second to none, analytical and problem-solving skills, typing speed of 40-60 words per minute, being attentive to detail with a high proficiency at accuracy, a team leader and team member, amazing communication and interpersonal skills, ability to adapt and a code for confidentiality.

"...and their letters of recommendation sums it all that I’m indeed the best in what I do" she finished.

"Can I ask why you no longer work for these companies?"

"I rather not say" was her response.

"I’m intrigued, perhaps it had something to do with your pride, didn’t it?" I poked.

"It had nothing to do with pride, most people simply can’t live with the fact that I’m better than them and that I excel in what I do and you know what, that’s their business" she clasped her mouth realizing that she had said too much.

I smiled, happy to have ensnared her. She had fallen straight into my trap without even realizing it. Even Justin couldn’t hide his grin.

"If it had nothing to do with pride then why are you here seeking for the position of a clerk when you were once a Senior Clerk, isn’t that below your status?"

"With all due respect Sir, I’m not here to be humiliated, with my qualifications I can secure employment anywhere, but I chose this company because I’ve always wanted to be a part of it, so you can either give me the position or shove it up your ass. Good day"

And the bitch stormed out of my office. She literally walked out on me. I felt my hand reaching for the telephone to call security so they would set her straight for me, but then I withdrew.

I had given her a dose to go and digest. I had stirred up her anger by questioning the "Why" in her pride. Storm all she want, she would eventually cool down and deliberate on my words. And I think that’s more than enough punishment, even though I plan to make sure no company accepts her ever again.

That should teach her that no one messes with Richard Wellington.