Chapter 05 A Job Opportunity

Holding the memory card, I went downstairs to find Big Joe.

He was pleased, " Madeline, you're quite the go-getter—just in time, there's a dinner tonight. I'll take you to meet some people. As a journalist, connections are everything."

I thanked him hastily.

But when we arrived at the venue, I froze at the sight of a familiar black Rolls-Royce in the parking lot: "Mr. Xavier's here tonight too?"

Big Joe turned, winked and said, "The dinner I'm taking you to is Mr. Xavier's. Madeline, don't underestimate Big Joe's network."

It was too late for regrets. I had to steel myself and go in with him. Fortunately, the private room was spacious. We junior journalists weren't seated with the likes of Lucas Xavier.

Big Joe introduced me to several industry seniors. "This is Madeline Thompson, a bright new recruit at our office. Madeline, go ahead and say hello to everyone."

As a newbie, it was inevitable that I'd have to make the rounds with toasts. By the end, I was dizzy, managing only to mumble an apology before dashing towards the restroom.

The world spun as I got sick into the toilet.

After rinsing my mouth and splashing my face with cold water, I stepped back into the dim corridor.

A familiar shadow stood by the window, shape veiled in darkness.

My heart skipped several beats. I intended to ignore it and just head back.

But after just one step, Lucas spoke up from behind me.

" Madeline Thompson!" Each word, heavy with a mix of complex emotions, halted me in my tracks.

Swallowing nervously, I listened as his footsteps calmly approached.

Instinctively, my eyes shut tight.

When I opened them again, I was met with his deep, ocean-like gaze.

"...Mr. Xavier," My voice tightened with anxiety. "How do you know my name?"

He remained silent for a long moment before standing tall again.

"Your Senior Colleague has been taking you around for toasts. Everyone in the private room now knows who you are."

Thinking of Big Joe's booming voice made my cheeks burn.

"Sorry for that. Senior Colleague's really good to us rookies, perhaps a bit too enthusiastic. If we disturbed your evening, Mr. Xavier, my apologies."

I scrambled for an explanation, not wanting to implicate Big Joe, and offered further apologies on his behalf.

Again, Lucas fell silent.

Under the warm glow of the hallway light, he narrowed his eyes in a quasi-smile that was hard to read.

"Do I seem like someone who sweats the small stuff, Reporter Thompson?"

I mumbled, head down, "That's not what I meant."

The next second, an embossed business card appeared before me.

"You're still an intern, right?" he inquired.

"Here's a job opportunity. Interested?"