Chapter 568 Pretending Not to Know
"Is that the woman from online?"
"Yes, that's her!"
"Just as I thought—pretty girls have no shame!"
"Exactly!"
As Ashley boarded the bus, she noticed everyone staring at her, whispering and pointing. She only caught the phrase "pretty girls have no shame," and thought to herself that whoever said it must be ugly and jealous of beautiful women.
Unconcerned, she found a seat, put on her headphones, and gazed out the window. The music blocked out the gossip around her. She had no idea she had become the subject of viral outrage online, with people hurling insults at her from all directions.
Ashley arrived at the interview hall following the address provided by the discussion panel. About forty candidates were already waiting. She quietly found a seat.
No sooner had she sat down than she spotted a familiar face.
"How is it you again?" Isabella exclaimed in disbelief.
Ashley smiled coolly. "Twice in one day—what a coincidence."
Isabella's cheeks flushed slightly. "As if I'd want anything to do with you." She deliberately chose a seat far away from Ashley.
Ashley rolled her eyes. Isabella's résumé should have been discarded by Ethan, so logically, she shouldn't be here. However, she had also submitted her application through official channels, and with her father pulling some strings, Ethan couldn't prevent her from getting an interview.
With so many candidates, the wait was endless. Someone browsing their phone commented, "Look at this viral video—this woman compromised her integrity for a job opportunity. How shameless!"
"How disgusting! We all earn our positions through merit, while she uses her body! People like her shouldn't be allowed in the workplace!"
"Wait... doesn't she look like... the woman in the video?"
"She does..."
"No way—this is a royal palace recruitment. Who could she possibly have slept with to get an interview?"
"Who else but some fat old man with power!"
All eyes turned to Ashley.
Hearing their gossip, Ashley frowned. Selling her body for a position? What nonsense were they talking about?
An agitated woman approached Ashley, fuming, "You shameless slut! We accept fair competition, but not whores who sell themselves for jobs! Get out of here!"
"Are you talking to me?" Ashley pointed at herself in shock, looking around to see if the woman meant someone else.
"Yes, you slut!" The woman thrust her phone in Ashley's face.
Only then did Ashley realize that a video of her argument with Isabella at the café had been posted online, generating outrage. The comments section was filled with people insulting her.
Seeing all these people condemning her without knowing the full story infuriated Ashley. She grabbed the phone and stormed over to Isabella.
"Did you post this video?" she demanded.
"What video?"
"See for yourself!"
Isabella looked genuinely surprised as she took the phone. "How did this get online?"
"Don't play innocent! Who else would have posted our café argument if not you?"
"I own up to my actions," Isabella protested. "I didn't post this!"
"You're lying! Who else could it be?"
Isabella was at a loss for words, unable to defend herself.
Their argument drew a crowd. A staff member approached and sternly warned, "Stop this commotion immediately, or you'll both lose your interview eligibility!"
At the staff member's rebuke, everyone scattered back to their seats.
The staff then called out, "Ashley, you're next."
"Coming," Ashley responded. She returned the phone to its owner and turned to Isabella. "I'll get to the bottom of this video. If you posted it, I'll sue you for defamation!"
Isabella retorted angrily, "I told you, I didn't post it!"
The staff chimed in, "Ashley, are you coming for your interview or not?"
Ashley quickly replied, "Yes, coming."
Ashley gave Isabella one last warning look before following the staff member into the interview room. Isabella remained puzzled. Who had posted that video? She too wanted answers.
Isabella sent a message: [Find out who posted this video. I need to have a word with them.]
The reply came quickly: [Will do.]
Meanwhile, Ashley entered the interview room where eight interviewers sat, with Ethan in the center position.
After interviewing candidates all day, Ethan looked exhausted. But seeing Ashley enter, he perked up, secretly winking at her and even blowing a kiss.
Ashley's heart raced with nervousness. Pretending not to know Ethan, she gave all the interviewers a professional smile and began, "Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Ashley."
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