Chapter 569 Is She the One His Highness Favors?
"Ms. White, do you understand the position you're interviewing for today?" asked one of the panelists.
"Yes, I do," Ashley replied confidently.
"Please share your thoughts on our discussion panel."
"The discussion panel's primary focus is developing new infant formula for overseas markets. Looking at the bigger picture, we're really opening up international opportunities. As a producer of infant nutrition, we must maintain rigorous quality control standards..."
From the moment Ashley entered the interview room, she answered each question with poise and professionalism.
Ethan rested his chin on his hand, gazing at her adoringly, thinking, 'Her voice is so enchanting. Her answers are brilliant. She looks stunning in that business suit. If she wore that to bed...'
While answering a question, Ashley suddenly felt an intense gaze. Following her instinct, she glanced over to find Ethan's eyes filled with desire. Her cheeks instantly flushed.
Until that moment, Ashley had maintained perfect composure, delivering crisp, articulate responses. But under his blatant stare, her heart raced, and she stumbled over her words, "That's... essentially what I mean."
The interviewers exchanged glances, nodding with approval.
"If you were offered this position, how would you approach this project?" another interviewer asked.
Ignoring Ethan's burning gaze, Ashley composed herself. "I would devote myself completely to it. To be transparent, I'm a mother of two, so I have firsthand experience with childcare. When it comes to choosing infant nutrition products, mothers are extremely cautious."
Ashley continued eloquently, impressing the panel and even winning them over.
One interviewer whispered to Ethan, "Your Highness, what do you think of her?"
Ethan, still resting his chin on his hand with a smile playing on his lips, replied while staring intently at Ashley, "Excellent."
Ashley maintained a polite, formal smile toward Ethan, as if they were complete strangers.
But her pretense of not knowing him contrasted sharply with Ethan's behavior, which puzzled the other interviewers. Before Ashley entered, Ethan had shown little interest in any candidate, dismissing them after just a few questions. While Ashley's answers were indeed impressive, they didn't explain the prince's intense focus.
That look in his eyes...
As men, they understood immediately.
Could it be that Prince Totti was attracted to this woman?
The interviewers exchanged knowing glances, their eyes communicating: 'Something's going on between them. What should we do?'
'What can we do? If the prince wants her, she'll get the job regardless of qualifications. Besides, Ashley isn't just pretty—she's qualified. It's a win-win.'
After a brief silent exchange, one interviewer said, "Ms. White, we're very pleased with your responses. We'll be in touch."
"Thank you," Ashley stood up, giving a dignified slight bow. "Goodbye."
"Goodbye."
Leaving the interview room, Ashley exhaled with relief.
Isabella, seeing her emerge, approached quickly. "About that online situation, I've figured it out. It was..."
Before she could finish, a staff member called out, "Isabella, you're next."
"Coming right away," Isabella replied, then turned back to Ashley. "Could you wait for me? I'll explain everything when I'm done."
With nothing else planned, Ashley agreed. "Sure, I'll wait."
Ashley found a seat, a confident smile crossing her face. She estimated an 80% chance of getting the position.
Moments later, her phone rang—it was Atticus.
"Hello, Atticus," she answered.
They had spoken that morning, so his afternoon call was unexpected. Had something happened?
Atticus's voice sounded strange. "Pearl, I missed your message this morning. Can we meet now?" He provided a time and location.
"I'll be right there," Ashley replied, hanging up.
She suddenly remembered Isabella wanted to explain something, but meeting Atticus took priority. She'd have to catch up with Isabella at the hospital later.
With that decision made, Ashley grabbed her bag and took a taxi to the meeting place.
At a coffee shop booth, Atticus sat with his head in his hands, looking troubled.
It had been a while since Ashley had seen him. Concerned by his appearance, she asked, "Atticus, what's wrong?"
He looked up and brightened. "Pearl, you're here! Please, sit down."
As he stood to greet her, he suddenly lost his balance and pitched forward.
"Atticus, careful!" Ashley cried out.
She reached out to steady him, but as his ankle twisted, he fell directly into her arms.