Bert let out a laugh, faint creases appearing at the corners of his eyes.
"Which eye of yours saw me going easy on you? You and Silvia are both newcomers. Your skill levels are about the same—did I go easy on her too?"
Catherine had no answer to that, and before she could respond, he continued,
"I'm not a charity worker, and this company even less so. Everyone earns their place with their own ability. Even if I really had let you slide your way in, if you fail to produce results later, you'll be eliminated all the same."
After that whole back-and-forth, Catherine was left with only one conclusion: she had overthought it. He really had just wanted to hire a designer for his company—not to help her.
The indignation she'd felt earlier evaporated, and she turned her gaze away, unable to meet his eyes.
Then his low voice drifted toward her again.
"Are you afraid of me?"
