Chapter Two: An Unexpected Destination
The café was small and warm, a quiet sanctuary from the city's rush. Keifer watched Jay over the rim of his coffee cup as she devoured a croissant with an enthusiasm that made him smile.
"You really were hungry," he remarked.
She paused mid-bite, cheeks flushing. "Told you. No breakfast."
"So," he leaned back, studying her. "This interview. Henderson and Co. is a good firm. What position?"
"Executive assistant to the CEO," she said, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. "It's entry level but... it's a start."
Keifer nodded, impressed. Henderson was respectable, though nowhere near Watson Enterprises' league. Still, he didn't mention that.
"You seem nervous," he observed gently.
Jay laughed, a soft sound. "Terrified is more like it. My brothers run their own companies. They're... a lot. I need to prove I can make it on my own. Without their help."
Brothers. Companies. Interesting. But he didn't pry.
"Well," he said, checking his watch. "We should get you there. Don't want you late."
She finished her coffee quickly and stood. "You've really saved me today. I can't thank you enough."
"Don't thank me yet," he grinned. "Let's see if you get the job first."
They walked back to his car, the morning sun now fully warming the streets. Keifer opened the passenger door for her, a gesture that made her blink in surprise before sliding in.
"Address?" he asked, settling behind the wheel.
She pulled out the crumpled paper again. "One Watson Plaza."
The words hung in the air.
Keifer's fingers tightened on the steering wheel. His building. His company. The interview wasn't for Henderson at all. The paper she held had the address of Watson Enterprises.
His heart kicked against his ribs. She had no idea who he was. No idea she was sitting next to the very CEO she was about to interview with.
He kept his face neutral, betraying nothing. "Nice area," he said casually, pulling into traffic. "Very... corporate."
"I know right?" she chattered nervously. "I've heard the CEO is terrifying. Youngest billionaire in the world or something. My brother mentioned him once. Said he's cold. Calculated. No emotions."
Keifer fought to keep his expression blank. Cold. Calculated. No emotions.
"Sound like someone you want to work for?" he asked carefully.
She shrugged. "Honestly? I don't care about him. I care about the opportunity. I need this job. If the CEO is a robot, I'll just do my work and avoid him."
A robot. He was a robot.
They pulled up to the towering glass building, its surface reflecting the morning light like a mirror. Jay's eyes widened as she took it in.
"This place is massive," she breathed.
"First time here?" he asked.
She nodded, unbuckling her seatbelt. "Thank you again. For everything. You really are kind."
She reached for the door handle, then paused, turning back. "Will I... see you again?"
The question caught him off guard. He wanted to say yes. Wanted to tell her exactly who he was. But something held him back. The intrigue. The strange pull she had on him.
"Maybe," he said softly. "Good luck, Jay."
She smiled that sun-breaking-through-clouds smile and stepped out. He watched her walk toward the revolving doors, her small figure swallowed by the glass monolith.
Only when she disappeared inside did he let out a long breath.
Cold. Calculated. No emotions.
He pulled out his phone and dialed his assistant.
"Sir?" the voice answered.
"I'm running late," Keifer said. "But before I come up, I need you to pull the application file for someone. Jasper Jean Mariano. She's interviewing for the executive assistant position today."
A pause. "Yes, sir. Is there something specific you need?"
Keifer watched the building entrance, half hoping to catch another glimpse of her.
"I want her file on my desk before she walks out of that interview. And clear my schedule for lunch."
"Sir?"
"You heard me."
He ended the call and sat there for a long moment.
A robot. She thought he was a robot.
He smiled slowly.
He was about to prove her very wrong.