Bonds of the Alpha Billionaire (Maya and Alex)

Chapter 16

-Maya's POV-

I sat on the plush chair, hating how distracted I felt knowing that Natalia must have put in a lot to get me this interview. My father's words echoed in my head, each syllable tumbling through my mind. He'd shoved the papers at me, anger burning in his eyes, and demanded I sign them. My mother followed him out, a silent apology in her eyes that did nothing to soothe the storm raging inside me. "Amaya Stone? Is Amaya Stone here?"

The voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I jumped to my feet, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. The other candidates watched me, probably judging me for not being focused. "Yeah, that's me," I mumbled, shoving the stray hair from my face.

The woman who called my name gave me a warm smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. She looked about my age, but carried herself with a confidence I envied. Her tailored black suit hugged her curves perfectly, her dark hair sleek and polished.

"No worries," she said kindly, her voice like honey. "Nerves got the best of everyone sometimes. Follow me, Ms. Stone."

I opened my mouth to correct her- it was Mrs. Stone technically, and McCall anyway - but the words wouldn't come out. We stopped in front of a heavy wooden door with a brass nameplate that read "Ms. Edwards." My guide took a deep breath, smoothing her already flawless outfit.

"Just a heads up," she murmured, her voice losing a bit of its earlier cheer. "Ms. Edwards can be a bit... direct. But she's fair, and she appreciates honesty."

I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "Direct?" 1 echoed, already picturing a stern woman in a power suit grilling me like a criminal.

She offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. Just be yourself."

Taking another deep breath, I nodded, trying to muster some confidence. The woman gave the door a gentle knock, then pushed it open.

"Ms. Edwards," she announced, her voice back to its usual confident tone. "Amaya Stone is here for her interview."

A woman looked up from behind a massive mahogany desk. She was older than I expected, maybe in her late fifties, with silver streaked hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her eyes met mine, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Thank you.

Edwards said, her voice a low tone that commanded attention.

thumbs-up before shutting the door softly behind her. The knot in my stomach tightened, and the questions about my father swirled around my mind but I knew for now, I had

smile.

extending a hand. "It's nice to meet

stared at my hand for a beat before reaching out and giving it

Ms. Stone," she said, her gaze still locked of mine.

desk. It didn't feel like just an interview anymore. It felt like a

Edwards flipped through my portfolio. "Interesting," she finally

Chapter 16

push boundaries,” I stamntered, “to create

that translates to happy

blank. All the practiced answers, the slick comebacks I'd prepared- vanished, "Well, ..." I trailed off, feeling like a deflated

desk. "Interior design isn't just about expressing yourself, Ms. Stone," she began, a hint of condescension

my voice surprisingly firm. "Understanding the client is

a fraction. A flicker of something, maybe even

time, Ms. Edwards," I said, extending my

surprisingly strong. Thank you, Ms. Stone," she replied, her voice lacking its

my voice gained strength, the unexpected fire in my eyes. Maybe it was the connection I unknowingly made between

glare of the afternoon sun. Car horns blared, pedestrians

and commotion, the call from