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.

said, her voice a low tone

swirled around my mind but I knew for now, I had to focus on this interview. I took a deep breath, trying to block out everything else,

smile.

said, extending a hand. "It's nice to

smile in return. Instead, she stared at my hand for a beat before

she said, her gaze still locked of mine. "Please,

down in the chair facing her desk. It didn't feel like just an interview anymore. It felt like a test, an interrogation. And I wasn't sure if I was ready for the

through my portfolio. "Interesting," she finally said, "Bold use of

Chapter 16

push boundaries,” I stamntered, “to create something

that translates to happy clients? Not everyone wants the unexpected in their

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

her perfectly polished nails tapping a rhythm against the desk. "Interior design isn't just about expressing yourself, Ms. Stone," she began, a hint of condescension in her voice. "It's about understanding your client's needs, their

from me." Taking a deep. breath, I sat up straighter. "You're absolutely right, Ms. Edwards," I said, my voice surprisingly firm. "Understanding the client is key. But sometimes, a designer can help them see beyond limitations, push them outside their comfort zones, create something truly

of something, maybe even interest, crossed her face. But before

you for your time, Ms. Edwards," I said, extending

Ms. Stone," she replied, her voice lacking its

The interview hadn't gone as planned, but something had shifted in the room. Maybe it was the way my voice gained strength, the unexpected fire in my eyes. Maybe it was the

against the sudden glare of the afternoon sun. Car horns blared, pedestrians hurried past in a blur of colors and faces, and the air thrummed with a

noise and commotion, the call