บท 10: Hired on what basis?

As Alisha stepped into the grand lobby of Fashionista Couture, her heart thudded against her chest. She approached the receptionist, her voice shaking as she introduced herself. The receptionist nodded, her face impassive as she instructed Alisha to take the elevator to the 18th floor and head to Ms. Lee's office.

She walks towards the elevator, her heart pounding with excitement and nervousness at the same time. She presses the button and waits, feeling the cool air from the air conditioning. She adjusts her outfit, a navy blue skirt with a white blouse, making sure everything looks perfect. Her mind races with thoughts of what Ms. Lee would be like, whether she would be as intimidating as she appeared in the interview.

The elevator doors finally open and Alisha steps inside. She takes a deep breath and presses the button for the 18th floor. As the elevator rises, she can feel her excitement building. She looks around the elevator, noticing that there are other people with her, all dressed in sleek, designer clothing. Alisha can't help but feel a little intimidated by their confidence and style.

Finally, the elevator doors open on the 18th floor, and Alisha steps out. She looks around, taking in the luxurious surroundings, the marble floors and sparkling chandeliers. She feels a sense of awe and wonder at being in such a prestigious place.

As she walks towards Ms. Lee's office, Alisha can't help but feel a little nervous. She remembers the intense questions and the penetrating gaze of Ms. Lee during the interview. She wonders if she will be able to handle the pressure of working in such a competitive industry.

As she approaches the door to Ms. Lee's office, Alisha takes a deep breath and knocks. She hears a voice from inside, "Come in." She opens the door and steps inside, her heart pounding.

Alisha could feel the weight of that gaze as Ms. Lee studied her, her face unreadable. The silence stretched on for what felt like an eternity before Ms. Lee finally spoke.

"Sit down," she said, gesturing to a chair in front of her desk. Alisha complied, her heart still hammering in her chest. She had no idea what was coming next, but she knew it couldn't be good.

Ms. Lee wasted no time in getting to the point.

"I hope you were hired for your ability, not because of our CFO," Ms. Lee said in a cold, menacing tone.

Alisha's mind raced. She had no idea what Ms. Lee was talking about. She had never even met the CFO.

"What do you mean?" Alisha asked, her voice trembling.

Ms. Lee leaned forward, her eyes piercing into Alisha's.

"Our CFO specifically requested that we hire you as our new fashion designing artist," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I don't know what kind of deal you made with him, but I hope you're worth it."

Alisha was stunned. She had no idea how the CFO even knew about her, let alone made a deal with her.

Ms. Lee shoved a stack of files towards Alisha and barked, "You'll get your cabin location and every necessary detail through a mail in a while. And don't think this means you have any special treatment here. You still have to earn your place."

Alisha grabbed the files and stumbled out of the office, her head spinning with confusion and fear. What had she got herself into? And how was she going to prove herself to a company that seemed to be against her from the start?