NovelFinishChapter 63 Carlotta sat frozen for a long moment in the café, her coffee growing cold between her hands.
She couldn't quite make sense of what had just happened-how those two people's attitudes had shifted so completely after a single phone call. But if there was one thing Carlotta was sure of from their behavior, it was this: that high schooler really was the CEO of CICI Group.
It was hard to wrap her mind around the idea that her future boss might be someone who hadn't even graduated yet. But then Carlotta thought of her brother, lying in that hospital bed, and she steeled herself, hurrying out after them.
"Wait!" she called out, her voice rising in desperation as she saw Citrine already striding away down the street.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe winter chill in Havencrest had been unrelenting lately. Citrine hadn't put in her hearing aids-the metal always felt too cold against her skin-so it took Carlotta calling out several times before she finally stopped and turned around.
When Citrine paused, Carlotta jogged to catch up, her breath coming out in frosty clouds.
"I want to join CICI Group," Carlotta said, skipping any pleasantries. "You haven't interviewedyet." Citrine studied her in silence. During the earlier complaints, Carlotta had been the only one who stayed quiet, and that had left a good impression. She was also the only one who'd actually tried to talk to Citrine like a person.
Seeing that she didn't have much time, Citrine decided to ask her questions right there as they walked. Carlotta had spent a few years working for a small tech company, so she had sexperience. The questions Citrine asked covered a range of topics, and Carlotta managed to answer most of them-at least in part.
As the conversation went on, Carlotta found herself growing more and more respectful toward the young CEO. She'd expected Citrine to only ask about the usual assistant duties, but to her surprise, Citrine delved into advanced topics- questions about robotics, biotech, things Carlotta could barely grasp, let alone answer.
But Citrine didn't seem the least bit annoyed by her shortcomings. Instead, she patiently explained the concepts, making sure Carlotta understood.
By the end of their impromptu interview, Carlotta was fidgeting nervously, rubbing her fingers together a habit she'd picked up whenever she felt anxious.
"You're in," Citrine said at last, a smile breaking across her face. "Cto CICI Group tomorrow-someone will show you the ropes." Citrine's smile was dazzling, like sunshine breaking through after a storm. For a moment, Carlotta's years of bottled-up tension seemed to ease.
Maybe it was the warmth in Citrine's smile or just something about her presence --but Carlotta found herself blurting out the question she'd been too embarrassed to ask.
"Um, would it be possible to get an advance on my salary?" she asked, cheeks flushing. "If not, it's all right, I understand." Citrine's expression grew serious. "Is it urgent?" she asked quietly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCarlotta nodded, glancing away from those steady, sincere eyes. "Yes," she
admitted, then hesitated, her courage faltering. "But if it's ut if it's not possible, I get knowmaskin it knowlm asking a lot." She could feel the hope draining from her chest, bracing herself for rejection. But then Citrine spoke again.
"Can you tellwhy?" Startled, Carlotta looked up, not expecting the question.
When she didn't answer right away, Citrine waved a hand in front of her face, gentle and patient.
Carlotta blinked, suddenly feeling a lump in her throat. "It's my brother," she said quietly "He's Very sick. The medication he needs-well, it's expensive, and he needs it every day just to stay alive."
Her words tumbled out, and shefound herself telling Citrine everything her brother's illness, the mounting bills, the fear that kept her awake at night.
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