Jasper Jean Mariano—Jay—sat outside the office, her hands resting on her lap. She looked calm, but inside, her heart was beating fast.
"Watson Enterprises," she whispered to herself. "You need this job."
The door opened.
"Miss Mariano," a staff member said. "The CEO will see you now."
Jay stood up, straightened her blazer, and walked in.
The office was big. Clean. Cold.
And behind the desk sat Keifer Watson.
He didn't stand. Didn't smile.
He just looked at her—sharp and unreadable.
"You're late," he said.
Jay frowned. "I'm two minutes early."
"Not early enough."
Jay already didn't like him.
She forced a small smile. "Good morning, sir."
Keifer leaned back in his chair. "Sit."
She sat.
Silence filled the room.
Then—
"Why should I hire you?" he asked.
Jay crossed her arms slightly. "Because I'm qualified."
"That's not an answer."
"It is," she said, meeting his eyes. "I do my job well. I don't make mistakes. And I don't quit."
Keifer studied her.
"You talk back."
"You started it."
A pause.
Then—he smirked.
Just a little.
"I don't like attitude," he said.
"I don't like rude bosses," Jay replied.
Another silence.
This time… heavier.
Keifer tapped his pen on the desk. "You're bold."
"You're annoying."
That was it.
He stood up slowly.
Jay stayed still, refusing to look away.
For a moment, it felt like a challenge. Like neither of them would step back.
Finally—
"Welcome to Watson Enterprises," Keifer said.
Jay blinked. "Wait… I got the job?"
"I want to see how long you last."
Jay stood up, grabbing her bag. "I won't quit."
Keifer walked past her, stopping just beside her shoulder.
"Everyone says that," he said quietly.
Jay turned slightly. "I'm not everyone."
Their eyes met again.
Tension.
Sharp. Immediate.
Dangerous.
And in that moment—
They both knew.
This was not going to be easy.