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"What?" he questions.
"Oh, no, I was talking to myself," I explain. His gaze stays on me. The sunglasses do nothing to stop the heat from prickling my skin.
He glances away.
I'm eager to leave the intimate space, but when we pull up to the grand building, I change my mind when a sea of thousands of crazed fans swarm the limo, whooping and banging on the windows. I never imagined these many people were fans of the studious billionaire.
"I thought society hated the rich," I wince. Fuck, not again. I hear a soft, amused laugh. As I peek through my shades, I see a subtle grin on Evan's face. Blood rushes around my eyes, sprinkling stars in my vision. Oh no. Denial had already lost, but I am still bargaining. Maybe it's admiration, intimidation, a trick on myself. It's too apparent now. I have a crush on him. Ugh.
"Not when you make the tech they regard so dearly," he responds. I almost can't hear him over the crowd and my pumping blood. A fan startled me with another loud bang.
"Geez," I grumble. A large banner hangs over their heads past the horde of enthused supporters.
INNO CORP'S ANNUAL SHOWCASE
"Showcase?" I inquire.
"I present new products, judge submissions, interviews, etc. Do you not know about this?"Before I get to respond, he waves me off, "Never mind, stay close and don't say anything."
The cheers from the crowd become louder as the chauffeur opens the door for us. Evan steps out, and I follow. A posse of well-dressed journalists and reporters come running to the front lines, trying to snap a shot of Evan Blackburn, and if they get lucky, they'll get a curt answer or two from the man.
Grabby hands reach for us through the scarily flimsy fence, goosebumps rising on my skin every time I feel the edge of a nail or fingertips managing to graze the fabric of my jumpsuit. The bodyguards surrounding us rush us inside the staging room. I barely get a glimpse of the lobby, but I'm glad we're out of the narrow passageway lined with rabid supporters.
"Oh my goodness," I speak, clutching my chest.
"You'll be okay," Blackburn comments, "I'll be back later. Stay in here,"
I can't help but fidget. The room is lavish, the plush seats and elegant décor screaming money and sophistication, but right now, it only serves to remind me of how out of place I feel.
My day is filled with more waiting, from the morning until the very last second of the third hour I spend doing nothing in that fancy enclosure Evan left me in. A TV is mounted on the wall,
showcasing Blackburn with a bright smile, projecting images of a new home cleaning bot called AI ASSIST behind him.
He paces the stage, slow and calculated, with a scarily affable personality on the screen much different than the one I've interacted with. Thunderous claps praise the brilliant man as he walks off stage, a brief intermission counter now on the projector. The audience is so loud I can hear them through the room's gray walls.
"Am I seriously here for an interview?" I grumble, sipping the last drops of water from my cup. There is no way he would keep me around if he didn't have to, but if the interview doesn't end up happening, I'm not complaining.
When I think I might drown in my nervousness, the door swings open, and a woman walks in. She's older than me, with a kind, warm smile and an air of confidence that makes me feel more at ease.
"Hi there, you must be Isabella," she extends her hand for a friendly shake. "I'm Michelle, Evan's executive assistant. He asked me to keep you company while he's on stage."
"Pleased to meet you, Michelle," I say, shaking her hand and grateful for the distraction.
Michelle sits across from me and asks, "So, how are you finding your time at Inno Corp so far?"
"It's overwhelming," I admit. "Landing this opportunity is still somewhat unbelievable to me. It's surreal."
Michelle laughs, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "I can only imagine. Evan has a knack for spotting real talent. You must be exceptional at what you do."
Her compliment warms me, but it also kindles a sliver of apprehension. "Living up to his expectations is important to me," I tell her, twirling a strand of my hair.
"Don't worry. Evan may come across as intimidating, but he's fair. He'll give you the space and freedom you need to create," Michelle reassures me.
We hear applause from the other side of the door, signaling the end of Evan's presentation. Drawing in a deep breath, I'm aware of what that means.
"Showtime," Michelle winks at me as she stands up, opening the door.
Evan's genial persona is completely drained from his face when he re-enters the room.
