Chapter 19

 19:
“It’s fascinating that someone as remarkable as Mr. Wade chooses to work under such a mysterious founder. Whoever they are must be extraordinarily compelling.”
“I’d give anything to meet the mysterious founder.”
“Be realistic. I’ve heard that even top executives at the company have never met the mysterious founder. Only Mr. Wade is privy to the founder’s true identity. We’re probably never going to know.”
“That’s true. I wonder if I’ll even make it into this company.”
“Just stay optimistic! Give it your best shot.”
As she overheard this exchange, Linsey’s realization dawned on her. Dustin was just the acting CEO, not the mysterious founder she had wondered about.
What’s more, there might be a close connection or strong rapport between Dustin and the founder.
When she realized this, a wave of relief washed over her.
Her startled reaction wasn’t unwarranted; given the unsettling encounter earlier, her opinion of Dustin had soured significantly. She had little patience for men who behaved carelessly.
Luckily, Dustin was not the founder.
This revelation piqued Linsey’s curiosity further about the mysterious founder’s identity.
Dreaming of joining the company and showcasing her skills, she fantasized about one day meeting the mysterious founder.
Linsey’s thoughts were abruptly shattered by a scornful voice from across the room.
“Well, well, what have we here? Is CR really open to just anyone for interviews now? Am I in the wrong place? The presence of certain individuals here really brings into question the integrity of CR Corporation’s selection criteria.”
More s just for you gαℓησv𝒆𝓁s․com
The voice dripped with venomous sarcasm, causing Linsey to frown at its piercing edge.
She turned to see a woman seated not far off, eyeing her with a look of contempt.
Noticing Linsey’s gaze, Cynthia Keller scoffed and lifted her chin with a smug tilt.
“What? You got a problem?”
The group around Cynthia quickly jumped in, their mocking voices overlapping.
“Who even is she? Never seen her before. Does she even have any work to her name? Or did she just wander in off the street?”
“How does someone like her have the guts to show up here? She’s probably fresh out of school. The audacity to apply at CR—what a joke.”
“Right? CR only interviews real designers—people with credentials, portfolios. How did she even get past the resume screening?”
Linsey instantly caught on. They were deliberately trying to humiliate her. But she kept her expression cool and shot back,
“So, I take it you’re all famous, then?”
Cynthia let out a condescending laugh, her gaze dripping with arrogance.
“New to the design world and already this clueless? Do you even follow the industry?”
She flicked her fingers toward the room.
“Look around. You’re already at a disadvantage, and now you’re proving you don’t even know who you’re up against.”
A wave of laughter rippled through the group.
“Wow. That’s just sad. No reputation, no clue who the top names are—why are you even here?”
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