Chapter 59

I nodded. "Your resume is impressive and aligns well with our company's requirements. You can head back and wait for further notice," one of the interviewers said.

I stood up and was about to leave when the man at the head of the table called out, "Wait a moment." The nameplate indicated his name was David Baker, the HR manager.

"Mr. Baker, is there something else?" I asked.

"Your qualifications don't meet our standards. There's no need to wait for further notice. Perhaps you should consider other companies. This position isn't a good fit for you," he said dismissively, waving his hand.

I was taken aback. The two other interviewers exchanged surprised glances. Candidates weren't typically told outright they weren't suitable. It was standard procedure to gather applications, compare qualifications, and then decide. David's behavior was unorthodox, to say the least.

"Mr. Baker, isn't this inappropriate?" the woman beside him whispered. "Mr. Hastings specifically instructed us to forward all candidate information to him for the final selection."

I felt reassured.

"Mr. Hastings might have given those instructions, but we still need to conduct our own screening. If Mr. Hastings has to handle every detail personally, what's the point of having an HR department?" David said firmly.

His authoritative stance silenced the other interviewers. They looked at me apologetically but didn't dare contradict him. My determination remained. "Could you tell me where I went wrong in the interview?" I asked calmly.

"Nothing specific. Your qualifications just don't meet our company's standards," David replied coldly, glancing at me brusquely. His answer was vague and evasive.

I nodded, turned, and left without making a fuss.

I ran into Elena at the elevator—or rather, she was waiting for me.

"How did it go, Serena? Being first in the written test didn't help you much, did it? You still got rejected," she sneered, arms crossed.

I frowned. "Was this your doing? You didn't even take the written test but still managed to get to the interview stage. You must have pulled some strings." Elena smirked. "There isn't a man I can't control. Once you've got them wrapped around your finger, getting a job is child's play."

I wanted to laugh at her absurd confidence.

"What are you laughing at?" she snapped.

"I'm laughing at how clueless you are. I'd bet you won't even get through Hastings Group's front door," I replied coolly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Elena's expression shifted, her eyes narrowing.

The elevator reached the ground floor, and I stepped out without answering.

"Serena, what do you mean? You're jealous, aren't you? You're jealous that I might get a job at Hastings Group!" she demanded, following me.

"Jealous of what, exactly? I know exactly what's on your mind. David is just a stepping stone. Your real target is Alex, isn't it?" I asked skeptically.

Her face twisted with fury as her true intentions were revealed. She hissed, "That's nonsense!"