Chapter 208

Shelia took great care with her appearance, slipping into her most professional attire and her highest heels. The interviewer glanced at her and said, “I’ve reviewed your resume. You’re a graduate student from Arcane Academy, right?”

Shelia couldn’t suppress a small smile of pride. “Yes, that’s correct.”

The interviewer leaned back in her chair, her expression appreciative. “Impressive. You’re quite young to have achieved that.”

Shelia felt a swell of satisfaction. The graduate position was a testament to her abilities and perseverance.

The interviewer continued, “We do have an internship position available, but I must clarify, it’s not for the vice GM role.”

Shelia’s smile faded slightly. “Not the vice GM?” She had braced herself for this, knowing that such a high-ranking position wouldn’t come easily. “I was hoping for at least a director position in the finance department, or perhaps the accounting department.”

The interviewer held up a hand, interrupting her. “You misunderstand me, Miss Miles. While your academic background is impressive, our internship program is highly competitive. Our latest interns have all returned from studying abroad, armed with master’s degrees and various awards. Have you won any awards, either domestically or internationally?”

Shelia’s smile froze. She had never had the opportunity to study abroad; her financial situation prevented it. Instead, she had focused solely on her studies, forgoing extracurricular activities. Her awards were limited to a few campus honors. She had once dreamed of going abroad, encouraged by Juan’s promises, but her fear of losing him to Debra had kept her rooted in place. She chose to continue her graduate studies at Arcane Academy.

Met with her silence, the interviewer pressed on. “It seems you haven’t been abroad or won any awards. That’s not a problem. We value talent in all its forms. How would you rate your proficiency in Spanish?”

Shelia hesitated, her confidence waning. “I have a basic understanding of Spanish, mostly from high school classes.”

“What about French or German? Any proficiency in those languages?”

Shelia found herself at a loss for words. She had always meant to expand her language skills but had been too preoccupied with her pursuit of Juan to find the time.

The interviewer wasn’t done yet. “How’s your proficiency in Spanish? We have many international clients, so bilingual skills are highly valued.”

Before Shelia could respond, a female employee walked in, speaking fluent Spanish with a native accent. The interviewer responded in kind, engaging in a rapid conversation that Shelia struggled to follow. Her grasp of the language was rudimentary at best, and the professional jargon flew over her head.

After the employee left, the interviewer turned her attention back to Shelia. “Miss Miles, how would you rate your proficiency in Spanish?”

Shelia nervously clenched her fists, her palms damp with sweat. “I have a basic understanding, but I’m not fluent.”

The interviewer nodded, her expression neutral. “Here’s what we can offer, considering everything we’ve discussed. The company is willing to provide you with a one-month internship. However, the position is only for an intern, with a salary of $4,000. You can think it over.”

Shelia’s face fell. “$4,000?”