I blinked, not quite sure if I had heard Jacob correctly. "I'm hired?"
His words still hung in the air like an echo, but I could feel his gaze on me — that intense, almost predatory focus that left me momentarily speechless. His eyes were weighing something beneath the surface. But it wasn't just my qualifications he was considering. It felt like there was something else between us — something I wasn't entirely sure how to handle.
Jacob slowly slid an earpod into his ear, his fingers moving with practiced ease. The look on his face shifted into something a little more business-like, but there was still an undercurrent of something more. Something private.
He spoke into the device, his voice smooth but demanding. "Tiffany, please come in."
He looked at me briefly before his eyes sank back to writing something down,a smile on face now.
I remained silent,my eyes curious to see the content he was scribbling.
A moment later, the door clicked open, and in walked Tiffany. The very image of office perfection — tall, curvaceous, with long, glossy hair cascading down her back. She wore a tight-fitting short office dress that showed off her figure in a way I couldn't help but notice. It was clear she had the kind of body men would turn heads for, and her presence in the room made me feel even more aware of myself.
Tiffany greeted me with a warm smile that was, for some reason, more calculated than friendly. "Hey, Selene. It's nice to meet you." She extended a hand, her movements confident and smooth. "Jacob speaks highly of you."
I shook her hand, feeling the coolness of her touch, but it was hard to ignore the subtle pressure of her presence in the room. She looked me up and down briefly, but I didn't let it affect me. I was here to work.
Jacob nodded toward Tiffany after a moment, the business side of him returning. "Tiffany, would you please run through the terms of Selene's employment?"
Tiffany's smile widened just a touch as she flipped through a few papers she had brought along with her. Her voice was clipped and efficient, though still carrying that polished undertone that demanded attention.
"Of course," she said, her eyes now meeting mine with a strange mixture of curiosity and formality. "First things first. You'll be moving into the company-designated apartment. It's located at the Skype Estate, not far from here. A quick drive, really. And yes, it's fully furnished. You can move in as soon as you're ready — just one week to say your goodbyes and pack up your things. After that, it'll be your permanent home as long as you remain with Skype."
I swallowed, feeling a sudden knot in my stomach. I hadn't expected such a quick transition. A week? That didn't give me much time. "Is that mandatory?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Tiffany's smile never wavered. "It's part of the job. It's company policy. But"— she tilted her head, a small glint of something almost teasing in her gaze — "if you're not satisfied with the apartment after you see it, you can request a change. Skype likes to keep its employees happy."
"Noted," I murmured, though the thought of living in a company-run apartment made me feel more like a puppet than a person.
Tiffany went on, unfazed by my discomfort. "Now, the pay grade. You'll be given a salary based on your role and performance. It's competitive, of course, but your wages will increase as long as you continue working here and excel in your position. There's room for growth. If you get promoted, your salary will reflect that."
I nodded slowly, though it all felt a little surreal. "Okay. And... Meals?" I asked, almost laughing at myself for asking such a trivial question, but it was the only thing that was making this situation feel more real.
Tiffany chuckled softly, her expression shifting to a little more friendly. "Yes, of course. Meal is provided, along with shelter, transportation when necessary, and other company benefits. You won't have to worry about it. Everything's taken care of."
That was... generous. But I couldn't help but feel the strings attached. Everything in this company seemed to have conditions.
Her tone softened just a bit, and I could tell she was now talking to me like a woman who had been in the corporate world long enough to know the game. "Eventually, you'll be assigned an official company car. Skype believes in punctuality, and it's a benefit to help you with that."
My mind raced, processing all the terms. It felt too easy. Too much like a well-oiled machine. A machine that had no room for anyone who wasn't willing to comply with its rules.
"Understood."
Tiffany smiled, clearly pleased with the efficiency of the conversation. But there was one last thing she had to share. "And I'll have to remind you, Selene — all work done under Skype is confidential. Nothing can be shared with outside parties. We take that very seriously. No exceptions. Any violation of this rule could result in immediate termination."
Her words carried weight, and I could feel a shift in the air. The tension, subtle but present. It wasn't just about the job anymore. It was about something else. Something bigger, something with power behind it.
I nodded. "I understand."
Jacob hadn't said much during all of this. He had remained silent, watching the exchange with a quiet intensity, though I couldn't quite read his expression. I still couldn't shake the feeling that he wasn't just interested in me for the job. There was something else at play.
"Good," Tiffany said, nodding firmly. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?"
I shook my head, trying to gather myself. "No. I think that covers everything."
"Then welcome aboard, Selene," Tiffany said with another smile, her voice light but laced with the authority she held within this place. "We look forward to seeing how you fit into the team."
I stood up, a little unsteady on my feet, but I didn't let it show. "Thank you, Tiffany. I'll do my best."
Jacob's gaze lingered on me for a moment longer than necessary, and I felt an unexpected flutter in my chest. It was like he was evaluating me — not just as an employee, but as something... more.
"Great. I'll leave you to get settled in," Jacob said, his voice smooth again, business-like. "Tiffany will show you around. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
"Ohhh okay thank you for your time…. sir"
"Adios my friend."
As we both left the room, I stood still for a moment, trying to absorb everything that had just happened. I had a job. I had an apartment. I was here, in this world of wealth and power.
But beneath all of it, I couldn't help but wonder,what did Jacob really want from me?
What was his interest in me, aside from this business? The thought made my stomach churn, but I had to push it aside.
One step at a time, Selene. One step at a time.