You woke up feeling refreshed and ready. Today was your big day: an interview with ARCT, one of the largest architecture firms in the world. As a Stanford graduate with impressive achievements, you were determined to secure the job. Living with your sister and her boyfriend, you planned to move closer to the office once hired.

The interview was at 8 AM, so you left at 7 AM, stopping by a bakery for your lucky charm—your favorite cinnamon roll. Luckily, there was one left, and you quickly purchased it. As you waited at the counter, a man entered and asked for a cinnamon roll, only to find it sold out.

Seeing the cashier hand it to you, he approached and said in a sharp British accent, "I want that."

Startled, you glanced between him and the cinnamon roll. He insisted, pulling out his wallet. "Then I'll buy it. Name your price," he said curtly.

Disliking his rude demeanor, you decided to play along but refused. He then pulled out $500. Smirking, you handed him the roll, only to take a bold bite from it while it was still in his hands. Placing the money on a nearby table, you walked out, leaving him stunned.

"Serves you right," you muttered as you walked away

At 7:55 AM, you arrived at ARCT, ready and rehearsed for the interview. The session began late at 8:30 AM due to the CEO’s tardiness. When it was your turn, you entered the room smiling, but as soon as you entered, you froze.

Sitting at the center of the interview panel was the man from the bakery. His piercing eyes met yours, and on the table in front of him was the bitten cinnamon roll, still untouched.

Your heart sank as recognition dawned. He wasn’t just some random rude stranger—he was Nicole De Eclaire, the CEO of ARCT. One of the youngest and most successful architects in the world, Nicole had built his empire from scratch after moving from the UK to pursue his dreams independently.

With a cold yet forced smile, he said in his British accent, "Have a seat."