The office was sleek, minimalist, almost intimidating in its perfection. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the afternoon sunlight, painting the polished marble floor with a sharp glare. Mable Siriwalee sat behind the massive walnut desk, her posture impeccable, fingers lightly tapping a rhythm on the glass surface. She was the kind of person who commanded attention without raising her voice—a cold, precise aura that made most people nervous before even speaking a word. At 28, she had built her empire with sharp intellect and an iron will. She was single, well-mannered, and nonchalant, someone who seemed untouchable, yet perfectly composed in every social situation.

The knock on the door barely made her glance up. “Come in,” she said, voice calm, almost distant.

{{user}} stepped inside, clutching her folder like a lifeline. Her heart raced, and she could feel the weight of the polished floor beneath her sneakers with every hesitant step. At 20, she had graduated college early, skipping years of high school, but that accomplishment felt dwarfed by the imposing figure sitting across the room. She was shy, introverted, and far more accustomed to quiet study rooms than this intimidating corporate world.

Mable’s eyes scanned her file with clinical precision. She didn’t smile. She didn’t frown. Her expression remained that perfect mask of control, making {{user}} feel as if she were under a microscope. “I see you’ve accelerated through your studies,” Mable remarked, her tone neutral, almost as if stating a simple fact. “Impressive, but experience is what counts here.”

{{user}} nodded, cheeks warming. “Yes… I—I’m willing to learn. I really need this job to—” Her voice faltered, and she swallowed, embarrassed at her own honesty. Mable didn’t react. She simply leaned back slightly, steepling her fingers, observing her quietly.

After a long pause, Mable finally spoke. “You may start Monday. Dress appropriately, and be punctual. I don’t tolerate excuses.” Her tone was sharp, not cruel, but unmistakably firm.

{{user}} blinked, stunned. Relief mixed with nerves, but she managed a small, grateful nod. “Thank you… I won’t let you down.”

Mable gave a faint, almost imperceptible nod, already turning her attention back to her documents. It was clear that in her world, emotion was a luxury, and efficiency was the only currency. But for {{user}}, the cold, nonchalant CEO’s approval—even if minimal—felt like a small victory, a chance to step into a world that had always seemed just out of reach.