Chapter 99: Post of An Account Manager

Third Person POV.

After all, Estelle had come too far to give up now. She was close to achieving her goal, why would she back off?

She planned on getting a place in the Mall so that no one would believe that a hard-working lady could have a part in the abduction of a leech, so she thought of Isabel, a leach!

She held a secret hatred for Isabel. Does Mavis think I care about Isabel's new fling? What a fool! She seethed inwardly, I'll have her snatched away and keep her out of your hair. Her carefully laid plans left no room for remorse.

Isabel won't see this coming, She smirked in her mind, the taste of vengeance sweet on her lips. An office in a fast-growing Mall having a variety of goods, the perfect cover for a busy woman like herself.

The following day, after Mavis had been discharged from the hospital. He accompanied her to the Mall: TABOO TREASURES AND ALL WHATNOT, knowing that following his father's position, he would be honored and Estelle would easily get the job as an account manager given her studies in accounting.

Upon reporting there, Estelle and Mavis were led into Mr. Cruz's office by Sebastian, where they were greeted warmly by the manager, who rose to his feet.

"Welcome, young Mulan, welcome to San Francisco," Cruz said, ushering them to a comfortable sofa. "Please have a seat." Turning around, he gestured to Sebastian that he could leave.

"Thank you, Mr. Cruz," Mavis responded. "It's a pleasure to be here. My name is Mavis."

"A pleasure indeed, Mavis," Cruz returned. "Now, how may I be of assistance, Mr Mavis?"

"I heard there is an opening for the post of an account manager needed in the Mall," Estelle started, even when the question wasn't directed at her. "And I thought to myself, who else would be worthy to fit in the position other than me?" She finished and the men smiled briefly.

Mavis interjected, directing his words to Cruz, "Mr. Cruz, I would be truly grateful if you could provide Estelle, my dear friend, with a chance to prove herself. She's immensely talented and hardworking, she will fit in for the position of the account manager."

The last part of Mavis' statement caught Estelle off-guard, and her expression shifted into a mix of surprise and resentment. Did he just simply call me a good friend? Was that all they were to each other? She wondered. His statement bothered her but she maintained her composure.

Cruz responded diplomatically, "I appreciate your kind words, Mavis. However, as the manager, I'm not in a position to offer Estelle a job here. I get the orders from the CEO and I do as I have been told. Can I see your credentials?"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cruz. I don't have my credentials with me right now."

Cruz, his eyes narrowing slightly, considered Estelle's words. "I see. Is there a reason you don't have them on you?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, I left them in the house. Who then has the power to appoint new staff since you are not in a position to make the decision? I will ask that you kindly introduce Mavis to the CEO. I assure you that I possess the skills and experience required for the position, and I'm sure that once Mavis has a chance to speak, he or she will agree."

Cruz held firm to his stance: "I understand your eagerness, Estelle, but as I've mentioned, the CEO is a stickler for rules and procedure. To make a special case for you without any credentials or recommendations would go against protocol especially when there are other applicants with stunning reports in their credentials."

Estelle's voice lowered to a hushed whisper as she leaned in towards Mavis, her expression tinged with disappointment and a hint of menace. "Speak up, Mavis. Say something now, or I will expose your plan."

Mavis, caught off-guard by Estelle's sudden change in demeanor, coughed nervously, realizing that he had been pushed into a corner. With no other option, he turned to Cruz. "I'll get your number, Mr Cruz. Can you schedule a time when you invite us over to meet with your CEO?"

"I agree with Mr. Mavis," Cruz responded. "This could be a convenient way for you both to discuss the matter without disrupting schedules or breaking protocol." He reached into his desk drawer, retrieving a business card.

"Here is my contact information," Cruz continued, handing Mavis the card. "Please give me a call and I'll schedule a meeting with the CEO. I will do my best to accommodate your request."

As they prepared to leave the office, Estelle turned to Cruz, her smile exuding self-satisfaction. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Cruz. We appreciate your assistance."

"You're most welcome," Cruz replied.

After stepping out of the office, Estelle directed a sly, triumphant smile at Mavis. "See? That wasn't so hard. Your father's name carries weight."

Mavis returned her smile. "For now, perhaps. But that's changing soon. I'll equally make a name for myself. However, you should return to Los Angeles and get back your credentials in preparation for the meeting with the CEO. Don't you think that's the right thing to do?"

"And how about you? What will you be staying back for? Who has your identity card, is it Isabel? Is she the reason why you came to San Francisco?"

Mavis kept his tone even, not allowing himself to be provoked by Estelle's accusatory tone. "I have my own reasons for staying in San Francisco, and yes, Isabel does have my identity card. But I'm not ready to discuss my personal matters with you."

The conversation took a turn for the worse as Estelle's frustration spilled over. "Mavis, you're making a fool of yourself," She snapped. "Whatever spell Isabel has cast on you, you're not seeing clearly. You've lost your job, you can't even sue Isabel, and you're letting her get away with it. I hope you come to your senses soon." With a last scathing look, she turned and strode away.