Cynthia could see the receptionist's discomfort and offered her a gentle, reassuring smile. "Where's your waiting lounge?" she asked softly. "I'll wait there for Mr. Holloway to return, if that's alright."
"Of course," the young woman replied, and promptly led Cynthia to the lounge.
The moment Cynthia stepped inside, surprise flickered in her eyes.
The lounge was crowded—at least twenty people sat scattered around, each clutching a folder. Some were obviously here for job interviews, others hoping to pitch a deal or partnership.
Conversations hummed through the room, the air thick with hopeful anticipation for the future.
As Cynthia entered, a few curious eyes turned briefly in her direction. After sizing her up, they soon returned to their own hushed discussions.
She found an open seat in a quiet corner and sat down, mind already racing through ways to break the deadlock she faced. That's when someone nearby spoke up in a low voice.
"First time here?"
Cynthia nodded politely. "Yes."
The woman let out a soft, knowing sigh. "Well, be prepared for a long wait. I've been coming here for a week and haven't managed to see Mr. Holloway once. See that guy by the door? He's been at it for two weeks straight, comes every day, still hasn't met him."
Cynthia's eyes widened. "But didn't Mr. Holloway just step out? Why is it so hard to see him?"
The woman looked at her in surprise. "Wait—you actually managed to intercept Mr. Holloway?"
Cynthia nodded again. "I did."
"Then how come you weren't thrown out?"
Her tone was incredulous, as if Cynthia had somehow defied the laws of nature by not being tossed out after confronting Dominic.
Their exchange had caught the attention of others in the lounge; soon, every eye in the room was fixed on her, making Cynthia shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"Was I supposed to be thrown out?" she asked awkwardly.
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