Wife You Discarded is a Billionaire's Crush novel Chapter 44

The minutes ticked by in the silent office, each one amplifying her unease. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached, and the door swung open. A group of people walked in, led by Douglas.

Liliana instinctively rose to her feet, but when she recognized him, she froze, stuck in a half-standing bow.

President Sewell was… Douglas Sewell?

"Miss Preston, please, have a seat," Douglas said with a polite smile, acting as if they were complete strangers. He took the chair at the head of the table, and the others sat around him.

Liliana's resume was straightforward, a brief summary of her career. Starting with Douglas, each interviewer asked her a series of standard questions about her design philosophy. She answered confidently at first, but she faltered when the last person asked about this year's most talked-about design trends. She had been so focused on Cedric that she had let her knowledge of the industry slip. She couldn't offer a decent comparison between this year's styles and last year's.

"That will be all," Douglas said, tapping his fingers on the table.

The receptionist reappeared to show Liliana out. After politely thanking the interviewers, Liliana followed her from the room.

"Miss Preston, we will notify you of the results by phone within two business days," the receptionist said as she led her to the elevator.

"Okay, thank you," Liliana replied. She glanced back and saw that Douglas and the others hadn't left the room. They were probably discussing whether to hire her. She was surprised to see him there, but she had no intention of asking for favors or putting him in an awkward position.

As the elevator doors closed, her phone buzzed with a message from Cedric.

He was working late tonight, he said. She should have dinner ready and wait for him.

Cedric never messaged her about working late. For some reason, today he had.

Liliana knew she would go home. She would cook dinner and wait for him. After all, Hale's case was still unresolved.

—

Back in the office at Cyan, Douglas's decision to hire Liliana was met with resistance from half the team.

Liliana was in the middle of making a stew when the call came. She was so thrilled she nearly dropped the ceramic ladle. "Okay, thank you so much!"

"You're welcome. We look forward to having you on the team."

"I'm so happy to be joining Cyan!"

The chicken stew bubbled in the pot, steam rising into the air. After she hung up, the dark screen of her phone reflected her smile, the dimples deepening at the corners of her mouth.

"What'd you do, join a cult? You look way too happy."

Cedric's voice came suddenly from behind her.

Liliana jumped, and the ladle she'd just picked up slipped from her grasp, shattering on the floor.