The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 133

Celestial Capital, Conference Room.

Over a dozen candidates were seated inside, yet the room was dead silent, save for the occasional hushed whisper.

Lavinia looked at the other applicants. They all exuded the polished, elite aura of corporate veterans, and none of them looked young—most were pushing thirty.

She was suddenly very grateful she had bought that professional business suit yesterday.

Through her nerves, Lavinia reached up and adjusted the river wave crest brooch on her lapel, silently praying: *God, please let this work out.*

The woman sitting to her left leaned in and whispered, "Are you Ivy League, or University of Cambridge?"

Lavinia blinked. "I'm sorry, I don't think I understand the question."

The man to her right softly explained, "She's asking if you graduated from a top-tier domestic university, or if you studied abroad."

"Oh, I'm local to Blossom City. I went to Zale University," Lavinia replied.

The man paused, his smile straining slightly. "Zale is good. The Ridgefield School of Business is excellent. You majored in finance, right?"

Lavinia shook her head. "I graduated from Zale's medical school."

The man looked completely baffled. "Are you sure you're in the right building? This is an investment firm."

"I'm in the right place. I have a CFA certification," Lavinia stated earnestly.

The man stifled a snort of laughter, said nothing, and turned back around.

But a moment later, he leaned in again, lowering his voice. "I have a Master's in Finance from The London School of Economics and Political Science, undergrad from the University of Cambridge. Both my parents work in government, perfectly healthy. If you don't mind me asking, can I get your number?"

Lavinia was stunned. She wasn't wearing her wedding ring, sure, but this guy was unbelievably forward.

He just shrugged nonchalantly. "Don't look so shocked. People in finance are always running on fumes; we don't have time for slow-burn romances. When you see someone who looks like a good match, you have to shoot your shot."

"I'm sorry, I..."

"Got it. Loud and clear," he cut her off, turning away once more.

Lavinia couldn't help but wonder if everyone in the finance sector operated like this.

The candidates were called in one by one. The interviews took a long time, and after waiting nearly the entire morning, it was finally Lavinia's turn.

When she finished, Jocelyn fell into deep thought. Finally, she spoke slowly, "With your academic background and zero project experience, it is absolutely impossible for you to get hired at Celestial Capital. However, my department is currently lacking people who actually understand new drug development. Are you willing to start as a trainee?"

Lavinia didn't even have to think about it. She nodded instantly. "I am."

Jocelyn's expression remained neutral as she tilted her chin toward Lavinia. "What's your relationship with him?"

Lavinia froze, completely confused by the question.

"That's a very unique brooch," Jocelyn clarified.

Realizing what she meant, Lavinia smiled. "My cousin gave it to me."

Jocelyn stood up and extended her hand. "Congratulations. I expect you to complete onboarding as soon as possible."

Lavinia reached out and shook her hand.

Jocelyn smelled incredibly nice—a subtle, elegant scent that perfectly matched her understated demeanor.

Walking out of the interview room, Lavinia clenched her fists in triumph and let out a quiet cheer.