The Last Laugh novel Chapter 17

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I parked in front of the huge building at exactly three. I got out of my car and looked up at the top of the building. I suddenly thought of my father. Bitterness rose from within me. I cleared my throat and shook all awful thoughts from my mind.

I went into the building. For the first time in my life I'd seen my father's company with both eyes. Its inside was big and beautiful.

I went straight to the woman in the lobby.

"Excuse me."

"Yes, sir?"

"I'm here for the job offer."

"Oh, okay. Take the elevator sir, to the last floor. Then the fourth door to your left."

I thanked her and headed for the elevator.

*

I reached the last floor and took the fourth door on my left.

On entering, I discovered it was a waiting room full of formally dressed people. They surely wanted the same job.

I sat down and waited.

Time flew and people were called one by one. I got tired and bored.

After about fifty minutes of waiting, the man who called people over told me I was next. Finally. I stood up and adjusted my tie. I followed him to the office.

We reached a door and he opened it for me.

"You can go in."

I went into the office and closed the door behind me. It was a big, spacious and beautiful office with large glass windows and an amazing view on the city.

Surprisingly, there was no one in it.

"Hold on I'm coming!" a female voice said from another room in the office which happened to be the toilets. I recognised her voice. I unknowingly clenched my jaw. I needed her not to recognise me. She couldn't even do that in the first place.

"Have a seat! I won't be long." she said.

Without a word, I moved to the table and took a seat.

Some minutes later, I heard the door open as she stepped into the office with her heels. I turned to look at her. I froze.

"Hello" she said with a smirk. She hadn't changed very much. Though she was now forty two. She wasn't at all different from the last time I saw her. The only difference was that she'd left her hair in it's natural reddish state instead of dyeing it blonde. I felt hatred rise but I couldn't let it spoil everything. I acted as normal and formal as possible.

I stood up and greeted her.

"Good evening, Mrs. Welds."

"Good evening." she shook my hand before regaining her seat behind the office table. A seat that had belonged to my father. I sat down too.

"How are you?" she asked slowly.

"Fine." I replied firmly.

"Your documents, please."

I took my documents out of my briefcase and handed them over.

"Here."

She collected them and began to go through.

After about five minutes, she looked up at me.

"Ace, right?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Such a nice and unusual name for a young man." she said with a little smirk. I didn't react.

"From what I read here, you are quite well experienced."