Anna and Lisa left, their confidence slightly shaken but still intact. Clara watched them go, her expression a mixture of disappointment and contemplation. Malcolm, sensing the tension in the room, followed them out, preparing to address the growing concerns within his department.
Clara turned her attention back to her notes, reflecting on the day's interviews. She had hoped for more substantial qualifications but now faced the challenge of balancing departmental standards with organizational needs.
As Helen entered the interview room, the atmosphere was thick with the remnants of Clara's frustration from the earlier interviews. Clara, seated behind her desk, glanced at her watch and then at her notes, her mood noticeably subdued. The room, with its modern furnishings and soft lighting, seemed almost too bright for Clara's current state of mind.
"Please, come in and have a seat," Clara said, gesturing to the chair across from her with a weary smile.
