Claire took a bus out towards the city nearby where Crimson Tech was. After winning the competition, she was invited to their office for a chat. They didn't disclose what the chat was going to be about. It could've been anything.
Claire hesitated by the main entrance of the building which in some sense reminded her of Diamond Corporate. She approached the doe but no security guards tried to stop her. She walked to the reception and after introducing herself she was invited to sit down and offered a hot beverage.
She felt anxious sitting in the modern area, knowing that her experience with Diamond Corporate in the past few weeks would be a blemish on her character. People that saw her try to enter must've formed a bad opinion of her. Everyone there looked down on Claire. In here, she had a fresh start.
"Miss Cooper!" A young woman which seemed close to Claire's age walked towards her. She had a stunning smile, golden locks, and hazel eyes. But most distinctive thing about her were her round cheeks that made her seem more youthful and cheery. "Good morning. It's so lovely to meet you! I'm Emilia Vincent and I work here as a consultant to the sustainability department."
"Good morning, Miss Vincent." Claire replied while shaking the woman's hand. She recognised Emilia's name, trying to recall where she heard it. It was only when she came out with Emilia on one of the top floors that she realised it. It was a very small mention but it was Rosa Summers who mentioned Emilia Vincent. Emilia Vincent who was kidnapped for ransom by Group X. Emilia Vincent whose husband paid £5 billion to have her saved. Emilia Vincent who was married to no other than Christopher Hayden. Claire wish she could ask but there was no polite way of asking. If Emilia truly was kidnapped, then it might prove Rosa's existence. Maybe.
"I asked you to come and see me as I am very interested in you expertise and skill set. You won the competition with the next contestant being miles and miles behind you. I am truly impressed."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mrs Vincent." Claire tried to see if Emilia will get annoyed at a change of her title. She didn't react. Claire wondered if she even heard it.
"You will meet a few others shortly, but…" Emilia hesitated. "I wondered if you ever considered your environmental awareness in shaping your career?"
"It has always been at the forefront of my mind, Mrs Vincent."
"It might not be within your interest, but there's a position for sustainable product designer going within the company and I think you'd be perfect. Obviously, the products in question are mostly tech."
Claire placed the cup of tea she was given on the table and straightened up, watching Emilia carefully.
"I never worked in this area."
"That's not an issue." Emilia shook her head. A tall, handsome man, walked up from behind Emilia. He had wide smile on his face.
Emilia followed Claire's gaze and noticed the man behind her. "Mr Hayden!" She replicated his smile. It was heartwarming to see their interaction. They've weren't obvious but Claire saw in Christopher's eyes how much he loved Emilia. The way he looked at his partner was incomparable. It hurt to know that Claire isn't going to ever experience it again. "This is Miss Cooper."
"Pleasure. Christopher Hayden." Christopher shook Claire's hand. He seemed much more approachable than what Claire has imagined. "I believe that Emilia is having a chat with you about the next steps."
"Indeed, Mr Hayden."
"How do you like the idea of being a vice-head of the sustainability department?"
"Vice-head?!" Claire went pale, shocked with the offer. "I thought it was a role of product designer."
"I was building up to the seniority of the role part." Emilia smiled.
"Unfortunately, Emilia will be leaving her role soon to continue her education. It would be highly beneficial for us to have someone in the department that thinks of sustainability as the forefront of the design."
"I would certainly be interested in applying and an interview." Claire decided to take the opportunity.
"This is an interview." Christopher announced which made Claire feel a different kind of anxiety.
"I am very sorry, I haven't prepared at all."
"That's alright." Emilia tried to be reassuring. "I just wanted to hear you explain your deciding factors for the design, and that's it."
"Certainly." Claire explained her thinking process to Emilia and Christopher.
Emilia gave Christopher a nod and they both put the smiles on at the end.
"It's simple, Miss Cooper, you are being offered this job." Christopher said which made Claire want to scream from excitement. "Is there anything we should take into consideration moving forward?" Christopher asked.
Claire hesitated.
"Possibly…" she wasn't sure how to disclose it. "I would like to declare a disability."
"No problem. Would you like to discuss any adjustments we can make?" Christopher continued, seemingly unfazed by the declaration.
"I am currently going to the therapy."
"In your role, you are responsible for managing your diary. Feel free to block out the time for your therapy and this will be respected."
"Thank you." Claire let out a sigh of relief.
"I will bring down the contract and we can sign it whenever you are ready. When can you start?"
"I need two weeks notice for my current employer."
"Not an issue." Christopher left the room to get the contract, leaving Emilia and Claire together.
"Many apologies but do you perhaps know Rosa Summers?"
"I'm afraid, I do not, Miss Cooper." Emilia smiled.
"Oh." Claire bit her tongue.
"Why?"
"I have an acquaintance called Rosa Summers who once mentioned someone who had a similar name to you. And I was wondering if your paths might have crossed."
"Sorry." Emilia shook her head again. She looked at Claire with her intelligent eyes that made Claire feel a little uneasy. She spoke to Claire about a weather and some other small talk which made Claire feel human again.
Christopher placed the contract in front of Claire, sitting back beside Emilia.
"Make sure that you read it properly." Emilia advised her which made Claire raise her brows. She noticed Christopher briefly looking away in what seemed like embarrassment, but he concealed his emotions well. They were such a beautiful pair.
Claire ready through the few pages and then signed it. The job came with the joining bonus which made it easier for her. She planned to leave the city for good. She didn't want to stay anywhere near to where she believed she spent years of her life that were completely erased.