#Chapter 9: Smoke and Mirrors

Richard The moment the last candidate left the room, I was already halfway down the corridor. I didn’t stop for a handshake or closing remarks. I shouldn’t have even been there. The intern screening was never supposed to be on my agenda—not with a day this packed. Behind me, my Beta hustled, trying not to drop the stack of folders he’d been juggling all morning. “Sir, the car’s out front. We’ve got seven minutes before the Bramble Finance call.” I didn’t answer. Just stepped into the sunlight and climbed into the car. The Beta followed, already flipping pages open across his lap. “I have the briefs you need to sign before the next meeting. Also, the Henderson delegation was pushed for this screening—why attend a mere assistant interview?” I glanced at him, flipping open a file with practiced disinterest. “Casual observation. I want to personally sign off on everyone on the team. Especially on campaign placements.” He blinked, clearly unsatisfied. “Casual? You rearranged you