Angela Wilson arrived just before noon, breathless and flushed from her shift at the diner, her apron still tied around her waist. She rushed through the revolving doors, eyes wide with panic as she caught sight of Clara holding Richard’s hand.
“Clara!” Angela rushed forward, voice trembling. “What are you doing here? I—I thought you were at school!”
Clara looked down guiltily, but Richard stepped in. “Mrs. Wilson, I’m Richard Hale, COO of Ellison Global. Your daughter… well, she gave us quite a presentation.”
Angela’s face paled. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. She—she shouldn’t have—”
However, Richard raised a hand. “Don’t apologize. She spoke for you in a way no résumé ever could.”
Angela blinked, confused. Clara reached for her mother’s hand. “Mom, I told them what you taught me. About budgets, about never giving up. They listened.”
Margaret Lin and Thomas Rivera appeared behind Richard, both looking uncharacteristically moved. Margaret smiled faintly. “Mrs. Wilson, it’s clear you’ve instilled incredible discipline and knowledge not just in yourself, but in your daughter. We’d like to invite you for an official interview. Today, if you’re willing.”
