Chapter 9 Walked Through the Open Door

• Gasps filled the room at Clara's bold remark, and Hazel's eyes widened in amazement.
• It was the first time anyone dared to stand up to Mr. Wood, and she admired Clara's powerful momentum! It was clear she had earned her stripes at TE Group!
• Leon's eyes narrowed slightly as he stepped forward, his intimidating presence making the temperature drop. He closed in on Clara until he was less than a meter away, looking down at her from his imposing height.
• "Mr. Wood, she used to be the director of TE's Planning Department," Hazel blurted out, snapping out of her stunned state.
• She knew firsthand the consequences of facing Leon's intimidating aura head-on.
• It turned out that this bold woman was from TE Group.
• On the international stage, that company was a fierce competitor to Wood Corporation. Last year, they lost a big contract because TE's planning outperformed theirs. Could this woman have been behind that winning strategy?
• "Let her in," Leon instructed with a nod, a flicker of intrigued amusement passing through his eyes.
• Hazel exhaled deeply, beaming joyfully at her friend. However, she noticed Clara staring blankly at Leon.
• Earlier, Clara exuded confidence and momentum, but now her expression was vacant. Leon furrowed his brow at her reaction.
• As Leon's gaze lingered on Clara's eyes, he felt a sense of familiarity.
• "Mr. Wood, the person behind you seems anxious. Do you have important matters to attend to?" Clara asked, her eyes curved.
• Leon withdrew his gaze and walked away.
• It was just a pair of familiar eyes. Besides, if it were her, she would be mad at him by now.
• As his figure disappeared completely, the lobby instantly buzzed with life. All discussions focused on Clara.
• "That woman did it on purpose, right? Trying to attract Mr. Wood with a trick," one person speculated.
• "It won't work. Who among those who have had contact with Mr. Wood isn't a stunning beauty on their own?" another chimed in.
• "Yeah, with her looks, she’s dreaming if she thinks she can latch onto Mr. Wood. It's a pipe dream!"
• Hazel shrugged and signalled Clara not to worry. "Don't take it to heart. Mr. Wood is the most handsome, eligible bachelor in the business world. These women ..."
• Clara cut her off, "What's there to be bothered about? I'm a mother of two now. Why should I bother with them?" Inwardly, she resolved to protect Ella and Ethan at all costs and ensure Leon never found out.
• "Right. I'm off to organise the documents; the higher-ups are waiting for them. Go to the interview room; it's around the corner on the 15th floor. But what was that hoarse voice of yours just now?" Hazel wondered.
• "I'll tell you later," Clara replied with a smile, deciding to use a raspy voice at Wood Corporation to avoid trouble.
• Hazel pouted but agreed, "Alright."
• Clara made her way to the elevators, waiting for one to arrive.
• There were three elevators in total. As she waited, a tall, refined man emerged from the leftmost elevator. He had rimless square glasses, fair skin, and thick eyebrows, giving off a refreshing vibe.
• Spotting Clara, Jake Hoffman halted in his tracks. "Ugly Betty, how did you sneak in here?" he questioned.
• Clara glanced sideways at him. "I walked through the open door," she retorted.
• The elevator arrived. Clara didn't bother to talk with anyone else. She stepped in and leaving Jake behind.
• As the doors closed and the elevator ascended, Jake's eyes bulged. The 15th floor was the interview location for the company advertisement. How could a woman like her make it to the final round to be an advertisement model?