CHAPTER 4 — The Poor Girl in the Lobby
Victoria’s first day at Carter Aerospace felt like punishment.
No one bowed.
No one carried her bag.
No one cared about her last name.
Her job was simple: assist in the lobby, deliver files, answer visitors, and help the cleaning staff when needed.
By noon, her feet hurt.
By three, her pride hurt more.
Then a young woman entered the lobby carrying a broken umbrella and a stack of papers soaked by rain.
She looked exhausted.
Her coat was old.
Her shoes were cheap.
Victoria wrinkled her nose.
“You’re dripping water everywhere.”
The young woman lowered her head.
“I’m sorry. I’m here for Mr. Carter.”
Victoria laughed bitterly.
“Everyone is here for Mr. Carter.”
The woman handed her a folder.
“Please tell him Clara is here.”
Victoria glanced at the folder and smirked.
“No appointment. No designer clothes. No chance.”
The woman’s eyes filled with quiet pain.
“Please. It’s urgent.”
Victoria stepped closer.
“Listen carefully. Men like Lucas Carter don’t waste time on women like you.”
The lobby went silent.
Behind her, someone whispered her name.
Victoria turned.
Lucas was standing at the elevator.
His face was darker than she had ever seen.
He walked past Victoria without saying a word…
And gently took the wet folder from Clara’s trembling hands.
“Clara,” he said softly. “Why didn’t you call me directly?”
Victoria’s stomach dropped.
Clara looked down.
“I didn’t want to bother you.”
Lucas removed his suit jacket and placed it over her shoulders.
Then he turned to Victoria.
“This woman is not a beggar.”
His voice cut through the lobby like ice.
“She is the nurse who stayed beside my grandfather when everyone else abandoned him.”
Victoria’s face went pale.
Lucas opened the folder.
“And inside this file…”
“Is the final letter my grandfather wrote before he died.”
Clara whispered, “He told me to give it to you only after you saw Victoria’s true heart.”
Lucas slowly looked at Victoria.
And for the first time…
May you like
She realized the test was not over.
It had only just begun.
