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Chapter 22: The Interview

Chapter 22: The Interview

Mila returned to the table to meet Noah and I trading jokes back and forth.

She sat down, smiling radiantly. "What are you two talking about?" She teased, glancing between the two of us.

"You're not gonna believe this." Noah leaned back, a smug smile on his face. "Nico's personal attorney is Michael Lincoln."

Mila's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Wait, 'the' Michael Lincoln?" She asked, glancing at me, impressed. "I heard that Lincoln doesn't take on a lot of clients. That's impressive."

I shrugged casually. "Well, it's not that big of a deal."

"In here, it kinda is." Mila grinned. "He's a member of the club, you know."

"Really?" It was my brow's turn to shoot up. I glanced at Noah who nodded to show it was true.

"Yeah. You didn't mention that you knew him." She gave me a playful nudge with her elbow. "Holding out on me?"

I chuckled. "Didn't seem important at the time."

If I had known, I definitely would have mentioned it.

Mila glanced at her watch before gasping theatrically. "Wow. Time does move when you're having fun." She turned to me. "It's almost time for your interview. You ready?"

I nodded, confidence flooding my body. "I'm ready."

Even if I wasn't ready, I would've said I was. Fake it till you make it wasn't just a mantra. It actually does work.

Mila stood and motioned for me to follow her. "Come on, I'll walk you there."

We left the lounge and began walking to the interview room, walking past a few abstract paintings.

"So, what do you think of Noah?" Mila asked curiously.

I shrugged. "He's... nice, I guess."

"Yeah, he is." Mila chuckled. "He was the one who actually got me in. I met him at one of my shoots and we hit it off. He recommended me for membership."

My brows rose. Was he that much of a good samaritan or was he another guy with an unrequited crush?

"The board was actually planning to reject my application but Noah stepped in, making them accept me for PR or something like that."

I blinked. "Is he really that influential enough to influence the board's decision?"

"I believe in creating value wherever possible, and that philosophy has guided me in both my professional and personal life."

It does sound like something you'll post on LinkedIn but it does work on these types.

The second man, who had been watching quietly, nodded. "Interesting. Your last name, Voss, is somewhat familiar. Are you related to Logan Voss, the billionaire?"

I had been expecting this question and I smiled humbly. "Yes sir. We're distant relatives." I met their eyes confidently.

Being distant relatives meant I wasn't so close that they'd be asking me about Voss matters but I also couldn't deny being related to Voss. That's an advantage in matters like this.

"I see." The woman jotted something down on the paper in front of her, her eyes flicking back to me. "And what made you interested in joining Pine Press?"

I leaned forward slightly, displaying enthusiasm but not too much of it. "Pine Press is a community of the best minds in business, art, and innovation. I'm interested in learning from the people here, expanding my network, and contributing to the ongoing success of the club."

The older man raised an eyebrow, pleased with my answer. "That's a strong perspective." He said. "Tell us, Mr. Voss, what kind of ventures are you currently involved in?"

I saw my opportunity and took it.

"At the moment, I'm working closely with my legal team on a significant real estate deal. My attorney, Michael Lincoln, has been quite instrumental in getting things in order."

The mention of Lincoln's name had the effect I was hoping for. The interviewers exchanged loaded glances. Noah was right. Lincoln's name did carry some weight around here.

"Michael Lincoln?" The older man asked. "He's not someone who takes on clients lightly. That speaks volumes about you, Mr. Voss."

I gave a small nod, acknowledging the compliment. "I've been fortunate to have his expertise on my side."

From that moment onward, the atmosphere in the room shifted to one of approval.

The conversation was more relaxed and by the end of the interview, the three of them were smiling, even joking with me. It was as if I was a member of the club already.

"Well, Mr. Voss," the woman said, standing up as the interview came to a close, "we'll be making our final decision soon, but based on today's conversation, I'd say you have a strong case for membership."

The second man nodded, standing as well. "It's been a pleasure meeting you, Nico."

"The pleasure's been mine." I replied, standing and shaking their hands, one by one.

And just as I stepped out of the room, it appeared in front of me.

[Ding!]

[Stamp Holder detected!]