CHAPTER 2 — THE CARD NO ONE BELIEVED
The barber looked down at the gold card.
Heavy.
Cold.
Engraved.
No logo.
Just one name.
WILLIAM ASHCROFT
And beneath it...
ASHCROFT HOLDINGS
The receptionist burst out laughing.
"Oh, come on."
"Did you buy that online?"
Several customers chuckled.
The old man simply smiled.
"I don't blame you."
"They laughed the first time I introduced myself, too."
The barber turned the card over.
There was a phone number.
Nothing else.
"No title?"
The old man shook his head.
"If people need a title before showing respect..."
"...they've already failed the test."
The salon owner walked over.
"Sir."
"If this is some kind of joke..."
The old man interrupted him gently.
"It isn't."
His phone suddenly rang.
He answered without looking at the screen.
"Yes."
He listened for a few seconds.
"I'm on my way."
"No."
"I already found the person."
He ended the call.
The receptionist rolled her eyes.
"Sure you did."
Then...
Three black SUVs stopped outside the salon.
Everyone looked through the front windows.
Drivers stepped out first.
Then men in tailored suits.
One of them rushed inside.
The moment he saw the old man...
He lowered his head.
"Mr. Ashcroft."
"I'm sorry we're late."
The salon went silent.
The receptionist's smile disappeared.
The barber looked at the old man.
"You really are..."
William smiled.
"I told you."
"I had a job interview."
The barber frowned.
"What kind of interview?"
William's eyes sparkled.
"I'm looking for someone."
"Someone I can trust."
He looked around the room.
"I think I just found him."
Before anyone could react...
The receptionist hurried forward.
"I-I didn't know who you were."
William looked at her calmly.
"No."
"You knew exactly who you thought I was."
Silence.
Then one of the suited men leaned toward William.
"Sir..."
"The board members are waiting."
William nodded.
"They'll wait a little longer."
He turned back to the young barber.
"Would you mind coming with me?"
The barber blinked.
"Why?"
William smiled.
"Because tomorrow's interview..."
"...was never for me."
May you like
"It was for you."
END OF CHAPTER 2.
