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A.N. Hey everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I apologize for the long delay in getting this updated. I hit a wall of writer's block.

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Chapter 30

Marinette sat at the table with Rae and Jordan. Ally smirked from her spot off to the side.

"Why do we have to do this?" Jordan pouted

"Because it is part of Marinette's plan," Rae shrugged, "besides we discussed this location as being our home base. You all know Marinette plans to settle down here. I think us having a more hands-on approach to the staffing here will be beneficial,"

"So are we going to have Lila come in last?"

"No we are going to follow the order of arrivals," Marinette said, "We will be doing all these interviews one on one and will use that as an excuse to call her back later,"

"So today is just to fuck with Lila?" Jordan asked

"That and personally interview potential staff," Marinette shrugged, "Okay Ally we are going to have you collect them and escort them here. We need a copy of the headshot, basic resume, and list of references before they are brought in. Rae and I will handle asking introductory questions, Jordan you are in charge of body language and detecting lies,"

"Right," he nodded, "and we will introduce ourselves as they walk in right?"

"Correct,"

"Anything I am forgetting Ally?"

"Nope, I think you guys got it," Ally grinned, "I left each of you a notebook for taking notes. After each interview, we will take 5 minutes to discuss before bringing in the next one,"

Four hours later they took a lunch break. Marinette groaned shoving her notebook away from her and downing her now cold coffee.

"Well anyone standing out to you guys?" Rae asked warily

"Tabitha Marcus was okay," Marinette shrugged, "we could use her on the Stone line, She had the looks and attitude for it.

"Diana Gains and Waylen Herdferd had the looks for the Danny line," Austin shrugged, "I don't know about their backgrounds though. They are both a bit spotty,"

"Maybe consider them for part-time or as needed?" Ally suggested

"Who are the next ten on the list?" Marinette asked warily

"Lila hasn't checked in yet," Ally said answering the unspoken question.

"Twenty Eros says she is waiting until the very end to show up," Jordan sighed as their lunch was brought in,

"Any of the next ones look promising?" Marinette asked

"Yes most of them appear to be closer to what we are looking for," Ally smiled

"Okay," Marinette said digging into her lunch.

The next four hours dragged on as they continued to interview potential models. They were just about to call down for the last applicant when a call came in from security. Ally stepped out to handle it. Five minutes later she returned.

"Jordy was correct," she said sitting down, "we have two final people for today and then we will wrap up the first set of interviews."

The next interview walked in and Marinette paused to study the girl. She allowed Ally to lead as she sat back and took notes.

"Do you have any other questions for us?" Ally asked the girl

"What is your policy on harassment?" the girl asked

"We have a zero-tolerance policy and all sets are monitored and recorded for evidence," Ally said gently, "we also have all our buildings monitored. If an issue presents itself we submit all evidence to security and law enforcement to guarantee a conviction,"

"Okay," the girl smiled

"Anything else you wish to ask?"

"Do you allow your employees to cross-train or work in other departments?"

"We do," Marinette said, "as long as you don't exceed your maximum allowed hours we have no issues with it. What other departments are you considering?"

"I also applied in design and PR," the girl said softly

"Which department would be your preference?" Jordan asked

"I would do my best with any of the jobs," she said

"Yes I gathered as much after looking at your resume," Jordan chuckled, "but which one would be your top pick,"

"Design," the girl said nervously,

"Well hopefully we can work with you towards that goal if you are hired," Ally smiled, "was there anything else you wanted to know?"

"Do people you know personally get special treatment over other hires?"

"No," Marinette said bluntly, "all employees are treated equally, whether they are known by us personally or hired by us,"

"Okay thank you," the girl smiled,

"Of course was there anything else?"

"No that is everything,"

"Alright we will contact you within a week with our decision," Marinette said

They called the last person in. Lila smugly walked in not even pausing when she saw them.

"I don't know why you are bothering with all this formality," she said smugly, "I am dating the owner of JAM and he already offered me a modeling Job. I fail to see the point of this farce,"

"Miss Rossi," Jordan said clearing his throat, "Allow me to take a moment from you egotistical speech to introduce ourselves. We are the board of directors. I am Jordan Monroe. One of three CEOs. This is Rae Mae another CEO. Our Final CEO MDC, and our two co-CEOs Ally Fells and Austin Slater. We make up the majority of the board along with 15 other smaller partners. I can assure you as one of the three owners of this brand that you are not dating any of us. You will not be receiving any special treatment from us nor would we hire you if you were. That would be be a complete abuse of power. That being said we will give you one last chance to apply at our company providing you brought the requested materials."

Marinette hid her smirk behind a pleasant smile as Lila paled and stammered out excuses.

"Do you have the requested documents or not?" Ally asked

"Yes of course," Lila glared nearly throwing the file at her. Ally took it looking through it before passing it around.

"Very well tell us why you think we should hire you," Rae said

"Well obviously I am the best person for the job," Lila said arrogantly, "I mean just look at me I am the definition of fashion,"

"I beg to differ," Marinette muttered before schooling her features, "I see. Well do you have any questions for us before we dismiss you to discuss our choices,"

"When do I start,"

"While we admire your tenacity we have yet to decide if you will be hire here at JAM fashions," Jordan snorted, "if I were you I would get that arrogance in check. Now if you have no questions you are dismissed,"

"But,"

"You have a question?" Rae smiled

"No but,"

"Then you may leave," Jordan said gesturing the door.

Lila stormed out the door. They waited until the door shut behind her to speak.

"Well that was something," Rae laughed, "okay so definitely not hiring her. I don't think I can even pretend to let her make the second cut,"

"No I agree," Marinette groaned, "that was a mess. Okay so I am thinking of these ten,"

With that they sat discussing the options finally settling on 12 of the 89 applicants.

"So outright hire them no second call backs?" Jordan asked

"Agreed," Rae shrugged, "they were professional and I could see them fitting into our company well,"

"Good then Ally you can make those calls in the morning," Marinette said, "we will make the official social media announcements next week,"