Golden Labyrinths

Megan's POV

"Oh for crying out loud!" I slammed my palm against the blaring alarm clock, finally silencing the beast after it had been screaming at me for what felt like hours.

8:30 AM. The digital numbers mocked me with their unforgiving red glow.

My stomach dropped as the realization hit me like a bucket of ice water. My interview at P&P Enterprises was scheduled for 9:30. One hour to get ready, commute across Manhattan, and somehow transform into a competent, professional version of myself.

I launched out of bed, nearly tripping over yesterday's discarded clothes. The shower barely had time to warm up before I jumped in, scrubbing frantically while mentally rehearsing interview answers. Five minutes later, I was rummaging through my closet, yanking out the first semi-professional outfit my fingers touched – a navy pencil skirt and cream blouse that I prayed didn't have any mysterious stains.

"What tornado just blew through here?" Paige's amused voice called from my doorway as I hopped around, struggling to pull on my stockings.

"Interview. P&P. Thirty minutes to get there," I panted, frantically searching for my portfolio. "Have you seen my—"

"Resume folder? On the kitchen counter where you left it last night." Paige leaned against the doorframe, coffee mug in hand, looking annoyingly put-together in her yoga pants and tank top. "The universe testing you with the ultimate morning rush, huh?"

I grabbed my hairbrush, attempting to tame what looked like a bird's nest on my head. "Five months unemployed. Can't be late. Need this job or I'll be selling my organs on the black market next month."

"Your kidneys are safe for now." Paige handed me her coffee mug. "Take a sip. Breathe. You've got this."

I gulped down the blessed caffeine. "Thanks. Wish me luck!"

"You don't need luck," she called after me as I raced toward the door. "But take some anyway!"

The universe granted me one small mercy – a taxi appeared the moment I stepped onto the sidewalk, like a yellow guardian angel.

"P&P Enterprise headquarters, please," I told the driver, trying not to sound as desperate as I felt. "And if you can get me there in twenty minutes, there's an extra tip in it for you."

The driver nodded, pulling into traffic with newfound purpose.

As we weaved through Manhattan's morning congestion, I stared out the window, mentally replaying the humiliating scene from my last job. Five months ago, I'd been the competent executive assistant to William Foster at Foster Financial. The job had been perfect – challenging work, excellent pay, and finally, financial stability after years of struggling. I'd even started browsing apartment listings, dreaming of a place without roommates or mysterious bathroom mold.

Then came the day Mr. Foster called me into his office, his expression uncomfortable as he explained that my "services would no longer be required." When I pressed for a reason, he'd mumbled something about "restructuring" before his fiancée, Arlet, who happened to be there, chimed in with the real reason.

"Will needs someone more... experienced," she'd said, eyes traveling dismissively over my figure. "Someone who won't be a distraction in the workplace."

Translation: You're too attractive to work closely with my future husband.

The memory still made my blood boil. I wasn't some femme fatale trying to seduce my boss. I was just doing my job – exceptionally well, according to my performance reviews. But apparently, my crime was being under thirty and female.

"We're here, miss," the driver announced, pulling me from my bitter reminiscing.

I checked my watch – 9:15. Fifteen minutes to spare. I paid the driver, including the promised extra tip, and stepped out onto the sidewalk.

For a moment, I just stood there, gawking at the architectural marvel before me. P&P Enterprise's headquarters resembled two interlocking 'P's, rising twenty stories of gleaming glass and steel against the Manhattan skyline. The morning sun reflected off its surface, creating a dazzling display that had earned the building numerous design awards.

After allowing myself a brief moment of awe, I straightened my shoulders and marched toward the entrance, where a security guard nodded politely as I passed.

The lobby was even more impressive inside – soaring ceilings, marble floors, and a massive water feature that somehow managed to form the P&P logo in its cascading patterns. It looked more like a luxury hotel than a corporate headquarters.

"If you're done catching flies with your mouth, perhaps you could state your business?"

I snapped my attention to the reception desk, where a stunning woman with immaculate makeup and sleek black hair pulled into a tight bun was regarding me with thinly veiled disdain. Her nameplate read "Jasmine Park."

"Good morning," I said, mustering my most professional smile. "I'm here for the 9:30 interview for the executive assistant position."

Jasmine's perfectly shaped eyebrows rose as she gave me a slow once-over. "The executive assistant position? For the Cooper twins?"

"That's correct."

Her red lips curved into a smirk. "Honey, I think you might have misunderstood the job posting. We're not currently hiring for the janitorial department."

I felt my cheeks flush but kept my smile firmly in place. "No misunderstanding. I have an appointment with HR regarding the executive assistant position."

Jasmine laughed, the sound like glass breaking. "You? As the Coopers' assistant?" She shook her head. "Look at yourself. This isn't some startup where you can show up in whatever you grabbed off your bedroom floor."

I glanced down at my outfit. It wasn't designer, but it was professional and clean. I'd spent years being underestimated by people like Jasmine, and I wasn't about to let her rattle me now.

"The floor number, please?" I asked, my voice steady despite the anger bubbling beneath my skin.

She sighed dramatically. "Eighth floor. But don't say I didn't warn you. The Coopers eat little fish like you for breakfast."

"I'm allergic to seafood anyway," I replied sweetly. "Have a lovely day."

I walked to the elevator with my head high, feeling Jasmine's glare burning into my back. Once inside the empty elevator, I allowed myself a moment to breathe and straighten my blouse. The interview hadn't even started, and I already felt like I'd run a gauntlet.

The elevator doors opened to the eighth floor, revealing a vast, empty space with no clear indication of where to go. No reception desk, no signs, just an expansive floor with multiple hallways branching off in different directions.

"Lost?" a deep voice asked from behind me.

I turned to find a tall man in an impeccably tailored suit watching me with an amused expression.

"I'm looking for the interview room for the executive assistant position," I explained, trying not to sound as lost as I felt.

"Ah, the lion's den." His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. "Follow me. I'm heading that way myself."

"Thank you," I said gratefully, falling into step beside him. "This place is like a maze."

"Intentionally so," he replied. "The Cooper twins believe in testing people from the moment they step off the elevator. If you can't navigate uncertainty, you won't last long here."

Great. Even the building was designed to intimidate.

"Here we are," he said, stopping in front of an imposing set of double doors. "Good luck in there. You're going to need it."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," I muttered.

He winked. "Just being honest. The Coopers are... particular about who joins their team."

With that cryptic warning, he continued down the hallway, leaving me alone before the intimidating doors.

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and pushed the doors open.

The sight that greeted me instantly explained Jasmine's laughter and the mysterious man's warnings. I'd just walked into a room full of women who looked like they'd stepped off the pages of Vogue – designer suits, perfect hair, flawless makeup, and expressions that suggested they'd already mentally measured me for a coffin.

I suddenly understood why everyone assumed I was in the wrong place.