Chapter 1038: If he can

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the Pierson Corporation...

"What do you mean, I need an access card?" Allen gasped in dismay. "I’m here for a job interview!"

The guard at the entrance sighed for the umpteenth time. "Sir, if you’re here for a job interview, you have to at least provide a confirmation that you received it. If you don’t have the access card, then the email will work. Just show it to us, and we’ll let you in."

"Nonsense!" Allen gasped again. "What if I don’t have it?! My boss—I mean, my friend—is already inside without it!"

"Sir, we’ve been here for several minutes now. If you don’t have anything, then I’m sorry, but you can’t get in," the security guard said, sounding increasingly annoyed. He had been going in circles with Allen for far too long.

Allen had been asked to step aside so as not to cause congestion at the entrance. However, despite being inside, it seemed Allen didn’t understand the situation.

"Sir, I’ll explain this one more time," the security guard grunted. "Even if I let you pass, you still won’t get past those gates. Besides, I’m just doing my job here. If I let you in, I could get into trouble. Worse, I might get suspended or terminated. This is the Pierson Corporation. Don’t treat it like any other company you can walk into whenever you want!"

The corners of Allen’s mouth turned down, feeling helpless. Employees were walking in and out without being stopped—only him. But then again, Allen didn’t have an ID or anything like that.

"It wasn’t like this six years ago..." he muttered to himself, but the security guard heard him.

"Sir, the company policies and rules changed drastically when the new CEO took over," the guard explained. "We don’t accept walk-in interviews anymore. Isn’t that the same at the company you came from? There’s an initial virtual interview, and once you pass that, you can come in for the next interview."

It wasn’t like Allen wasn’t aware that this rule existed in other companies. Even Global Prime Logistics followed this setup. However, most companies still allow walk-ins, especially for early birds. It was still early—very early.

"Sir, if you understand what I’m saying, please leave. I have work to do, and you’re preventing me from doing it."

Allen scrunched up his nose at the security guard. ’What is he saying? I’ve been here for minutes, and all I’ve seen them do so far is idle around and watch people go in and out.’

Despite the sarcasm in his heart, Allen felt defeated.

"You should go now, sir," the security guard urged. "Come back when you’ve passed the online interview."

"If he can," another bodyguard dropped a side comment.

"What?" Allen furrowed his brows, only to see that a few of the security guards who had been listening were giving him a ridiculing look. "Uh... what did you say?"

"Sir, just leave and stop causing trouble," one of the bodyguards mocked. "We’re not saying you’re not capable enough, but from what we’ve heard so far, it’s clear you’re a little slow."

"Didn’t you hear? You need an access card or an email with a code from the company to get a day pass in here," another added.

"Surely some people think the Pierson Corporation is just like any other company," another sneered, obviously judging Allen’s appearance. "Sir, if I were you, I’d leave before the higher-ups start arriving. If they see you causing trouble here, your chances of coming back will drop to zero."

"Today is an important day for the company," the first security guard added, frowning. "Everyone is already anxious enough. So, please stop making things difficult for us."

Allen opened and closed his mouth in disbelief. As far as he knew, he hadn’t come here looking unpleasant. In fact, he wore his best suit. Even the brand was top-tier, though not as high-profile as other luxury brands.

Yet, these security guards were looking at him as though they knew he wouldn’t stand a chance.

Did they know that Allen worked as the right-hand man of one of the most meticulous and highly respected CEOs in the business industry? Global Prime Logistics might not be as big as the Pierson Corporation, but in terms of reputation and work ethic, Atlas could be considered the same caliber as Zoren Pierson!

"You..." Allen clenched his teeth, insulted and disrespected by these people. However, before he could blow up and unload the heaviness in his chest, his phone rang.

DING!

[From: Sir Atlas

I’ll pick you up.]

Allen gripped his phone tightly, forcing himself to suppress the growing rage in his heart. It took him a lifetime of energy to take a deep breath, forcing a smile at the judgmental security guards.

"I’m sorry for troubling you, good sirs," Allen huffed as he faced them again. "I understand now. However, my friend just told me that he’s coming down here to pick me up."

The security guards raised their brows, knitting them together. "Your friend?"

"I told you. My friend is already inside. He told me he’d pick me up."

For a moment, the security guards exchanged looks before the first guard spoke again.

"Sir, we feel sorry for you so, you can stay here. However, even if your friend picks you up, he can’t let you in unless you have official business here. What I’m saying is, you still need an access card," the guard stressed, almost as if trying to crush whatever hope Allen had left. "It’s useless even if he comes down here unless this friend of yours is a higher-up."

Which they all knew Atlas wasn’t.

As the security guards said that, the rest of them snickered. Allen’s fist trembled as his chest heaved with frustration. Allen had encountered different types of people throughout his career as Atlas’s assistant. However, this was the first time he was humiliated and looked down like this. Even Stephen Bennet recognized Allen’s talents and merits to offer him a position. Even Penny poached him to annoy Atlas, but she did mention her offer was valid in case Allen had enough of Atlas.

’I don’t like bothering other people or causing trouble for my boss, but... I’ll surely ask Miss Penny to stand up for me this once! How dare they humiliate Atlas Bennet’s right-hand man so unjustly?!’