Chapter 1387: Patricia’s choices

"Will you answer the question? Name three people you believe are suited for this role—and give me a proper reason why."

For a moment, silence filled the room. Even the first three applicants couldn’t help but sneak glances at Patricia. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say they expected her to fail. After all, they all agreed that her answers to the first two questions had been weak—too weak.

Frankly, they had even been shallow.

The same sentiment likely applied to the four panelists conducting the interview. If they were being technical, Patricia was a weak applicant. Even though her resume was heavily embellished, her only real experience amounted to running errands... and a string of failed business ventures.

But then, the corner of Patricia’s mouth curled into a confident smile.

"If my first task as the CEO’s assistant is to recommend three people to join the team, then my first pick is Teddy Arthur," she answered without hesitation.

Teddy raised a brow in surprise.

"I think he’s a brilliant man who notices even the smallest details," Patricia continued. "He’s confident and observant. After watching him for a while now, I’m certain he’d be a great addition to the CEO’s office. Someone like him is exactly what this company needs."

Teddy held back his reaction, but he couldn’t help the small smile that formed. He hadn’t expected that from her—but he had to admit, it was nice to hear.

Yugi nodded slightly. "And your next recommendation, Miss Miller?"

Without a second’s pause, Patricia pointed to the far end of the room.

"Him! Shawn Lowie!"

Eyebrows lifted all around the room—even Shawn himself. The first applicant blinked in shock and pointed at his own chest.

"Me?" he asked, wide-eyed.

The panelists exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Patricia.

"Miss Miller," Yugi said, "don’t tell me you’re just going to pick the three men sitting with you?"

They could understand why she had chosen Teddy—after all, even among the high-ranking members of Prime Group, Teddy had managed to leave a strong impression. But Shawn?

Patricia tilted her head and gave an innocent smile.

"I didn’t want to say this because I’m sure it’ll hurt the second applicant’s feelings, but no, I’m not picking him," she said bluntly. "I don’t like him. He sounds too pretentious."

Her words were like a slap, but she only shook her head and continued.

"I chose Teddy Arthur because he’s brilliant. And I chose Shawn Lowie because I kept noticing him in the waiting room."

She paused before adding, "I understand that Mister Lowie couldn’t recommend anyone. But that’s because he was focused—from the moment he walked in until the moment he sat down. If there’s anyone who has taken this interview with that level of seriousness, it’s him."

Patricia smacked her lips, as if considering her words carefully.

"Even Mister Arthur didn’t have that same fire in his eyes—maybe because he’s a little arrogant." She shrugged. "Mr. Shawn Lowie might not have all the qualities needed for a CEO’s assistant, but someone like him would be an asset to the company. He doesn’t underestimate anyone. He’s hungry—and someone like that is worth recommending. Plus, he has plenty of office experience. That speaks for itself."

Shawn almost covered his mouth in shock. He hadn’t expected to be picked—much less to be defended like that.

Truthfully, if he had been asked to name three candidates, he wouldn’t have picked Patricia. Not because he disliked her, but because there were so many other qualified applicants.

But now... even though her resume lacked experience, Patricia seemed to have something else.

A big heart.

"I see." Yugi rocked his head slightly, his surprise evident. He had expected Patricia to throw out random names—maybe even ones that didn’t exist.

But instead, it seemed her nosiness had paid off.

"You’ve already chosen two candidates," he continued. "Who is your final recommendation?"

Patricia rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

"Hmm... What was her name again?" she mumbled. Then her eyes lit up. "Ah! Hayley Rogers."

She smiled. "She has a nice voice, a gentle demeanor—but she’s smart. She graduated top of her class from Anteca University. She also seems incredibly patient, easy to get along with, and if my judgment is correct, she’s dedicated."

Patricia huffed faintly.

"Although she looks like an angel, I think there’s a fierce side to her."

After all, Patricia had overheard her cursing earlier. Though, admittedly, the bad word had sounded a little too awkward.

’If only I had more time,’ Patricia thought. ’I could’ve taught her how to swear with more conviction.’

"If I had to rank them—Mister Arthur, Mister Lowie, and Miss Rogers—it would be a tight competition," she said knowingly. "But if I were getting hired, these are the three I’d choose. They’d definitely lighten the CEO’s workload."

Patricia beamed and turned her head toward Penny. Unfortunately, Penny was still staring out the window, completely uninterested.

’Gosh

Little did Patricia know, the corner of Penny’s mouth had curled up ever so slightly. ’This nosy brat.’

Yugi jotted something down before glancing at Patricia.

"We haven’t met Miss Rogers yet," he said. "But I suppose we’ll understand what you mean once we call her in."

Patricia suddenly blinked. "Uh... you might not be able to see her."

They all paused as they all turned to her.

"And why is that?" Yugi asked curiously.

Patricia scratched her cheek, then smiled innocently.

"Because she’s still in the bathroom."

For a second, there was nothing but pure, confused silence.

Yugi frowned. "Bathroom? What do you mean?"

"Well, how do I put this..." Patricia cleared her throat, laughing awkwardly. "She’s locked in there. But I swear I didn’t lock her! It’s not me!"

Everyone: "..."

Penny: "Pffft—"

As soon as Penny’s stifled laughter echoed through the room, everyone turned to look at her.

Penny waved dismissively, struggling to keep a straight face.

"I’m sorry," she said, biting her lip to hold back her laughter. "I’ll call someone to check the bathroom. Please continue."