Manipulating Grades, Stealing Hearts novel Chapter 1

To make my crush Wesley Evans remember me, I purposely maintained my GPA to keep him ranked second for three entire years.

When he finally snapped and tried to date me—his romantic Hail Mary to throw me off my throne—I smiled sweetly and said yes.

Then I beat him to the punch and dumped him first.

Good News: He truly will never forget me for the rest of his life.

Bad News: Years later, when I applied for a job, he was the interviewer.

He casually tossed my resume aside.

"Rejected. Next."

...

Wesley was still holding that grudge.

I smiled politely, giving him a small bow.

Having unexpectedly seen him today was already a pleasant surprise.

So being rejected didn't discourage me. I turned to leave.

"Wait."

The voice behind me was slightly bitter.

"Is this how much Ms. Winters wants to join our company?"

Wesley's cool expression flushed with anger, his mature aura fading slightly.

Huh, Still unable to control his temper, just like in high school.

"Of course not. My desire to join the company is incredibly strong. This is an opportunity I've dreamed of," I said, my eyes radiating sincerity.

Wesley responded with a cold snort and said nothing more.

The rest of the interview process was handled by another interviewer.

I was well-prepared and answered every question flawlessly.

Just as my employment seemed guaranteed, Wesley jumped in again.

"Does Ms. Winters know which position you are interviewing for?"

I nodded. "Yes, the executive assistant to the CEO."

Wesley's cold smile deepened.

"Before coming, didn't you check who the CEO is?"

I couldn't resist the urge to tease him when I saw how much he cared.

"I did check. I thought it was just someone with the same name. I didn't expect it to actually be my former..."

"Or else? Could it be that someone wants to rekindle our old flame, ex-boyfriend?"

Wesley immediately darkened.

"You think too highly of yourself. I chose you only to get revenge, to make you suffer."

"Sloane Winters, I'll give you one last chance—you can choose not to accept the job."

He raised his chin proudly, just like in the old days.

But my mind flashed to him pleading humbly before. The proud Wesley had once bowed his head to me, saying, "Please don't break up with me, okay?"

My distraction was misinterpreted by Wesley as hesitation.

His fingers secretly clenched, but his words still showed no mercy.

"If you're scared, then don't come provoke me again."

I smiled with a sigh. "Wesley, you are still the same as before."

Wesley was extremely displeased. "Same what?"

By the time we reached the company entrance, I still hadn't elaborated.

I waved goodbye with a mysterious smile.

"Unblock me, and I'll tell you."