After asking every random person she saw on the road for directions to Hutton's, Myra finally reached Horlicks Street, where the Hutton's store was located.
The entire street was lined with clothing, footwear, and jewelry stores, along with food joints at almost every corner. It was bustling with people out shopping, and from the looks of it, only the wealthy could afford to buy anything from here.
Most stores had mannequins dressed in designer clothes placed at the entrance to attract potential customers.
There were also a few street vendors displaying fancy jewelry on carts. Myra had already come across three shoe stores on the same street, but none of them were Hutton's.
As she walked further in, she noticed the stores growing even larger and more extravagant the deeper she went.
Just when she started wondering if she had come in the wrong direction, her eyes landed on an old man begging in front of one of the stores. Most passersby ignored him; some even cast him disgusted glances. The man looked exhausted and severely malnourished. It seemed like he hadn't eaten in days.
Myra walked up to him and dropped two copper coins into his hand. He gave her a grateful look.
"May God bless you, my child," he said weakly.
Myra simply smiled politely and continued walking.
A few minutes later, she spotted a large two-story building with the name Hutton's written in elegant calligraphy. The front of the store was made entirely of glass, allowing passersby to see the different kinds of shoes on display.
Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the glass door and entered. One of the saleswomen hurried toward her with a polite smile, assuming she was a customer. But the moment she saw Myra's appearance, the smile vanished, replaced by a scowl.
The saleswoman appeared to be a vampire. She was tall, thin, and dressed in an extremely short outfit. Myra didn't get a good vibe from her.
"What do you want?" she asked rudely after scrutinizing Myra's appearance. "I'm sure you can't afford anything from here, so leave. This store isn't for low-class people like you."
What a bitch, Myra thought, but she put on a fake smile and replied, ignoring the insult, "I'm here to meet Mr. Hutton. Can you please take me to him?"
The saleswoman narrowed her eyes at her. "Why do you want to meet Mr. Hutton?"
"I don't think that's any of your business," Myra replied sweetly, watching with satisfaction as the woman clenched her teeth.
"Mr. Hutton won't meet trash like you anyway."
"And who are you to decide that?" Myra asked, already dreading the idea of having to deal with this woman if she got the job.
"Look, just go away. I don't want a scene here disturbing our customers. Mr. Hutton won't meet you," the woman said firmly, moving to grab Myra's shoulders and push her out.
Just then, another well-dressed woman approached them. She was also a vampire, but her deep red eyes indicated she was a pure-blood. She looked to be in her forties, though one could never truly tell a vampire's age. They aged incredibly slowly.
"What's going on here?" the pure-blooded vampire asked, looking at both Myra and the saleswoman.
"Ma'am, this woman here," the saleswoman, Lydia, according to her name badge — began, pointing at Myra, "wants to meet Mr. Hutton. I told her he wouldn't meet someone like her, but she refuses to leave."
The pure-blood turned her gaze to Myra and asked politely, "Who are you? And may I know why you want to meet Mr. Hutton?"
Unlike Lydia, this woman seemed far more refined and respectful.
"I'm Amyra Brooke," Myra replied. "Mr. Watson Bear from the employment cell sent me to meet Mr. Hutton."
"Ah," said the woman, recognition flashing across her face. She smiled warmly. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. I'm Katherine, Mr. Hutton's assistant. Yes, he's expecting you. Please follow me."
Katherine turned and began walking. Myra smirked at Lydia, who stood fuming, before following Katherine.
Katherine led her inside the store, toward a door near the cash counter. She knocked twice before opening it.
"Sir, Miss Brooke is here to see you," she announced. A deep male voice from inside told her to let Myra in.
Holding the door open wider, Katherine whispered, "Good luck."
As Myra stepped inside, she found herself in a luxurious office. A huge desk stood at the center, behind which a man sat in a leather chair. The wall behind him was filled with books and files, and the furniture in the room looked elegant and expensive. Myra approached the desk, and the man gestured for her to take the seat opposite him.
Mr. Oliver Hutton was a young, pure-blooded vampire. He had long black hair tied into a ponytail and was quite good-looking — though not as captivating as the demon stranger she had met back in her village. She still didn't know who he was or where he came from, but something about him had lingered in her mind.
"Before you say anything, let me be clear about the terms," Mr. Hutton began in a business-like tone, his serious eyes fixed on hers. "Listen carefully. I'm looking for a skilled saleswoman. Someone who can speak well and deal with customers patiently. If you think you're capable of handling this role, then you're welcome here."
Myra felt uneasy under his direct gaze, but thinking it rude to look away, she returned his stare and nodded occasionally.
"You will work here for one month as a temporary saleswoman," he continued. "During that time, your efficiency will be monitored. If we find your work satisfactory, you'll be offered a permanent position with a raise. Otherwise, you will be let go."
Myra gulped and nodded again.
"If you're okay with this arrangement, I'll explain your payroll," he said.
She nodded.
"Payments are made monthly. You'll be paid twenty silver coins for the first month. If you stay beyond that, your salary will be raised to forty silver coins per month. Does that work for you?"
"Yes" she said, speaking for the first time since she stepped into the office.
"Do you have any other questions?"
Myra thought for a moment before asking, "Sir, what are the work timings? And are there any facilities provided for employees?"
"The hours are from ten to five every day. No additional facilities will be provided to new employees, apart from their monthly wages. You may receive a bonus occasionally, though."
"Okay, sir. Thank you," said Myra.
"If you're interested in the job, you can start tomorrow," he concluded.
After considering his words, she nodded. Thanking Mr. Hutton once more, she stood and left the office.
She would meet the Swansons next, and only then decide whom she would work for.