The reception area of Coker Conglomerates was cold. The air conditioning was turned up so high Nkechi felt the goosebumps rise on her bare arms. She clutched her folder tighter, the cheap plastic a flimsy shield. She had been waiting for forty-five minutes. Every other candidate who had gone in before her had emerged pale and defeated within ten. This was her last chance. Her last fifty naira had gone on transport here.

Finally, a sleek, polished door opened and a woman, looking like she was ...