Merck Talent Acquisition Contractor interview questions

Initial process was straightforward. Took about 3-4 weeks after initial meeting with agency to proceed to interview with hiring manager. Hiring manager interview was smooth; very good connection. Onsite interview - first interviewer was late and asked a few softball questions. Seemed put off by my experience and seemed honestly didn’t care about anything. Additional phone interview was very good. The interviewer and I shared best practice with a very robust solutions focused call. Merck asked for personal references who all replied back with positive feedback. After 2-3 weeks and lots of prodding from contract agency, Merck followed up to say they hired someone internal. Felt completely filled with false hope and a sub-par process.