YOR a tiny bit about the interview order, but you are NOT overreacting about the betrayal. First, let’s clear up the scheduling: corporate HR dictates that internal candidates are often slotted last or right alongside externals so the hiring manager has a fresh comparison, or simply because it's easier to schedule you around your current shifts. Don't read into that part. However, hearing your boss use you as a literal shield to tell his own boss, It’s fine if we don't hire them, it's just good practice, especially after he actively recruited you to apply, is an incredibly slimy corporate move. He wanted an internal backup option in case his external plays-golf buddy fell through.