CHAPTER V

POV

It wasn’t entirely true, but he wasn’t ready to admit, even to himself, that his curiosity was entirely personal.

Antonius’s mind raced as he watched Kirsten disappear down the street, the soft hum of her bike fading into the distance. He tried to shake off the feeling of curiosity, but it clung to him, like an itch that couldn’t be scratched.

His assistant, still standing by his side, glanced at him, unsure of the abrupt shift in his mood.

“Are you sure, sir?” the assistant asked, trying to assess the situation.

Antonius gave a small nod, his gaze lingering on the empty street where she had vanished.

“Set up the meeting. I want to know everything about the delivery company she works for. The sooner, the better.” His voice was steady, but there was an underlying edge to it, one that betrayed just how much his thoughts had been consumed by this simple, yet inexplicably compelling, girl.

The assistant, though still puzzled, didn’t dare question him further. “Of course, sir. I’ll make the arrangements right away.”

                                                                           THIRD PARTY POV

At a small but popular restaurant, where Kirsten worked part-time, the air buzzed with the chatter of customers and the clink of silverware. The owner, a man in his mid-fifties with a warm smile and a generous spirit, was at the counter, overseeing his team and ensuring everything ran smoothly.

As he wiped down the counter, a sleek black car pulled up outside, drawing the attention of a few of the more curious patrons. The secretary, a sharp and poised woman, stepped out with purpose. She walked confidently toward the entrance, her heels clicking against the pavement with a rhythm that was all business.

The restaurant owner, busy with a customer, barely noticed her until she reached the door and greeted him with a polite nod.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Reyes,” she said, her voice smooth and professional.

“Good afternoon, miss,” he replied, smiling politely. “Can I help you with something?”

She handed him an elegant envelope, sealed with a simple yet sophisticated logo. “Mr. Rockwell has requested a meeting with you. He’d like to discuss an important matter. Please consider this an invitation to a private discussion.”

Mr. Reyes’s eyes widened, momentarily surprised, but he quickly regained his composure. “The CEO of Rockwell?” he asked, as though confirming his disbelief.

“Precisely,” she replied. “He believes there is an opportunity for collaboration that could benefit both parties. He would appreciate your presence tomorrow at Rockwell Corporation.”

Mr. Reyes looked down at the invitation, still processing the sudden turn of events. “I’ll be there. Thank you for delivering this personally.”

With a polite nod, the secretary turned and left as quickly as she had arrived, leaving Mr. Reyes standing by the counter, still unsure what to make of this unexpected invitation.

As the secretary walked out, Mr. Reyes stood frozen for a moment, his thoughts racing. The idea of a meeting with Antonius Rockwell, a man whose name was synonymous with power and influence, left him momentarily stunned. But before he could get lost in his thoughts, he felt the familiar warmth of the bustling restaurant around him, grounding him back in the present. He looked over at Kirsten, who had been busy clearing a table nearby, and he couldn’t help but smile.

I was wiping my hands on my apron when I heard Mr. Reyes call out my name. I looked up and smiled when I saw him. “Yes, Mr. Reyes?”

He motioned for me to come over, his face softer than usual. “I’ve got something interesting to tell you. Please, come here for a second.”

Curious, I walked over, wondering what he was going to say. I put down the tray I was holding and stood in front of him, waiting.

“Guess what?” he said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. “I just received an invitation from the CEO of Rockwell himself.”

My heart skipped a beat. “The CEO of Rockwell Corporation?”

Mr. Reyes chuckled lightly and nodded. “Yes, the very same. He wants to meet with me. Apparently, there’s potential for some kind of partnership. I’m still processing it myself.”

I stood there, stunned. I had heard of Mr. Rockwell, of course—his name was everywhere. The CEO of Rockwell Corporation was an icon in business. But the idea of someone like him wanting to meet with Mr. Reyes felt almost unreal.

“You must be thrilled, Mr. Reyes!” I exclaimed, my voice filled with genuine excitement.

He smiled at me, his expression warm, and I could see he appreciated my enthusiasm. “I am, actually. It’s unexpected, but a great opportunity. And it wouldn’t have been possible without your hard work here. You’ve been a key part of keeping things running smoothly.”

I felt my cheeks flush with warmth at his words. I had always respected Mr. Reyes—not only as my boss but as a mentor who had helped me grow in the restaurant. To hear him recognize my efforts like this meant more to me than I could put into words.

“Thank you, Mr. Reyes,” I said quietly, feeling a swell of pride in my chest. “I just do my best. I’m really happy for you, though. This is such a big deal!”

Mr. Reyes gave me a reassuring smile, as if he understood just how much his words had meant to me. “You don’t give yourself enough credit, Kirsten. You’re one of the reasons this place runs as well as it does. I hope you know that.”

I smiled back, feeling the weight of his praise settling in my chest. I had always given my best at the restaurant, but hearing it from someone I looked up to made me feel seen, appreciated. It was a rare feeling, one I didn’t take lightly.

“I’m just doing my part,” I replied, a hint of modesty in my voice, though I couldn’t hide the smile that tugged at my lips. “But I’m glad it’s helping.”