Chapter 2

Maagang nagising si Keila, ang sikat ng araw ay tumatama sa mukha niya, alam niyang this is it—simula na ng journey niya para makuha ang hustisya para sa kanyang ama. She took a deep breath, feeling that mix of excitement sa loob niya. Today has to be perfect. No room for mistakes.

She went straight to her bathroom to freshen up. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she went to her closet. This has to be good. Kailangang magmukha siyang professional, pero at the same time, enough para hindi siya ma-ignore. She finally picked her black blazer, yung fitted na sakto lang ang pagka-powerful tingnan. Then, she matched it with a white blouse, yung may slight plunging neckline. Sakto lang para hindi siya magmukhang inappropriate, pero kita pa rin yung konting cleavage niya. And then she paired it with a tight black pencil skirt na hanggang tuhod. Classy pero may konting pang-aakit. Alam niyang mapapansin siya ni Clyde Suarez in this outfit.

Next, she fixed her makeup. Hindi naman masyadong heavy, just enough to highlight her features. A little blush, konting highlight, and then pink lipstick—something that looked natural but pretty. Her eyes, she made sure to define them with eyeliner and mascara. And finally, the perfume—isang spritz sa pulso at leeg. Something na may subtle but memorable na scent.

Keila organized her documents—resume, cover letter, certificates, lahat ng kailangang dalhin for the interview. She placed everything sa black leather folder niya. Sinigurado niyang lahat ng ito kailangan magmukhang professional. 

One last look in the mirror, and there was her mom, watching her quietly from the back. Nakita niya sa mga mata nito ang pag-aalala at suporta at the same time. She gave her mom a small smile, something na nagsasabing kaya niya 'to. Huminga siya ng malalim, a final check sa sarili, at lumabas na siya ng bahay.

Habang nagdri-drive papuntang Suarez Corporation, pilit niyang pinapakalma ang sarili. “Kaya ko ‘to,” she whispered to herself. Her mind drifted back to her outfit. Nung una, she was doubting kung tama ba 'yong attire niya, pero alam niya—this is the only way. It was a risk, pero kung gusto niyang mapansin ni Clyde, she had to go with it.

Pagdating niya sa building, sobrang taas ng Suarez Corporation. Parang intimidating 'yung vibes na binibigay ng glass walls and towering height nito. She took a deep breath, konting ayos sa blouse para sakto lang ang pagka-revealing, and she walked in, carrying all the confidence she could muster.

“Good morning,” she said with a smile sa receptionist. “I’m here for an interview.” Her voice was soft but steady, that type of charm na hindi mo pwedeng balewalain.

The receptionist, isang babae na naka-formal attire rin, glanced at her and smiled politely. "Alright, Miss, kindly wait for a moment," she said, double-checking something on her computer. Keila watched as the receptionist made a call. "Mr. Suarez's office is on the 18th floor. Someone will escort you in a bit."

Keila nodded, feeling the mix of nerves and determination. She took another deep breath, straightened her posture, and waited until may lumapit na assistant to guide her.

As they rode the elevator, Keila’s heart pounded in her chest. She kept reminding herself of her mission, that this wasn’t just about any job. This was her chance to get closer to Clyde Suarez—ang lalaking makakatulong sa kanya para makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa pagkamatay ng kanyang ama. She didn’t know kung anong klase ng tao si Clyde up close, but she had to play her cards right.

Finally, the elevator dinged, and they stepped out onto the 18th floor. The ambiance here was different—quiet, with the luxurious decor and heavy silence. Each step felt like she was going deeper into enemy territory, pero she maintained her confidence.

"Miss, please wait here," sabi ng assistant, indicating a waiting area outside Clyde's office. Keila nodded, settling on a leather couch and crossing her legs elegantly. With one final check sa kanyang makeup at posture, she waited.

Moments later, the office door opened, and she caught her breath as she saw him. Clyde Suarez walked out—a tall, well-built man with sharp features and that typical air of superiority that only someone with his status would have. He had this confident smirk on his face, as if he knew the effect he had on people. "Keila Santiago, is it?" he said, his eyes sweeping over her, lingering just a bit longer sa neckline ng blouse niya.

“Yes, Mr. Suarez.” Keila stood, offering her hand and a gentle smile. "Thank you for the opportunity to interview here. It’s an honor."

Clyde raised an eyebrow, not missing the slight flirtatious hint in her gaze. "Let’s see if you’re as qualified as your resume says," he replied, motioning her to enter his office.

She followed him in, feeling the intense atmosphere. His office was sleek, modern, yet imposing—just like him. As they both sat down, Keila noticed how his gaze traveled to her.

“So, Ms. Santiago,” Clyde started, eyes piercing like daggers. “What makes you think you’d be a good fit for this position?”

Keila leaned forward, her blouse shifting just enough to keep his interest, pero hindi masyadong obvious. “Well, I’ve always believed na ang position sa company niyo requires more than just skills, Mr. Suarez,” she said, her tone soft pero confident. “It requires loyalty, dedication, and someone who understands how valuable discretion is in a business like this.”

Nakita niya yung tingin ni Clyde, parang na-intrigue siya. “Interesting perspective,” he replied, his smirk widening a bit. “But loyalty and dedication are earned, Ms. Santiago. Hindi lang 'yan basta ibinibigay.”

“Exactly,” she shot back, meeting his gaze head-on. “Which is why I’m here—to prove na I can be that kind of person for Suarez Corporation. Para maging asset na worth trusting.”

Clyde nodded, seeming to take in both her words and her presence. For a moment, locked eyes sila, and she knew she had his full attention. This was the first step. Kung makikita niya siya as more than just another applicant, then maybe—just maybe—she could start getting closer sa kanya at sa mga tinatago ng pamilya niya. The plan was just beginning, and she could feel it.

Keila smiled, noticing how Clyde’s eyes lingered on her a little too long. She decided to push her luck a bit and leaned back in her chair, may playful glint sa mga mata niya, letting her lips curve up into a subtle smirk.

“So,” she began casually, crossing her legs in a way na alam niyang makukuha ang attention niya, “I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Suarez. Parang lahat ng tao dito in awe sa’yo. Hindi naman sa nagfiflatter ako, pero I get it. You seem to know exactly what you’re doing.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “I bet running a place like this comes with its perks, hmm?”

Clyde’s eyes narrowed slightly, may flicker of amusement sa face niya as he leaned back in his own chair, clearly intrigued. “Perks?” he repeated, mirroring her tone. “And what exactly do you think those are, Ms. Santiago?”

Keila tilted her head, pretending to think. “Oh, you know…” She shrugged, flashing him an innocent look na walang malisya. “The respect, the influence, the... perks that come with being Clyde Suarez.” She let out a soft laugh, letting her tone turn slightly flirtatious. “I mean, I’d imagine it’s a little… intoxicating.”

Clyde smirked, clearly enjoying the little game. “You seem to have quite an imagination, Ms. Santiago,” he replied smoothly, leaning forward, his voice a little lower. “But be careful. Intoxication can be dangerous.”

She gave a mock gasp, putting a hand over her chest. “Oh no, Mr. Suarez, I’m all about being careful. Though sometimes… taking a risk has its own rewards.”

The challenge in her tone was unmistakable, and Clyde’s smirk grew. “Is that so? Then maybe you’re right for this job,” he said, his gaze lingering on her just a bit longer than necessary. “Though I have to say, Ms. Santiago, you don’t strike me as the typical applicant.”

She leaned forward just a bit, matching his intensity, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Well, I don’t see you as the typical boss, either, Mr. Suarez. Let’s just say… I like a little challenge.”

Clyde chuckled, shaking his head slightly as if amused. “You’re not here just for the job, are you, Ms. Santiago?”

Keila let her smile widen, tilting her head playfully. “Maybe I just like the company,” she replied smoothly, holding his gaze. “Or maybe I like proving myself to people who think I can’t handle a little danger.” Alam niyang nasa delikadong territory na siya, pero the thrill of it was exactly what she needed para mapansin siya.

Clyde’s gaze hardened slightly, as if both intrigued and amused by her boldness. “You’re very confident,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “But confidence alone isn’t enough in this business.”

She shrugged, feigning innocence. “Confidence, skill, determination… I’d say I have a pretty good mix.” She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table, looking him straight in the eye. “And, Mr. Suarez, I don’t back down easily.”

For a moment, there was a silence between them—intense, charged with a mix of challenge and attraction. Keila could tell he was intrigued, that he was used to people cowering under his gaze, hindi yung naglalaro sa mga ganitong sitwasyon.

He finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of something darker. “We’ll see if you’re as good as you say, Ms. Santiago. The job isn’t easy, and neither am I.”

She met his smirk with one of her own. “Good,” she replied, her tone dripping with playful defiance. “I don’t want it to be easy.”

Clyde leaned back, chuckling konti with that cocky look sa mata niya. “Interesting,” he muttered, parang he was talking to himself lang. Then he slid a folder towards her. “These are some documents you’ll need to go through. Consider it... a test.” Ang challenging ng tone niya, parang he’s daring her na ipakita kung ano’ng kaya niya.

Keila raised an eyebrow, looking at the folder. “A test already, Mr. Suarez?” she said, tilting her head as if surprised. “Akala ko I’d at least get through day one muna before you put me to work.”

Clyde just shrugged, with that slight glint in his eyes. “I like to see what I’m working with early on. If you can handle this, then maybe you’re worth keeping around.”

Keila couldn’t help but smirk back as she opened the folder, skimming through the pages pero every now and then, she’d give him a playful glance. "Fine,” she said confidently. “Bring it on. I didn’t come here para lang mag-sit around and look pretty.”

Clyde’s smirk deepened, and his eyes narrowed, as if amused sa boldness niya. “Good,” he replied, voice dropping lower. “Pretty girls who just sit around bore me.”

She laughed softly, leaning forward ng konti lang. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m not one of them.”

For a second, Clyde’s gaze dipped, lingering, bago siya ulit tingnan in the eyes. “Alright, Ms. Santiago,” he said, may konting challenge pa rin sa tone niya. “Let’s see if you can keep that fire. Suarez Corporation isn’t for the faint-hearted.”

With a playful glint in her eye, tinaas ni Keila ang chin niya, meeting his gaze head-on. “I didn’t come here para maging faint-hearted, Mr. Suarez,” she replied smoothly. “And I promise you, I have more than enough fire to keep up with anything—or anyone—you throw my way.”

Clyde chuckled, obviously enjoying the little game. “We’ll see,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed as if sizing her up one last time. "Tatawagan ka ng HR Manager kapag natanggap ka.”

Keila took the folder, smiling confidently, and as she left, ramdam niya 'yung tingin niya following her. Game’s just starting.