Chapter 3: RAVENHART GROUP

Makalipas ang isang buwan

Maingay at buhay ang mga kalsada ng Maynila, busina ng sasakyan, sigaw ng mga tindero’t tindera na nagbebenta ng mga paninda, at ang mahinang alingawngaw ng mga sasakyan. Mahigpit ang hawak ni Amariz sa leather envelope, pero taas-noo pa rin siyang naglakad. Every step toward the towering glass building of Ravenhart Group felt like a step into another world.

The lobby was sleek and intimidating, makinang na marble floors, na parang mahihiya kang tumapak rito at baka madumihan. at ang tahimik ngunit mabilis na galaw ng mga propesyonal. Mga receptionist na parang sanay na sanay sa sistema.

“Welcome to Ravenhart Group,” bati ng babae mula sa front desk, malamig at pormal ang tono.

“I have an appointment,” Amariz said, holding the envelope tightly.

“Name?”

“Amariz solene Valente,” sagot niya

Mabilis na tumipa ang receptionist sa keyboard. “Yes. Take the elevator to the fifteenth floor. Mr. Ravenhart is there. Good luck.”

Huminga ng malalim si Amariz bago pumasok sa glass elevator. Habang umaakyat, unti-unting lumiit sa paningin niya ang syudad sa ibaba.

Pagbukas ng pintuan, bumungad sakanya ang executive floor, maliwanag, moderno, at dama ang karangyaan. People in tailored suits walked past, nodding curtly or ignoring her entirely. Amariz felt their eyes, judging her, testing her.

Tahimik ang pasilyo papunta sa executive office, tanging tunog ng heels niya ang kumakalampag sa marble floor. Habang papalapit sa glass doors, para siyang naglalakad papunta sa entablado kung saan huhusgahan siya bago pa man siya makapagsalita.

She paused at the door, with a heart hammering. And then, there he was.

Mr. Ravenhart.

Nakaharap ito sa bintana, nakaupo sa itim na leather swivel chair. Ang sikat ng araw ay tumatama sa kanya, his posture relaxed but commanding, completely unaware of her presence.

The sunlight cut across the office in sharp beams, outlining him like a sculpture of power. Amariz held her breath. Mas malaki ito kaysa sa inaasahan niya, isang presensyang kayang lamunin ang buong pagkatao niya.

For a heartbeat, she hesitated.

Her eyes fixed on the motion, every second stretching impossibly long. As he turned, his gaze landed on her, piercing and sharp.

“Can I help you?” His voice was low, calm, but edged with authority, each word deliberate.

Nanuyo ang lalamunan ni Amariz bago nakasagot. “I… I’m Amariz Solene Valente, I have an appointment.”

He raised an eyebrow, the faintest twitch of amusement, or challenge, passing across his otherwise unreadable expression. “Amariz Solene Valente,” he repeated. “I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

She swallowed, feeling every nerve in her body ignite.

His scrutiny was intense, making her every misstep feel monumental.

She could sense here that, under his gaze, there would be no mercy for weakness.

“Come in,” utos nito, leaning back slightly in his chair, the movement deliberate, and commanding. “Let’s see if you’re here to work… o para lang sayangin ang oras ko.”

Amariz stepped forward, heart hammering, palms slightly clammy, she realized that her future, her survival, was in this man’s hands

Amariz walked in, heels clicking softly against the polished floor.

“Please,” his voice finally cut through the silence, smooth but commanding. “Have a seat.”

Amariz slid into the chair across from him, gripping the leather envelope tightly. Every nerve in her body screamed, but her face remained composed. She handed him the envelope, careful to maintain a steady voice.

Binuksan ni ginoong Ravenhart ang sobre, at mabilis na sinuri ang laman, at tumingin ulit sa kanya. “I see you have a recommendation,” he said. “Tell me about yourself

Huminga si Amariz nang malalim. “ Anak ako ng kasambahay ng pamilya Sullivan,” mahinahon niyang sagot. “Lumaki ako sa paligid ng negosyo nila at natuto akong magmasid. Gusto kong patunayan ang sarili ko, hindi dahil sa pangalan o pribilehiyo, kundi dahil kaya ko.”

He raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair, studying her carefully. “anak ng kasambahay,” he repeated slowly. “You don't look like one” may pag dududang wika nito

“Well Hindi ho kita masisisi, ganon lang talaga ako kaganda para mapagkamalang tagapagmana” nakangiting sagot niya

“ well I don't see you as an heiress either” nakataas kilay na bwelta nito sa napaka humble na sinabi Niya.

“And yet, here you are, walking into my office with… poise and confidence that many of our top candidates lack. Interesting.” dugtong nito

Amariz felt heat rise to her cheeks but didn’t look away. “I’ve learned early that life won’t wait for you. You either adapt… or get left behind.” seryoso ng sagot niya

He leaned forward suddenly, his gaze sharp, as if trying to weigh every word against her expression. “You’ve handled pressure before?”

“I’ve had to,” she said softly, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Being unseen teaches you to notice everything… and to survive in any environment.”

Sandaling natahimik ang silid, saka bahagyang lumambot ang mga mata ng lalaki. Ngunit agad din iyong tinakpan ng isang malamig na tingin.

Mr. Ravenhart leaned back again, steepling his fingers. “I have to admit… you’re not at all what I expected from someone claiming to be a maid’s daughter. Most people would have bowed under the pressure, intimidated by me, by the reputation of this company. Yet you’re standing here… calm, composed, and perhaps even… confident enough to challenge me.”

Amariz’s pulse quickened. She held his gaze, voice steady. “I don’t intend to challenge you. I just intend to prove that I can do the work… and do it well.”

“Ms. Amariz Solene Valente,” dahan-dahan niyang binigkas, para bang nilalasap ang pangalan. “I think we’ll be… very interested to see what you’re capable of.” ng dahil sa sinabi nito, sumilay ang ngiti sa labi ni Amariz

Tumayo si Amariz, ramdam ang bigat ng bawat hakbang palabas. Ngunit bago pa siya makarating sa pinto—

“I don’t want you to leave without knowing my name…” bahagyang ngumisi si Ravenhart, ang boses ay mababa at nakakapangilabot.

“I’m Alaric Lysandre Ravenhart.”

Nagtagal ang tingin nito sa kanya, saka muling ngumisi.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Miss Amariz Solene Valente.” tango lang ang isinukli niya rito

As the door clicked behind her, she quickly get out.

Her chest tightened. halos madapa siya sa pagmamadaling makalayo.

Thump… thump… thump…

“What the heck! Why is my heart like this “ sigaw niya sa isip

Huminga siya nang malalim, pilit pinapakalma ang sarili, at muling naglakad.

This is just the beginning… and I can’t afford to let anyone know who I really am.