chapter 3

“The executive floor?” Kathleen repeated, certain she had heard wrong.

The receptionist nodded politely. “Yes, ma’am. Please take Elevator Three. Mr. Colitz personally reviews select applicants from time to time.”

Kathleen blinked.

Personally reviews applicants?

She had heard of owners making speeches, appearing in annual meetings, or showing up in publicity events—but interviewing new employees himself sounded excessive.

Still, this was Colitz Holdings Philippines. Powerful companies often had unusual habits.

She thanked the receptionist and stepped into the elevator.

Kathleen did not know that Victor Colitz was unusually hands-on when it came to talent.

While other tycoons delegated hiring entirely to departments and consultants, Victor believed empires weakened when mediocre people were allowed inside them. He occasionally reviewed applications himself, especially for management tracks, analyst pools, and applicants with uncommon potential.

He had built too much to trust carelessness.

But this morning, efficiency was only part of the reason.

When Kathleen Jane Pajate’s résumé reached him, he noticed the strong credentials, disciplined work history, and polished academic record. Then he saw her photograph.

And paused.

She was beautiful in a way that did not beg for attention. No exaggerated glamour. No artificial pose. Just quiet elegance, expressive eyes, and the kind of natural grace that made most people look overdesigned.

Victor was not a man easily distracted. Yet he found himself reading her file twice.

Then three times.

So he moved her interview upstairs.

The executive floor of Bonifacio Global City was silent and immaculate. Kathleen followed an assistant through wide corridors lined with modern art and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the skyline.

When the doors opened, she entered a large office washed in natural light.

Behind a sleek desk sat Victor Colitz himself.

Even seated, he carried the kind of presence that made rooms reorganize around him. Tall, sharply dressed, composed, undeniably handsome. The rumors about his looks had not been exaggerated.

Kathleen noticed—and then immediately reminded herself why she was here.

A job. Nothing else.

Victor rose slightly in greeting.

“Ms. Pajate. Please, sit.”

She sat across from him, folder on her lap.

“I admit,” Kathleen said carefully, “I didn’t expect the owner of the company to conduct interviews personally.”

Victor’s mouth curved faintly.

“I prefer seeing people for myself.”

“That sounds time-consuming.”

“It prevents expensive mistakes.”

Her answer came without hesitation. “Or creates intimidating first impressions.”

For the first time that morning, Victor smiled fully.

Most applicants were nervous, eager, flattering.

She was honest.

And far more beautiful in person than in the photograph.

Interesting, he thought. Very interesting.

Victor folded his hands on the desk and studied her openly now. Not rudely, not carelessly—but with the focused attention of a man used to assessing value quickly.

Kathleen met his gaze without flinching.

That alone set her apart.

Most applicants either stared too long because they admired him, or avoided eye contact because they feared him. She did neither. She looked at him the way she might look at any other employer—respectful, alert, and completely unimpressed by status.

Victor found that more intriguing than he should have.

“So, Ms. Pajate,” he said, glancing at her résumé, “you graduated with honors, speak three languages, and completed internships with strong performance reviews. Why apply for an entry-level analyst role?”

“Because it was open.”

A pause.

Victor’s brow lifted slightly. “That’s your answer?”

“It’s the honest one.” Kathleen sat straighter. “I’m looking for experience, not a title. Entry-level roles teach more than inflated positions handed to people too early.”

Again, direct. Again, unafraid.

Victor tapped one finger lightly against the desk. “And if another company offered you higher pay tomorrow?”

“I would ask what they expected in return.”

Something in him almost laughed.

She answered like someone who had seen wealth before and was not dazzled by it. Rare. Especially in Philippines corporate circles, where prestige alone often made people foolish.

“Why this company?” he asked.

Kathleen considered before speaking. “Because your logistics division is efficient, your expansion strategy is disciplined, and your training programs are respected.”

Then she added calmly:

“And because large companies expose weaknesses quickly. If I fail here, I’ll know it honestly.”

Victor leaned back.

There it was again—that refusal to perform for him. No flirtation. No praise. No attempt to impress the famous Victor Colitz sitting across from her.

Only competence.

And beauty so understated it became more noticeable the longer he looked at her.

Kathleen opened her folder. “May I ask a question?”

“You may.”

“Do you normally interview entry-level applicants yourself?”

“Sometimes.”

“That sounds inefficient for a CEO.”

His eyes sharpened with amusement. “You’ve mentioned my inefficiency twice.”

“Only where relevant.”

Victor smiled again despite himself.

Outside the office, assistants passing by slowed when they heard it.

Victor Colitz was smiling.

Inside, Kathleen noticed none of it. She was too busy wondering why the most powerful man in the building seemed more entertained than professional.