Alex Trese Maliksi and the Manananggal

A CHANCE ENCOUNTER

The hustle and bustle of a New York morning spilled into the vast lobby of Thompson Industries. As she entered the building, Ruby Wilson tightened the straps of her leather bag. Her chest thumped with her heartbeat. She arrived at the interview just fifteen minutes late. It is a major transgression in the corporate world. Her anxious steps reflected on the marble floor, and the towering glass walls seemed to mock her with its ancient perfection. In this realm of power and privilege, Ruby felt like an impostor.

She wore a simple navy blue dress and black heels that was on sale last year. She walked to the reception.

"Ruby Wilson, here for the secretary position," she said barely raising her voice above a whisper.

The receptionist raised her eyebrows unimpressed but pointed her to the 45th floor. Ruby entered the elevator, trying to adjust her outfit and remain calm. The mirror-lined wall revealed her freckled face. She had put her red hair back into a tidy ponytail. She felt her past ingrained in her skin, even if she couldn't see the scars.

When the elevator door opened, she found a large office bustling with various activities. She rushed to the designated room and froze when she saw a man standing next to the floor-to-ceiling window. His tailored suit clung to him with precision, and his presence seemed to control the air around him. Alexander Thompson.

She recognized him from magazine covers and from the news. He is the CEO, mastermind and youngest billionaire of Thompson Industries. His chipped jaw and piercing blue eyes could frighten anyone, and Ruby felt her palms tighten.

"You're late," he said, turning to face her. His voice was clipped, but was full of curiosity.

"I'm so sorry," Ruby stammered, "There was-"

Alex cut in, "I don't care about excuses." He focused his eyes on her as he folded his arms across his chest. "You have five minutes to convince me not to dismiss you immediately."

Ruby swallowed hard. Her mind was racing. She was not ready for this. But then wasn't that her whole life? Improvising! Survival!

"I'm late," she began, lifting her chin slightly. "But I am not incapable. I worked hard to get here. And if you give me a chance I will work harder to prove myself."

Alex's lip twitched, almost smiled, but he was quick to conceal it with his trademark stubbornness.

"Fine," he replied, "You've been hired. But don't think for a second that I can tolerate mediocrity. Be at your workstation tomorrow at 8:00 a.m."

Ruby gasped, but Alex left the room before she could respond, leaving her speechless. Hired? Just like that? Before she could even comprehend what was happening, the HR manager entered, congratulated her, and gave her the paperwork to fill out.

Ruby realized the truth of her predicament when she exited the building that afternoon. She was hired by one of the most prominent corporations in the city.

She would work directly for Alexander Thompson. But as she walked the busy streets of Manhattan, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she had just stepped foot in a world where every move is scrutinized. Every mistake... magnified.