Chapter 2 THE UNEXPECTED OFFER

Natalie Collins had checked her email fourteen times since leaving Blackwood Global.

Fourteen times.

And every time, the result was the same.

Nothing.

She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone while trying not to get her hopes up.

The interview had gone better than she expected, but she wasn't foolish enough to assume that meant she had gotten the job.

Nathaniel Blackwood was not exactly the kind of man who gave people second chances.

She remembered the way he had looked at her resume.

Her limited experience had clearly disappointed him.

Still, she believed she had answered his questions reasonably well.

Her phone vibrated.

Natalie grabbed it immediately.

An email.

She opened it.

BLACKWOOD GLOBAL – HUMAN RESOURCES

Dear Natalie Collins,

Thank you for attending your interview today. We are pleased to inform you that you have been shortlisted for the next stage of our recruitment process.

Further details will be communicated shortly.

Natalie read the message twice.

Shortlisted.

She wasn't hired yet, but at least she hadn't been rejected.

"Mom!"

Margaret appeared at the bedroom door.

"What happened?"

Natalie held up her phone.

"They shortlisted me!"

Her mother immediately smiled.

"That's wonderful!"

"I know! I'm getting closer."

Margaret walked into the room and sat beside her.

"See? You were worried for nothing."

"I'm still worried. Shortlisted doesn't mean employed."

"One step at a time, Natalie."

Natalie nodded.

For the first time in weeks, she felt that something might finally work out.

---

The following morning, Nathaniel Blackwood was already in his office before most of his employees arrived.

He stood beside the large windows, reviewing a financial report on his tablet.

His assistant, Daniel Brooks, entered carrying a folder.

"Good morning, sir."

Nathaniel didn't turn.

"What's on my schedule?"

"Your meeting with the board begins at nine. You have a call with the London office at eleven, followed by lunch with Mr Harrison."

"And the recruitment process?"

Daniel placed the folder on his desk.

"The executive assistant candidates have been reviewed. Human Resources has recommended three people."

Nathaniel turned around.

"Three?"

"Yes, sir."

He opened the folder.

The first résumé belonged to a woman with eight years of experience.

The second belonged to someone who had previously worked for another major corporation.

Then he reached the third.

NATALIE COLLINS.

He studied the photograph attached to the résumé.

"Her experience is still limited."

Daniel nodded.

"Yes, sir. But Rachel says she performed well during the interview."

Nathaniel placed the résumé on the desk.

"Did she?"

"Apparently, she wasn't intimidated by your questions."

Nathaniel gave him a brief look.

"Should that be an achievement?"

Daniel cleared his throat.

"No, sir."

Nathaniel returned his attention to the document.

"Arrange a second interview with her."

Daniel looked slightly surprised.

"With Ms Collins?"

"Do you know another Collins applying for the same position?"

"No, sir. I'll arrange it."

"Good."

Daniel turned to leave.

"Daniel."

He stopped.

"Yes, sir?"

"Make sure the other candidates are interviewed as well. I don't want anyone assuming this position has already been filled."

"Understood."

After Daniel left, Nathaniel looked at the résumé again.

He wasn't impressed by her qualifications.

But there was something about the way she had answered his questions that made him want to know whether her confidence matched her actual abilities.

He closed the folder and returned to work.

He had more important things to worry about.

---

At exactly 2:35 PM, Natalie was sitting on the sofa when her phone rang.

She looked at the unfamiliar number.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon. May I speak with Natalie Collins?"

"Speaking."

"My name is Rachel. I'm calling from Blackwood Global."

Natalie immediately sat upright.

"Yes, hello."

"We would like to invite you for a second interview tomorrow morning at nine."

Natalie blinked.

"Tomorrow?"

"Yes. Would that be convenient?"

"Absolutely."

"Wonderful. Please arrive fifteen minutes early."

"I will. Thank you so much."

The call ended.

Natalie stared at her phone.

Another interview.

She was going back to Blackwood Global.

Her mother, who had been arranging groceries in the kitchen, noticed her expression.

"What's wrong?"

Natalie slowly turned towards her.

"They called."

"And?"

"They want me back tomorrow."

Margaret smiled.

"That's good news!"

Natalie nodded, although a small feeling of nervousness had already settled in her stomach.

"Yes. But I have a feeling tomorrow won't be as easy as today."

---

The following morning, Natalie arrived at Blackwood Global at 8:42 AM.

She had chosen a navy-blue blouse, black trousers and simple heels.

She checked her reflection in the elevator doors before stepping out on the twenty-eighth floor.

Rachel was waiting for her.

"Good morning, Natalie."

"Good morning."

"You're early."

"I didn't want to take any chances with Manhattan traffic."

Rachel smiled.

"That's understandable. Please come with me."

They walked towards a smaller conference room.

Natalie expected to see another Human Resources representative waiting inside.

Instead, when Rachel opened the door, she found Nathaniel Blackwood sitting at the head of the table.

He was reading something on his tablet.

He didn't look up immediately.

"Good morning, Mr Blackwood," Natalie greeted.

He raised his eyes.

"You're early."

"Yes, sir."

"Sit down."

Natalie took the chair opposite him.

Rachel placed a folder on the table before leaving them alone.

Nathaniel put his tablet aside.

"Did you research the company before coming here?"

"Yes."

"What do you know about Blackwood Global?"

Natalie straightened.

"I know the company operates in technology, investment and commercial development. It has offices in several major cities, and it has expanded significantly over the past five years."

"Who is your biggest competitor?"

"Sterling Enterprises."

Nathaniel watched her carefully.

"And why do you think we're better?"

Natalie paused.

"I don't know if you're better in every area. I would need to understand your internal operations and compare the results before making that judgment."

Nathaniel leaned back slightly.

"Most candidates would have given me an answer they thought I wanted to hear."

Natalie offered a small smile.

"I didn't want to give you an answer I couldn't defend."

He said nothing for a moment.

Then he opened the folder.

"Let's discuss the position."

Natalie listened carefully as he explained the responsibilities.

Managing appointments.

Preparing documents.

Organising meetings.

Handling confidential information.

Coordinating with senior executives.

And, apparently, dealing with his demanding schedule.

"Are you comfortable working under pressure?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Late hours?"

"If necessary."

"Last-minute changes?"

"I can manage."

Nathaniel looked at her.

"You seem very confident."

Natalie smiled politely.

"I'm trying to get a job, sir. I can't afford to sound unsure about everything."

For a brief moment, he simply stared at her.

Then he closed the folder.

"Fair enough."

He stood and buttoned his suit jacket.

"Human Resources will send you the employment offer. Your proposed starting date is Monday."

Natalie froze.

"Sorry?"

"You heard me. You're hired."

She stared at him.

For a moment, she couldn't find the right words.

"Thank you, Mr Blackwood. I really appreciate the opportunity."

"Don't thank me yet. I expect you to prove that I made the right decision."

"I will."

Nathaniel picked up his tablet.

"Welcome to Blackwood Global, Ms Collins."

And with that, he walked out.

Natalie remained seated, trying to process what had just happened.

She had a job.

A real job.

And not just anywhere.

She was going to work for Nathaniel Blackwood.

She picked up her handbag and stood.

Her phone was already in her hand before she reached the elevator.

She had someone very important to call.

Her mother.

Because after four months of disappointment, Natalie Collins finally had something worth celebrating.