Entanglement Management

Muji Ferrer

STE Corporation is a prestigious company known for its diverse business ventures. They specialize in producing high-quality beauty products, developing real estate, managing malls, and operating top-tier clinics. Their CEO, Mrs. Samson Espinosa, is a well-known figure worldwide, admired for her leadership and business acumen.

Among the many aspiring professionals, one dreamer has longed to be part of STE Corporation—Muji Ferrer. She has spent years honing her skills, waiting for the perfect opportunity. That opportunity finally arrives one fateful morning.

⸻

Message Notification:

From: Katleya, Executive Secretary of Mrs. Samson Espinosa – STE Corporation

To: Ms. Muji Ferrer

"Hi Ms. Ferrer, this is Katleya, Executive Secretary of Mrs. Samson Espinosa of STE Corporation. We would like to invite you for an interview for the Graphic Designer position. Please be at Conference Room 4 at 8:30 AM tomorrow."

⸻

Muji's POV:

Wait... is this for real?! Am I dreaming?! STE Corporation wants to interview me?!

No, this can't be real. I must be dreaming!

(Glances at the message again.)

...Wait.

(Reads the date.)

...NO.

TODAY IS THE INTERVIEW!

⸻

Muji's heart nearly stops. Panic surges through her as she scrambles out of bed. She grabs a towel, jumps into the shower, and takes what is probably the fastest bath of her life. With no time to waste, she throws on the first decent outfit she can find, grabs a piece of bread, and bolts out the door—her dream job hanging by a thread.

With the bread still in her mouth, she sprints down the street, dodging pedestrians, praying she won't miss the opportunity she has been waiting for.

She can't lose this chance. Not now. Not ever.

Rushing into the office building, Muji glances at the time—only five minutes left. Her heart pounds as she reaches STE Corporation's entrance and sprints toward the elevator, only to find it packed with employees.

"Damn it!" she mutters under her breath, frantically looking around for another way up. With no other choice, she bolts for the stairs, taking them two at a time.

By the time she reaches the second floor, breathless and desperate, she spots a man leaning casually against the balcony, a cigarette in hand. His sharp eyes glance at her as she approaches.

Muji: "Excuse me, sir! Where is Conference Room 4?"

Unknown Man: (Takes a drag of his cigarette, unfazed.) "It's on the 20th floor."

Muji: "What?! Why the hell is the conference room so high up?!"

Unknown Man: (Smirks.) "Are you in a rush? Maybe you should've come earlier."

Muji: (Scoffs.) "Excuse me?! You don't know what happened—"

Before she can finish, the man tilts his head slightly, his gaze dropping lower.

Unknown Man: "As if I don't know... what happened to your shirt buttons."

Muji freezes. A sudden chill rushes down her spine as she slowly looks down—her shirt is half open, exposing more than she ever intended. Horror floods her face as she realizes, in her rush, she forgot to button it properly.

Before she can react, the man reaches out, grabbing the edges of her shirt and fastening it with swift fingers. His knuckles brush against her skin, dangerously close to her chest.

Her face burns. For a second, she swears she can feel his touch.

Muji: "You—YOU PERVERT!"

With all her strength, she swings her hand and slaps him across the face.

The sound echoes through the hall.

The unknown man, slightly taken aback, blinks in surprise before a slow, amused smile tugs at his lips.

Meanwhile, Muji—mortified and furious—turns on her heel and dashes away, ignoring the lingering heat on her skin.

Muji pushed forward, her legs burning as she climbed the stairs. By the time she reached the sixth floor, she was gasping for air. Just then, she spotted an open elevator—finally, a break! She rushed inside, relieved to avoid the remaining fourteen flights of stairs.

Inside the elevator, she glanced at the panel and realized she couldn't reach the button. She turned to the man beside her.

Muji: "Excuse me, sir, could you tap the 20th floor for me?"

The man smiled and pressed the button without hesitation.

Billie: "Of course! Are you an applicant? Hi, I'm Billie, General Director of Department B! Nice to meet you."

Muji's eyes widened slightly.

Muji: "Wow, a General Director! You're way above us, sir. Should I call you Director Billie?"

Billie: (Laughs lightly.) "Titles are just for formality. You can just call me Billie!"

The elevator dinged, signaling their arrival.

Muji: (Steps out quickly.) "Oh, we're here! Thank you, Director—uh, I mean, Billie! Nice meeting you!"

Billie: (Smirks.) "Likewise. Good luck."

Muji barely had time to respond as she dashed toward Conference Room 4.

As she entered, her breath hitched. The room was filled with applicants—but there was one thing she hadn't expected.

They were all men.

She was the only woman.

As Muji stepped into the room, a wave of laughter hit her. The men seated in the waiting area chuckled and exchanged smug glances, clearly amused by her presence.

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

Muji's Thoughts: Hmph. Laugh all you want. As if you can beat me—with your basic, lite-version editing skills.

Just then, a voice called out.

Announcer: "Next applicant, please."

One of the male applicants beside her nudged her arm.

Anonymous Applicant: "Hey, it's your turn."

Taking a deep breath, Muji straightened her back and walked into the interview room.

As she entered, her eyes immediately landed on a sleek nameplate on the table.

Brayce Espinosa

Chief Operating Officer

Her heart skipped a beat.

Muji's Thoughts: Espinosa? Wait... Espinosa?!

Is he related to Mrs. Samson Espinosa, the CEO?

Her suspicions were quickly confirmed when the man behind the desk glanced up at her—and smirked.

Her eyes widened in shock.

It was him.

The man from the balcony.

Brayce: (Leaning back in his chair, amused.) "Hey, Miss Buttons. Have a seat."

Muji's face flushed with both embarrassment and frustration. She pointed at him, her voice slightly cracking.

Muji: "You—YOU PERVERT! What are you doing here?!"

(Realizing her mistake, she freezes.)

"Aaaaah—I mean... you're the COO?!"

Brayce's grin widened, clearly enjoying her flustered state.

Brayce: (Casually.) "Yeah. Your boss."

(Smirks devilishly.)

Muji's throat went dry. She could feel the sweat forming on her palms. Her pulse quickened.

Muji's Thoughts: Oh, crap. What am I going to do?

She wiped her clammy hands on her skirt, trying to compose herself.

Brayce: (Folding his hands together.) "So, tell me..."

(Pauses slightly, his gaze unwavering.)

"Why should I hire you?"

Muji gulped, her mouth suddenly dry. But she quickly straightened her back, forcing herself to push through the nerves.

Muji: (Clears her throat.)

"Well, first of all, I'm confident in my skills as a graphic designer. I've spent years perfecting my craft, working on a variety of freelance projects that have helped me build a strong portfolio."

(Briefly glances at the crowd of male applicants outside.)

"Secondly, while I may be the only woman applying today, I don't see that as a disadvantage. If anything, it makes me more determined. I know I can bring a unique perspective and creativity to your team. I don't back down from a challenge."

She held his gaze, her voice firm despite the lingering nervousness in her chest.

For a moment, Brayce's smirk softened slightly, his eyes subtly narrowing with intrigue.

Brayce: (Feigning boredom, but clearly entertained.)

"Hmm. Interesting answer."

Muji's heart pounded, unsure whether she had impressed him—or made a fool of herself.

Brayce: (Leaning back slightly, his tone firm but casual.)

"Okay, be at the office tomorrow at 9 AM. Don't be late."

Muji's eyes widened in disbelief.

Muji: (Clasping her hands together, grinning.)

"Oh my God! Thank you so much!"

Overwhelmed with excitement, she practically floated out of the room, her feet barely touching the ground.

Once the door closed behind her, a man standing behind Brayce crossed his arms, his brow furrowed.

Man Behind Brayce: (Skeptically.)

"You already hired her? Without knowing anything about her—just based on a résumé and portfolio?"

Brayce's lips curled into a knowing smirk, his eyes still fixed on the door where Muji had just left.

Brayce: (Calmly, yet confidently.)

"I already know her. Trust me."

⸻

The Next Day...

CLANGGGGG

Muji's alarm blared, jolting her awake. She groaned, rubbing her eyes before realizing what day it was.

Her heart skipped with excitement.

Muji: (Leaping out of bed.)

"OH MY GOD! IT'S MY FIRST DAY!"

She rushed down the stairs, still fastening her watch, and spotted her younger sibling, Mary Grace, casually eating breakfast at the table.

Muji: (Grabbing a piece of bread.)

"Hey, Mary! Today's my training at STE!"

Mary looked up, chewing thoughtfully.

Mary: (Nonchalantly.)

"Oh, that's great for you. Who's the CEO there?"

Muji froze mid-bite, staring at her sister in disbelief.

Muji: (Dramatically.)

"My Ghad, Mary! You don't know Samson Espinosa?! What part of the earth are you living on?!"

Mary blinked and shrugged.

Mary: (Frowning slightly.)

"Espinosa? Hmm... I think I knew someone named Espinosa once... but I can't remember who."

Muji waved her off, brushing it aside.

Muji: (Grabbing her bag.)

"Anyway, I'll be late! Byeeeee!"

She rushed out the door, her heart pounding with anticipation.

⸻

At STE Corporation...

Muji stepped into the grand lobby of STE Corporation and immediately felt her breath catch in her throat.

The space was massive—high ceilings, sleek marble floors, and shimmering glass walls. The modern, high-tech design was paired with an elegant ambiance that screamed luxury. Even the faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air.

Her eyes widened as she slowly walked down the hallway, taking it all in.

Muji's Thoughts: Whoa... this company is HUGE. Everything is so high-tech and elegant...

It feels like I just walked into a five-star hotel.

She finally approached the front desk, her heart racing.

Muji: (Politely, but with a nervous smile.)

"Hello! I'm a trainee for graphic design. Where should I go? My name is Muji Ferrer."

The receptionist, dressed in a sleek uniform, offered a professional smile and quickly typed on her keyboard. The soft clacking of keys echoed faintly in the spacious lobby.

Receptionist: (Politely.)

"Let me check... Ah, yes. Please proceed to Level 9, Office 5."

(Glances at Muji.)

"May I have your ID before you enter the building?"

Muji quickly fumbled in her bag, pulling out her ID.

Muji: (Nodding.)

"Yes, of course!"

The receptionist handed her a temporary company pass in exchange, offering a friendly nod.

Receptionist: (Politely.)

"Enjoy your first day."

As Muji walked through the hallways, she couldn't help but marvel at the company's pristine environment. Even the employees, dressed sharply and carrying themselves with graceful poise, seemed elegant and professional.

She clutched her pass tightly, her palms slightly damp with nervousness but her heart filled with excitement.

Muji's Thoughts: I can't believe I'm finally here.

This is the company of my dreams... and now, I'm officially part of it.