At first it was a cause for smiles.
Then, questions.
—
Javier picked up the intercom.
—Carla, I need you to postpone all my morning meetings.
-Something wrong?
—Yes. Something important.
He hung up and went back to Sofia.
“I’m going to do something that’s not in the protocol,” he said. “But sometimes protocol doesn’t understand bravery.”
Sofia didn’t fully understand, but she nodded.
Javier dialed the hospital number again.
—I want to talk to Laura Morales.
Minutes later, Laura’s weak but clear voice was heard on the other end.
—Mr. Ortega? I’m so sorry. I tried to warn you…
“Your daughter is here,” he interrupted gently.
There was absolute silence.
—What do you mean, is it there? —Laura’s voice broke.
—He came for his interview.
A stifled sob was heard.
—I didn’t… I didn’t want her to find out about the accident until later. I didn’t want to worry her.
Javier looked at Sofia, who was clasping her hands on her knees.
“Your daughter didn’t come out of curiosity,” he said. “She came because she believes in you.”
On the other side, Laura was crying silently.
—Mr. Ortega, if this ruins my candidacy, I understand. But I promise you I’m responsible. I’ve been working in accounting for years. I can prove it.
Javier smiled slightly.
—Ms. Morales, your interview has already begun.
-That?
—And she’s winning.
—
During the next hour, Javier did something unusual: he interviewed Laura via video call from the hospital.
Sofia sat quietly, listening as her mother spoke clearly about financial statements, audits, and resource optimization.
There were no excuses.
There was no drama.
Only competition.
When he finished, Javier closed the folder.
“Ms. Morales,” he said, “GlobalTech needs people with technical skills. But it also needs character.”
Laura remained silent.
—And you have both.
Sofia opened her eyes.
—Does that mean…?
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