Director James Walker walked quietly through the administrative hallway.
His polished shoes echoed softly against the marble floor.
Celina followed a few steps behind, clutching the folded newspaper in her trembling hands.
Her mind raced with endless questions.
Did I do something wrong?
Did Mr. Steel complain about me?
Am I going to lose my job?
She swallowed hard.
Cleaning this hospital wasn't just a job.
It was the only thing keeping her father's treatment going.
She couldn't afford to lose it.
Not now.
Not ever.
James stopped outside his office and gently pushed the door open.
"Please, come in."
Celina stepped inside.
The office was quiet.
Certificates lined one wall.
Family photographs decorated another.
James walked behind his desk and motioned toward the chair opposite him.
"Sit down, Celina."
She obeyed nervously.
For a few seconds...
Neither of them spoke.
James folded his hands together.
"I know you're probably wondering why I asked to see you."
Celina nodded.
"Yes, sir."
He smiled kindly.
"Relax."
"You're not in trouble."
The words immediately eased some of the tightness in her chest.
"I've watched you since the day you started working here."
Celina looked surprised.
"You have?"
James nodded.
"You always arrive before everyone else."
"You never complain."
"You treat every patient with respect."
"And yesterday..."
He picked up the newspaper lying on his desk.
"You reminded all of us why this hospital exists."
Celina lowered her eyes.
"I was only comforting a child."
"You were."
"But not everyone would have done it the way you did."
He paused.
"The cameras didn't capture an employee."
"They captured compassion."
Her cheeks flushed.
"I wasn't trying to attract attention."
"I know."
James smiled.
"And that's exactly why people noticed you."
Silence settled between them.
Then his expression became more thoughtful.
"This photograph has attracted a lot of attention."
"The media has been calling since early this morning."
Celina's fingers tightened around her skirt.
"I'm... I'm sorry if I've caused problems."
James immediately shook his head.
"No."
"You haven't."
"The attention isn't your fault."
He leaned back slightly.
"But I do want to prepare you."
"For what, sir?"
"People may begin asking questions."
"Reporters."
"Bloggers."
"Even strangers."
"They'll be curious about you."
Celina looked alarmed.
"But I'm nobody."
James smiled gently.
"Sometimes..."
"The world becomes curious about ordinary people."
"Especially when extraordinary people notice them."
The words lingered in the room.
Celina immediately understood who he meant.
Aaron Steel.
She quickly lowered her head.
"I'm sure Mr. Steel wasn't looking at me."
James chuckled softly.
"I didn't say he was."
Her face turned bright red.
"Oh..."
James decided not to tease her further.
Instead, he opened a drawer.
"I actually called you here for another reason."
He removed a white envelope.
"This year's Children's Hope Foundation Scholarship has one final opening."
Celina blinked.
"I've recommended your name."
Her eyes widened.
"My... name?"
James nodded.
"The scholarship covers professional culinary training."
"It also includes a small living allowance."
Celina stared at him in complete disbelief.
"Culinary..."
"My dream..."
"I know."
James smiled.
"You've spoken about your restaurant many times."
"I've never forgotten."
Tears instantly filled Celina's eyes.
She had almost given up believing that dreams like hers could come true.
With trembling hands, she accepted the envelope.
"Thank you..."
Her voice broke.
"Thank you so much."
James smiled warmly.
"You've earned the opportunity."
"Whether you receive it depends on the final interview."
"I'll do my best."
"I know you will."
Just then...
A soft knock interrupted them.
James looked toward the door.
"Come in."
The secretary stepped inside.
"Director Walker..."
She hesitated.
"Mr. Ethan Brooks from Steel Corporation is here."
James looked surprised.
"So early?"
"Yes."
"He says he's here on behalf of Mr. Aaron Steel."
Celina instinctively looked up.
Her heartbeat quickened.
James noticed her expression.
"Please ask Mr. Brooks to wait."
"Yes, Director."
The secretary left.
The office became silent once again.
Neither James nor Celina knew...
Why the CEO's trusted assistant had suddenly come to the hospital.
But outside the office...
Ethan Brooks stood calmly in the hallway.
Holding a sealed envelope bearing the silver crest of Steel Corporation.
And written across the front...
In elegant black letters...
For Miss Celina Bakers.