Chapter 86 Stable Position
Dinner went on smoothly with light and cheerful conversations. They talked about nothing and everything, Edith talked about her work, while Cora tried updating them about her life, Phil said nothing, as he listened to them talk.
Most times Edith would watch him closely, gauging his reactions, while Phil maintained a calm, observant demeanor. Though the conversation remained light, Phil’s thoughtful gaze suggested he was quietly assessing the man seated before him, not in suspicion, but in concern for Cora’s happiness.
When the last plates were cleared and the table wiped down, Edith suggested they move to the sitting area for a while. Tea was served, and they talked for a little longer, but soon Phil stood up and turned toward Michael with a small, polite smile.
"Michael," he said gently, "would you mind joining me in my study for a moment? I’d like us to talk privately."
Michael blinked in surprise but nodded quickly. "Of course, sir."
Cora looked between them curiously, while Edith simply smiled, as though she had expected this. She knew her husband cared about Cora, and would definitely assess any man that wants to marry her.
Phil led Michael down the quiet hallway, past framed photographs and polished wooden panels, until they reached a large door at the far end. He pushed it open, revealing a spacious study filled with shelves of neatly arranged files, books, and architectural plans.
The room smelled faintly of leather and paper, a calm and serious space meant for peaceful conversations and work talk. Phil motioned toward a chair across his desk.
"Please, have a seat."
Michael sat carefully, his back straight, hands resting on his knees. He felt a mix of nervousness and anticipation while Phil sat opposite him, folding his hands calmly on the desk as he studied him for a moment.
"I hope you’re comfortable," Phil began.
"Yes, sir. Very comfortable," Michael replied quickly.
Phil gave a small nod. "Good. I’ll be direct with you, Michael. Cora means a lot to us. She’s like family. So naturally, I want to know more about the man she plans to spend her life with."
Michael swallowed slightly but met his gaze honestly. "That is completely understandable, sir. You can ask me anything."
Phil leaned back in his chair. "Tell me about your work. What exactly do you do?"
Michael hesitated for a brief second, unsure if his answer would sound too unimpressive in such an elegant room. Still, he chose honesty.
"I work as a contract builder at a construction site," he said quietly. "I handle structural tasks and supervise small building sections when assigned. It’s not a permanent position. I’m usually hired per project."
Phil’s expression softened almost immediately. He had expected something modest, but hearing the uncertainty in Michael’s voice stirred a sense of sympathy within him. He could see the young man’s humility, the way he spoke without pride or pretense.
"So," Phil said gently, "you don’t have a stable, permanent job?"
Michael shook his head. "No, sir. I move from one project to another. It pays the bills, but it’s not secure. Still… I work hard. I always try to do my best."
For a moment, the room fell silent. Phil tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, as he stared at Michael, he looked deep in thought. He was not judging Michael; rather, he was weighing something carefully.
Then he spoke, after a few minutes.
"Michael, how would you feel about working in my company?"
Michael’s eyes widened. "Sir… I’m sorry, I don’t understand."
Phil smiled faintly. "I own Smith Real Estate Company. We handle large-scale property development and construction. We are always in need of reliable, hardworking people who understand building structures from the ground up. From what I’ve heard, and from how you carry yourself, I believe you would fit well."
Michael stared at him in disbelief, unsure if he had heard correctly.
"You… you mean… work for you? Permanently?"
"Yes," Phil replied calmly. "A stable position. A permanent job."
Michael’s breath caught in his throat. For a moment, he could not speak. The words felt too big, too unexpected. He had come here only to meet the people important to Cora, not to have his life suddenly changed.
"Sir… are you serious?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Phil gave a reassuring nod. "Very serious. Believe it, Michael. You now have a permanent job, if you’re willing to accept it."
Emotion flooded Michael’s face, shock, gratitude, and overwhelming joy all at once. He quickly stood up, almost knocking his chair back in his haste.
"Sir… I… I don’t even know what to say," he stammered, his voice breaking . "This means everything to me. I promise you, you will never regret giving me this opportunity. I will work harder than anyone. I won’t disappoint you."
Phil stood as well and placed a firm, reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I believe you won’t. Hard work, loyalty and sincerity matter more to me than anything else."
Michael’s eyes glistened slightly, but he quickly composed himself. "Thank you, sir. Truly… thank you."
Phil smiled. "You can start tomorrow. Report to Smith Real Estate Company in the morning. I’ll inform the HR department tonight."
Michael nodded eagerly, his heart pounding with excitement. "Yes, sir. I will be there early."
As they walked out of the study together, Michael felt as though the world had suddenly opened before him. Just hours ago, he had been an ordinary contract worker with no certainty about tomorrow. Now, he had stability, dignity, and a future he could proudly build, for himself and for Cora.