Hook: The Novel (English)

Chapter 29: Unveiled Beginnings

THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V.

10 years later...

A sleek black car pulled up in front of a big building, its engine purring to a stop. The door opened, and a man stepped out with the effortless grace of someone used to drawing attention. He had chestnut-brown hair neatly styled, his white skin glowing that caught the sunlight just right, and thick eyebrows that framed his intense gaze with a sharp jawline, and there was a certain quiet confidence in the way he carried himself—handsome yet breath taker in the kind of way that made heads turn and conversations pause.

The early morning air greeted him, cool and crisp, He took in a breath, allowing the breeze to wash over him, before closing the car door with a soft thud and making his way across the pavement toward the building's glass doors.

He was dressed with elegance tailored black pants, a pristine white dress shirt, and a royal blue blazer that fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders. A pair of dark sunglasses shielded his eyes, giving him an air of mystery. Despite the simplicity of his outfit, every step he took seemed to echo with quiet charisma. Female employees near the entrance exchanged glances and hushed whispers, hearts fluttering as he passed by. His presence alone seemed to change the atmosphere of the lobby.

He paused briefly, exhaling a quiet sigh as if bracing himself, before walking purposefully toward the information desk. The receptionist, momentarily caught off guard by his striking appearance, blinked herself back to focus as he approached.

"May I know which floor Engineer Valdez's office is on?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

The receptionist offered a professional smile. "Did you happen to set an appointment, sir?"

"Yes," he replied with subtle impatience. "Both Engineer Valdez and Engineer Gutierrez are expecting me."

"May I have your name, sir?"

He shook his head slightly. "Just tell them I'm from Samoo. They already know."

"One moment, sir," she said, picking up the phone and dialing with practiced speed. After a brief exchange, she hung up and pointed toward the elevator bank. "You can head up to the twelfth floor. The office is to the right once you exit the lift."

Without another word, he gave a polite nod and turned, his footsteps echoing softly on the marble floor as he made his way to the elevator, leaving a wake of silent admiration behind him.

A quiet storm of emotions churned within him—nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and something else he couldn't quite name. It swirled in his chest like a tide, making it hard to breathe, harder still to think. He stood in front of the office door, every nerve on edge, every instinct screaming both to turn back and to push forward.

He raised his hand and gave a firm but respectful knock, the sound echoing softly in the hallway.

"Come in," came a voice from the other side—steady, professional, unaware who's knocking behind the door.

He took a breath and gripped the doorknob. The cool metal grounded him for a second. Then he twisted it and stepped inside, the door creaking open just enough to reveal the modern, clean-lined office bathed in late morning light.

Engineer Valdez looked up from behind his desk, ready to offer his usual greeting. But then the visitor stepped fully into view and, with practiced ease, removed his sunglasses.

In an instant, everything shifted.

Valdez's eyes widened, the color draining slightly from his face. His lips parted, but no words came. His breath caught visibly in his throat, as if he had seen a ghost wearing a navy blazer and confidence like cologne.