Liam felt like he was being drawn into the world that Neville spoke of, watching it unfold in real time. This young man's charisma and influence were out of this world. The last person he had felt this from was their CEO, Grayson Maxwell.
"And what would you say are your greatest strengths?" Liam continued to ask. He deliberately said it in a business-like tone to counter Neville's warm story and duality.
Neville paused and had a thoughtful expression. "I would say it's my adaptability and ability to learn quickly."
His voice was filled with quiet confidence as he continued, "I have always been able to adjust to new situations. Able to pick up new skills and knowledge with ease while applying them along the way. I am not afraid of hard work. I believe that every task, no matter how small, can be used to excel and improve oneself."
Liam raised an eyebrow, slightly irritated.
He had to admit that it was a good answer, but there was something about the way that Neville said it that he felt offended. There was a slight arrogance and pride hidden somewhere.
But Liam quickly set this feeling aside and reminded himself to focus again.
"This role also requires a 'no task is too small' attitude," he said slightly sharper than intended, "Can you give me an example of when you've demonstrated this?"
Neville's eyes seemed to flash a hint of amusement, as if he could sense Liam's irritation and somehow found it interesting.
"Of course," He answered, "While I was in the orphanage, I often assisted our director with menial tasks such as making drinks and tidying the office. Sometimes, files needed to be sorted to determine which were the top priority for the day. Also, to ease the burden on our director, most of the elder kids' duty is to help the younger kids. Patience is the key when dealing with kids; therefore, I am confident that I can patiently learn what I haven't learned and deal with scolding when done wrongly."
Liam felt immense respect and admiration for Neville by using his experience in the orphanage as an example to prove his competency.
Heartwarming words were one thing, but actions were what mattered in this company. Liam reminded himself.
"Imagine you're asked to make 100 copies of a 50-page report an hour before a major meeting," He paused, his eyes locked on Neville's. "You cannot fail. This report is critical. Walk me through your process. What are your immediate steps? How do you handle that pressure?"
There was no room for a feel-good story here. This was a cold, hard problem that required logic, initiative, and raw competence. It was a perfect reflection of the company's current state: a place of high expectations and minimal support.
For the first time, he felt he might have finally backed Neville into a corner.
Neville's smile never wavered; it even brightened at this question. "There was a saying in our orphanage, 'If you can deal with kids, you can deal with anything in life.' Taking this out of context, pressure is nothing. By the time I even thought of the pressure, I was probably finished sorting my priorities in copying the files. I will first assess the flow of the meeting, then plan the time constraint on copying the files with the meeting content. To complete it more efficiently, I will move the printer near the meeting room, not inside, to prevent noise distraction. I could also communicate with my colleagues to help me watch over the printer so they could send it to me in batches. If necessary, I can arrange some snacks in the middle of the meeting to buy myself some time."
Liam nodded slowly, and a sense of approval was welling up within him.
He recalled the set of questions and asked with eyes locked on Neville's face, "We worked with numerous races and cultures in the entire Imperial Galaxy. Can you provide an example of a time you had to adapt your communication style to effectively interact with someone from a background vastly different from your own?"
For a moment, Neville didn't say anything, then shook his head again before earnestly answering, "As a human raised in an orphanage, diversity is our first environment. When I first arrived at the orphanage, I was badly traumatized by the event and was silent for a while. People wanted to talk to me, but I couldn't bear to approach them the same way. It took a while, but I began to adjust."
"What happened then?" Liam asked curiously.
Neville smiled and softened his eyes. "When the new batch of kids entered the orphanage, there was a kid from a species known for their blunt and straightforward style of speaking, even rude. At first, he was offending a lot of people left and right. But then I heard about their species from the director. His way of speaking was just their culture, and I needed to adjust to it. Then I needed to encourage him to get used to how I behave and have him adapt to our diverse culture at the orphanage."
"And how did you achieve that?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.
Neville smiled, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes. "I learned to be straightforward," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of laughter. "I stopped expressing my words in polite niceties and started saying directly what I wanted to say. It was a challenge at first, but I quickly found it more efficient and productive when it comes to interactions. In the end, I gained a newfound respect for their culture, and they for mine. Communication, patience, knowledge, and understanding—those were the keys to effectively interacting with different species."
Liam nodded with a small smile, tugging the corners of his mouth.
Then, he glanced down at his pre-selected questions. He scrolled through them and found his mind wandering, "Why do you want to work for this company?"
Neville's eyes sparkled with unknown thoughts, and Liam curiously listened to his answer.
"Because I believe in what this company stands for." He continued, "I believe in the power of innovation, in the potential for technology to change lives and shape the future. I believe that this company is at the forefront of that change, leading the way towards a brighter tomorrow."
Liam was already filled with admiration for the young man, but still had to continue asking.
"And where do you see yourself in five years?" he asked with a slightly teasing tone.
Neville had a mysterious smile on him, but still answered professionally. "In five years, I see myself as a valued member of this company."
His voice was smooth and confident. "I see myself contributing to its success, helping to drive innovation and shape the future. I see myself continuing to grow and learn, to push myself to new heights and explore new horizons."
Liam felt something was off despite Neville's impeccable answer. He then glanced at his list and was surprised to see two new questions that weren't there before.
"As an omega, how are you going to adapt in the office environment?" Liam asked.
Suddenly, the warm and light atmosphere in the room changed.
Liam originally had his hands locked loosely and placed on the desk after taking notes. However, due to his nervousness, he unconsciously tightened his hands so that one could even see the change in color on certain parts.
As an alpha, he understood that this question was offensive, borderline discriminatory, and most importantly, it wasn't a standard HR protocol. However, this workplace was just as diverse in species as it was in its genders.
One can never be too careful about certain things; therefore, this question was a must-ask.
This test wasn't the one he prepared, but it certainly carried more weight than the one he prepared.
Neville still had his impeccable composure. However, his smile didn't seem that sincere anymore. Liam couldn't be so sure, though. After all, he couldn't smell the pheromone leaking due to Neville's anger.
"In my understanding, Maxwell Corporation values results above all else," Neville began, his tone measured and respectful. "Of course, I will adhere to all company policies regarding professional conduct in a mixed-dynamic office. This includes the mandatory use of standard-issue, long-acting pheromone suppressants and pheromone patches during work hours to ensure a neutral and distraction-free environment for all colleagues."
He paused, letting the perfectly corporate, textbook answer settle in the room. It was the answer any well-prepared applicant would give.
Perfect.
But then, Neville leaned forward a little, a subtle shift that commanded Liam's full attention.
"However," Neville continued with an invisible pressure pressing on Liam. "With all due respect, Mr… Liam. My secondary gender is not relevant to the position I'm applying for. My ability to analyze data, fluency in the top 3 interstellar languages, and ability to handle pressure will not be dictated by my gender. My performance will. I am expected to adapt to this office the same way as Alpha or Beta will. My competency and contribution to the company will be my responsibility. I trust that that is how the Maxwell Corporation will judge my suitability for this position."
Liam felt like he needed to catch his breath. He looked back at Neville, who was unfazed, smiling politely at him.
There was no anger, no defensiveness, just an unshakable, almost unnerving, self-assurance.
This was what had felt 'off' about him. It wasn't his imagination. It was the absence of fear.
Liam glanced at the last question that had been forced onto his list, his heart sinking.
This interview was far from over.
"What do you think of Grayson Maxwell?" It was a challenge and an invitation all in one.
Liam's legs were trembling underneath the table. He was praying that Neville wouldn't say anything bad about the CEO. After all, although their CEO had a lot of admirers (romantically or not), he also had a lot of black fans. He was afraid that Neville was one of them.
Neville's expression changed for a second, but it was gone in an instant. The atmosphere in the room changed. Neville flashed his smooth, practiced smile.
"Sir Grayson Maxwell is a leader," he said, his voice filled with quiet respect. "He wasn't just a great former general of the Imperial Galaxy, but also a great general of the Maxwell corporation. If you were asking for my personal opinion, then there was nothing. I haven't met him. I only saw him in the news, and people talked about him. I know he was the CEO of Maxwell Corporation, but that was that. He was great at what he does, and that's all that matters."
Liam nodded slowly, a sense of satisfaction and relief welling up within him.
With a final, decisive nod, he rose from his chair, extending his hand towards Neville.
"Thank you for your time, Mr. Hope," he said, his voice filled with professional courtesy. "We will be in touch with you regarding the results of your application."
Neville took his hand, his grip firm and confident. "Thank you for the opportunity," he said, his voice warm and sincere. "I look forward to hearing from you."
With that, he turned and strode from the room, his head held high and his shoulders squared.
Liam watched him go, with a sense of admiration and a hint of unease.
There was something about Neville Hope, something that he couldn't quite put his finger on.
But one thing was certain: he was a force to be reckoned with.
Liam took a deep breath, his decision hardening. Following the protocol would be the safest choice. But it was also a choice that he knew one of his fired colleagues would have made.
His fingers flew across the holographic keys. In the 'Work History Consistency' field, he wrote: N/A — See Qualitative Notes.
In the large, open comment box at the bottom, he typed, changing from his earlier irritation to a firm conviction.
The candidate defies conventional metrics. The resume is not an accurate representation of capability. He demonstrates exceptional rhetorical and strategic thinking, far exceeding the requirements for the applied role. Possesses the ability to display extreme composure under pressure. A potential strategic asset to the company.
He stared at the final field: Recommendation.
With a decisive tap, he selected the highest possible option: Hire. Recommended for Leadership Position.
A warning icon flashed on the screen. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the applicant's data file. Are you sure you wish to proceed?
Liam's heart hammered against his ribs.
This is it.
He pressed CONFIRM.
——
Somewhere, in his private office, Grayson Maxwell leaned back in his chair. His fingers drummed on his desk in a constant rhythm. He replayed the interview footage for the umpteenth time.
There was something about Neville Hope, something that had captured his attention from the moment he saw Neville.
It wasn't his weird resume or his demeanor. It seemed... something else, something that he couldn't quite put his hand on.
"He is great at what he does, and that's all that matters," Neville's words echoed in his mind, a simple statement that held a world of meaning.
His eyes fixed on the frozen image of Neville's face, those striking features seeming to glow with an inner light. There was a strength there, a quiet confidence that spoke of trials faced and obstacles overcome.
Grayson felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth, a rare show of genuine amusement. "If I'm great at what I do, then you'll probably do great at the work I'll give you," he murmured, his voice low and thoughtful.
With a decisive nod, he reached for his quantum computer. His fingers were flying over the glowing keys as he composed a message to HR.
Neville Hope—Secretarial Department
Sent.