HR Refused to Accept an Applicant Because He Was an “Ex-Convict” —
But She Turned Pale When the CEO Arrived and Hugged Him:
“He Saved My Life in Prison.”
With trembling hands, Mang Dante handed his NBI Clearance to the HR Manager, Ms. Karen.
Dante wore long sleeves to hide the tattoos on his arms, carefully fixing his slightly graying hair.
At 50 years old, this was his last hope of finding a decent job—as maintenance staff.
Ms. Karen read the document.
Suddenly, her forehead creased. She looked at Dante with disgust.
“Homicide?” Ms. Karen read out loud.
“You were imprisoned for killing someone?”
“Ma’am, it was self-defense back then. I already paid for it. I’ve been free for ten years now. I just want to start a new life,” Dante explained politely.
“Start a new life?” Ms. Karen laughed.
“Old man, this is Prime Tower Corporation. Reputation is our capital. We don’t accept criminals here! You might steal from us—or even kill our employees!”
“Ma’am, please,” Dante begged.
“I’ll do anything—even just sweeping floors or cleaning restrooms. I just need money to buy my wife’s medicine.”
“NO!” Ms. Karen shouted.
“Guards! Get this man out! Now!”
Two security guards approached and grabbed Dante by the arms, dragging him toward the exit.
“Ma’am, please…” Dante said, his voice breaking.
Suddenly, the main office door swung open.
“Good morning, Sir Alfred!” all the employees greeted in unison, bowing and stepping aside.
The company’s CEO had arrived—Sir Alfred.
Young, around 35 years old, handsome, and always impeccably dressed.
Sir Alfred noticed the commotion near the HR Department. He saw an elderly man being dragged by security.
“What’s happening here?” Sir Alfred asked.
Ms. Karen hurried over, eager to impress.
“Sir Alfred! Sorry for the disturbance. An ex-convict applied for a job. A criminal, Sir! He killed someone! I had him removed before he could tarnish our company’s name.”
Sir Alfred looked at the applicant.
The CEO froze.
His eyes widened.
“D-Dante?” Sir Alfred whispered.
Mang Dante looked up at him.
“A-Alfred? Is that you? Totoy?”
Suddenly, Sir Alfred ran toward Dante.
“Sir! No! Don’t! He might hurt you!” Ms. Karen screamed.
But to everyone’s shock—
Sir Alfred wrapped his arms tightly around Mang Dante.
No hesitation.
No embarrassment.
The billionaire CEO hugged the ex-convict applicant with all his strength.
“Kuya Dante!” Sir Alfred cried.
“You’re alive! I’ve been looking for you for so long!”
Ms. Karen turned pale. The pen slipped from her hand.
“S-Sir? You know him?”
Sir Alfred released the hug and faced the HR Manager—and the entire office.
“Yes, I know him,” Alfred said seriously.
“When I was twenty, I was imprisoned after being framed in my father’s business. I was innocent, but I rotted in Bilibid Prison for three years before my name was cleared.”
Alfred placed his hand on Dante’s shoulder.
“In prison, I was the weakest. I was just a kid. I was beaten, my food was stolen, and I was nearly killed by a gang inside.”
He raised Dante’s hand.
“This man… Kuya Dante… was the cell’s enforcer. He stood up for me. He was stabbed multiple times just to keep others from touching me. He gave me his food rations so I wouldn’t starve. He saved my life in prison.”
Mang Dante broke down in tears.
“Totoy… Alfred… you’ve grown so big. You’re the boss now.”
Alfred turned to Ms. Karen, who was now gray with fear.
“Ms. Karen, you called him a criminal—company dirt?
If not for this man, you wouldn’t have a CEO today.”
“I-I’m sorry, Sir… I didn’t know…” Karen replied, trembling.
“Now you do,” Alfred said firmly.
“Dante, you are not maintenance staff here.”
“Sir?” Dante asked. “So… I don’t have a job?”
“You do,” Alfred smiled.
“You are hired as my Head of Security and Personal Advisor. I want you watching my back again—just like before. Your salary will be double that of a manager.”
“Thank you, Totoy… thank you!” Dante cried.
“And you, Ms. Karen,” Alfred added, turning to her.
“Because you judge people solely by their past—you are suspended indefinitely. Take time to reflect on what kind of person you are while you’re without work.”
Sir Alfred walked toward the Executive Office with Mang Dante, leaving Ms. Karen standing there—ashamed, humiliated, and filled with regret for looking down on the man to whom her boss owed his very life.