For the next two hours—you’re my wife! He said to the cleaner, taking her on a bet for the deal, but when she spoke—the room went silent…

How many cleaners, couriers, guards, drivers, people we don’t notice, considering them part of the interior, actually possess extraordinary abilities, intelligence, talents. But they were unlucky to be born not in that family, not in that place, not at that time. And I thought, maybe that’s the real injustice.

Not that some are richer than others, but that human potential is wasted just because we don’t know how to spot it.» Helen listened attentively, without interrupting. «Yesterday my friends made a bet with me,» Alexander continued.

«They thought my success was the result of luck, connections, starting conditions. I argued, proving that the main thing is personal qualities, character, intelligence. But after last evening, I realized we were all wrong.

Yes, personal qualities are important. But no less important is for someone to notice them and give them a chance to manifest.» He took another sip of wine.

I’m not offering you charity, Helen. I’m offering you a chance. A chance you deserve.

Whether you take it or not is up to you.» The waiter brought the appetizers. Foie gras pate with cherry confit and salmon carpaccio with truffle oil.

Helen tried the pate and involuntarily closed her eyes in pleasure. The taste was exquisite. «You’re right,» she finally said.

«And I’m grateful for this chance. But I have one condition. I’m listening,» Alexander nodded.

«No privileges. No special treatment. I want to prove I’m worthy of this position with my real actions, not your patronage.

Absolutely fair,» Alexander agreed. «Moreover, I’ll demand more from you than from others. Precisely because I’m confident in your abilities.»

Deal, Helen extended her hand, and they sealed the agreement with a handshake. The rest of the dinner passed in relaxed conversation. They talked about literature; it turned out both loved American classics.

About travels Alexander traveled a lot for work and gladly shared impressions about theater. Helen in her student years played in an amateur troupe and still followed theater premieres, though she rarely could afford tickets. With each minute, Helen was more surprised at how easily they found common topics, despite such different lives and experiences.

Alexander turned out to be an interesting conversationalist, erudite, with an unexpected sense of humor, able to listen as well as speak. When dessert was brought, apple strudel with vanilla ice cream, Alexander suddenly asked «And what do you think about working in my company? Not as a building administrator, but, for example, as an assistant to the marketing department head? I think your communication skills and analytical abilities would be more in demand there.» Helen raised her eyebrows in surprise.

This is no longer a chance, but direct patronage. Besides, I have no experience in marketing. Many of our employees had no relevant experience when they came, Alexander shrugged.

The main thing is the ability to learn quickly and enthusiasm. The rest can be taught. I’m grateful for the offer, Helen answered after a pause.

But I think it’s better to start small. Get settled in the administrator position, prove I can be useful. And then, who knows, maybe in six months I’ll apply for some vacancy in your company myself.

On general terms. Alexander smiled. Pride speaks in you.

But I respect that quality. Fine, let it be your way. Start with administrator.

When dinner came to an end, Alexander offered to escort Helen home. She first wanted to refuse. Her shared apartment in a residential area was far from the fashionable center, but then agreed.

In the car, they continued the conversation, and Helen was surprised to find she didn’t want this ride to end. At the entrance to her house, she turned to Alexander. Thank you for the evening.

And for… everything else. Thank you, he replied. For making me think about many things.

They looked at each other, and a strange tension arose between them, as if both wanted to say or do something more but didn’t dare. Until Monday. Finally, Helen said.

Until Monday, Alexander nodded. She got out of the car and, without turning, went to the entrance. Only going up to her floor and opening the apartment door did she allow herself to smile.

On Monday, Helen came to work in her new capacity. She was given a small office next to the manager’s reception, issued a uniform suit and a badge with «Floor Administrator.» Her duties were varied but not too complex—coordinate technical staff, respond to tenant requests, monitor common areas, order office supplies and other consumables.

The first days were tough. Some former cleaning colleagues looked at her with suspicion, thinking she had curried favor with management. Others, on the contrary, were happy for her and said she was always different from everyone.

Secretaries from the floor’s offices were wary, not knowing how to treat the former cleaner who suddenly got a promotion. But Helen ignored gossip and whispers. She focused on work, trying to do it as best as possible…