Date Started: 12-15-19
Date Finished: - - -
**
"Sir, may gusto pong kuma---"
Hindi na natapos ang pahayag nito nang biglang bumukas ang pinto ng opisina. Iniluwal nito ang babaeng nakalukot ang noo at tila hindi natutuwa. Mula sa kinauupuan, iniangat ni Thaddeus ang kanyang ulo sa bisitang pumasok. He smiled, timidly.
"Could you please bring us a cup of coffee?"
Pinasadahan niya ng tingin ang kanyang sekretarya bago ito tumango at umalis. Muling nilingon nito ang bisita, "And to what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Han? I believe, you haven't scheduled an appointment. Am I supposed to entertain you?"
Agad na tumaas ang kilay ni Ms. Han sa pangungutya ni Thaddeus, "First of all, congratulations for your promotion. You did well, very well." Aniya habang inilibot ng tingin ang buong opisina.
Thaddeus frowned, "Very well. You came here to congratulate me, how thoughtful of you but I am well aware that you have something on your sleeve."
She crossed her arms, "So, is this what you get after using my client? Then, what now? You're done toying with her?"
Thaddeus leaned over his chair as he brush his hair with his fingers. Seryoso itong nakatingin kay Ms. Han ngunit hindi rin ito nagpadaig. She gave him a stern looked. He chuckled, trying to enlightened her mood.
"Take your seat first, Ms. Han. I can't let you talk about business without taking a sip of coffee." Aniya sabay turo sa bakanteng upuan gamit ang palad nito. Kumunot ang noo ni Ms. Han ngunit agad namang sumunod. Tumayo sa pagkakaupo si Thaddeus at lumipat sa harap ng kausap at kasabay nito ang pagpasok ng kanyang sekretarya dala ang mainit na kape.
Tumango si Ms. Garcia, ang sekretarya nito bago tuluyang umalis. Ms. Han took a sip and another sip of coffee, "Hmm"
"I guess, you didn't have your coffee earlier." Komento ni Thaddeus na hindi man lang ginagalaw ang kanyang kape.
"Hell, yeah. I have to come here as early as I can after I heard the breach of contract." She replied as she took another sip.
Thaddeus did not flinched, "So, you heard." Napatigil si Ms. Han sa pag-sipsip ng kape at marahas na inilapag ang tasa. Galit nitong pinasadahan ng tingin ang binata at tila nangungutya ang mga mata.
"Really, Thaddeus Ford? Is that how you react? I should know better." Nanliliit ang mga mata nitong nakatingin sa binata.
Hindi natinag si Thaddeus sa ginawa ni Ms. Han. He intertwined his fingers on his lap, "Business is business. We don't want our company's image to be associated with her scandal especially, on drugs."
Tila nagpantig ang tenga ni Ms. Han sa narinig. Her face turned red in disbelief.
Jerk!
She took a deep breathe as she tried to calm herself. Somehow, she managed to control her emotion.
"She is innocent. She was framed-up! You cannot judge her because of one mistake!" Hindi makapaniwalang bulalas ni Ms. Han sa kanya, "Besides, she was able to increase your revenue, right?"
He smirked, "I don't take sides just because I'm being biased. You know how this works, publicity matters. And in your case, people doesn't like an actress with bad reputation."
Her face contorted, "I'm working with her image right now. We are also working to find the culprit in no time."
He shrugged, "Well, if that's your claim. Go on, clear her name and we will try to settle everything."
Hindi kumbinsido si Ms. Han sa sagot ng kausap. Lalo na sa huling pahayag nitong, we will try to settle everything. Alam niyang wala itong gagawin para tumulong at lalong alam niyang wala itong pakialam.
Why would a corporate heir would bother to help my friend at the first place?
She let out a sighed in defeat, "Since the contract has been terminated, sinong papalit sa kanya?"
No one would be able to replace Aleah!
He scowled, "I believe, it's none of your business but the board seems please with Ms. Yu."
"What the? You're kidding!"
Hindi makapaniwalang saad ni Ms. Han, nakalukot ang noo nito at matalim ang titig kay Thaddeus ngunit hindi ito natitinag. Malamig na tingin lamang ang ipinukol ni Thaddeus bilang sagot.
"But whatever, it's your loss anyway." Ani Ms. Han sa boses na dismayado, "I hate to say this, but we can't pay the full amount yet but we will as soon as possible."
"Okay, we'll keep in touch." He replied nonchalantly.
Sasagot pa sana si Ms. Han nang parehong naagaw ang atensyon nila sa kumatok. It was Ms. Garcia, Thaddeus' secretary.
She smiled reassuringly, "Sir, Mr. Chairman has called your attention. He only notified me a few minutes ago."
Tumango si Thaddeus at muling ibinalik ang atensyon kay Ms. Han, "I guess, that's my cue. My secretary will escort you outside."
**
