Tied to a Cervantes

Chapter 20

Abrianna

I thought we'll talk in the conference room like what Dylan has said earlier but he led me to his office instead. I didn't say anything and just silently followed him. His secretary greeted us when we reached his office.

"How did your meeting with Mrs. De Vega go?" He sat on his swivel chair while I settled across him. I can see from his window na malakas pa rin ang ulan and it seemed like it will last until tomorrow. He was still looking at me with a blank face.

I gently cleared my throat before answering. "She didn't sign." I wasn't expecting a violent reaction from him but I was hoping to see atleast a tiny change of reaction on his face but none appeared. He just slowly nodded while leaning against his chair like I didn't say something disturbing which made me wonder. Hindi man lang ba siya magtataka kung bakit?

"So, what's your plan? I presume you're not gonna sit down and just let it slide, Ms. Galvez." I mentally rolled my eyes at his formality. Is this what we're gonna discuss? Because I highly doubt so.

He crossed his fingers then swung his swivel chair. Despite that casual movement,  his eyes never left me. I can see that he was carefully watching me. I really have no clue what he was trying to play because I sometimes can't quickly comprehend him but I intend to play along. It's the only way to grasp what he was up to.

I crossed my legs. "Well, since Mrs. De Vega withdrew,  I'll establish a partnership with Mr. Lopez. He's more than willing to take part." It's not really the plan. Not even what I decided to do but it was a choice I'll be making once I see him totally qualified to be our partner. Though Mr. Lopez showed interest becuase he emailed me a week ago even after knowing that we'll stick with Mrs. De Vega, it is still not enough. I need to weigh and assess this uncalled change before finally agreeing to him.

"The board wants Mr. De Vega may I just remind you."

"Of course." I am perfectly aware because I myself rooted for her. But look where it led us. "Unfortunately, the person they want happened to reject us. So,  it's just right to look for someone who's better and willing, don't you think? " I again remember Mrs. De Vega's statement. Tsk. That woman.

"Do you have any single idea how important she is in this project, Abrianna?" I boringly stared at him. The heck is that kind of question. "That is not even a question, Dylan.  She's the one who no longer wants to take part in it. How do you want me to respond?" A stain of sarcasm dripping down from my tongue.

"Probably, persuade her more and not just give up."

I scoffed. Kiss my ass, I won't persuade her. "She's the one who gave up so easily so why would I go after her? Ni ayaw niya ngang basahin ang contract or i-scan man lang. Do you expect me to push the damn contract down her throat? Course not. You know me Dylan, I hate persuading a person."

Dylan sighed and it was definitely a sigh of frustration. Hindi ko tuloy mapigiling mapairap. "Why are you so frustrated about it? It's not like she's the only person who is damn capable of meeting our needs." Can't he just accept the fact that that woman is so damn afraid of losing and is so threated with my paternal blood and marital status so she backed out?

He cussed softly then glanced at me. "You really don't get it, do you?"

I rolled my eyes.  "Then explain, Dylan. Isn't that the reason why you insist this private meeting?"

That was a bait. I can feel it. There is more to this meeting. What we are talking is just an opening door. I just need to squeeze that information from him.

Magsasalita na sana siya nang biglang bumukas ang pintuan. There it revealed an unexpected visitor,  but not totally. Pareho kaming napatingin ni Dylan sa bagong dating.