A Game with Kismet | Suarez II

Chapter 42

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Suarez."

I bowed my head as a sign of respect to them. Even if they are not the kindest people, they still shouldered all my expenses back in college. Sila rin ang dahilan kung bakit nabigyan pa ng tiyansa si Mama na lumaban at magpa-chemotherapy. Iyon ang palagi kong naiisip sa tuwing makikita sila.

Tumayo ang dalawa para bumati pabalik. "Have a seat with us." Imbita ni Sir Don sa akin.

I am not intimidated with his aura anymore. Maybe because I was trained enough in my work. Humarap na ako ng kriminal na pumatay ng higit sa limang biktima, kumausap ng nalulong sa droga, nagtanong sa mga pinuno ng sindikato. For real, iilang bagay na lang ang kinatatakutan ko ngayon.

"Will you sue me?" tanong ko sa mag-asawa. Pinaunlakan ko ang imbitasyon nila sa pribado at mamahaling restaurant na ito na alam kung ano ang sasabihin nila. "I will pay all the expenses you wasted on me."

"Anim na milyon, kaya kong bayaran hanggang pitong milyon." I made an offer. Ganoon din naman, kung kakasuhan nila ako ay magpipiyansa ako.

I was so serious but they looked clueless. Nagkatinginan silang dalawa at tila parehong nangangapa ng kalinawan.

"Alam niyo na nagkikita kami ni Rad," sambit ko.

"You're seeing my son?" si Talitha.

Gumuhit ng tatlong linya ang noo ko. "Hindi po ba iyon ang dahilan kung bakit gusto niyo akong makita?"

Umarko ang kilay ni Talitha. Damn it. I should've kept my mouth shut. Mali ba ang galaw ko?

"That's not the reason we invited you here, Ammy," ani babae. "But thank you for biting your tongue."

"You can afford to pay us," si Sir Don. "Good for you, you cultivated the right land where you know you will grow. I'm glad you mentioned what you owe from us." Ngumisi ang matandang lalaki. "Ibang bayad ang gusto namin matanggap mula sa 'yo."

Hindi ko gusto ang ganitong konsepto kaya umigting ang bagang ko. "Get straight to the point, Mr. Suarez."

"Sino ang gagong bumulong sa 'yo ng kasinungalingan tungkol sa kompanya namin?"

"It was you who engaged with that liar, right?"

Paano ko nga naman nagawang kalimutan na may kinakaharap silang alegasyon ngayon? Iyon ang ipinunta ko rito at hindi ang tungkol sa utang ko o kay Rad.

"I cannot disclose the identity of the person for its protection. But if you wish to deny the allegations against abuse and prostitution in your company, the best thing you can do is to allow the authority to investigate your business." Nandito ako para sa trababo, kaya pormal ko silang tinugunan.

"That's the reason why we are here," si Talitha. "Since you have taken his statement and it was shared with public, we want to have the same opportunity to clear our names."

I nodded. "Are you good with a media interview?"

"I beg your pardon?" Humalaklak si Sir Don. "We've been exposed to media since then, hija."

"At hindi lahat sa magandang dahilan, Sir. Huwag kayong magmayabang," ani ko. "If you wish to have an interview, then we can set one. You have the right to explain yourself—on behalf of your company and your family. I can ask the best journalist I know to accompany you."

"Ikaw ang gusto ko," mabilis na saad ni Sir Don. "I want you to interview us. Balita ko ay wala kang inaatrasan. I am sure you won't let your personal life meddle with your work."

I smirked. Is he trying to gaslight me? "Kayo lang naman po ang inintindi ko. Sa pagkakatanda ko ay ayaw niyo sa mga babae dahil emosyonal kami. Are you sure you want a woman to work with you this time? Marami akong kakilala na lalaki at magagaling din. Baka mas matipuhan ninyo."