Seducing My Sister's Bestfriend

5. An offer you cannot refuse

"Lu...chio?" She was totally shocked at seeing the man in front of him.

"I prefer Mr. Tan, Ms. Rivera." Then he went to seat in what it seems to be his elegant office chair. She followed him and saw the name in his table.

Luchio Philip Tan - Manager.

Tan? He must have adopted the name of his step dad when his mother remarried. Alexa suddenly remembered the name Philip Tan in the invitation on Monica's wedding.

"I think it would be better if you will come forward and sit so we can talk about the deal." He said in a professional tone that seems to be coming from a stranger. She was just arguing with him an hour ago and now he was talking to her as if nothing happened. She was left frozen near the door and his commanding voice seems to direct her on what to do.

She was staggering when she approached him and sat on the office chair.

"I've read your advertising proposal for your next issue. I must say, the deal you're giving us is good. But I don't think you are catering to our market. You see, it's a women's magazine. I don't think ladies will be interested with boy toys." Despite having that professional air, Alexa still can feel the naughty side of the man upon saying the word boy toy. She seemed to be lost in her thoughts. It was hard for her to concentrate seeing him like this.

But his mocking smile, seemed to awaken the rage inside her. She won't let this man ruined her and this big deal. If he wants to play again, she will be more accommodating.

"Sorry for being rude, Mr. Tan, but aren't you being sexist with what you just said? It seems you know nothing about women today. If I must tell you, many of our readers are career oriented, independent and powerful ladies. They are making changes in our society today. They are not just the wives of men left at home to take care of the babies. Most of them are outside making a name in the society. I understand that, women are not your market, but don't you think that you are limiting your exposure by being exclusive to the male market. I would like to expand your exposure and try to engage with a wider market by considering our proposal."

Her heart was beating so fast and her hands are sweaty from what she just said. But she did not left him see how nervous she was. She must sound convincing and in authority. She will not bow down just because he is the client.

"You seems to know what you are doing." He replied.

Alexa is confused with his reply. Obviously, it is so irrelevant to what she just said. But she kept her silence and looked at him in the eye. Her stares are making her heart beat faster. But she can't lose to him or to this situation. She needs this deal.

"I'm impressed."

The nervousness seemed to ebb a little upon hearing him complimenting her. It seems surreal getting complements to a 23 year old. In the first place, being at the beg and mercy of this young man has made her uncomfortable. But this is a different situation. He is the client and she needs to get his approval to seal the deal.

"Thank you. So, would you now consider Heroine as your marketing partner?" She tried to maintain the authority in her voice.

She saw the deep thinking in his face, as if considering the whole thing. It was just a matter of seconds before he reply, but those seconds are so unbearably long.

"I have to think about this again. I'll be sending you an update."

Alexa have heard this many times before. And being in the industry for a long time, she knows that this is the client's way of saying, "No. I'm not interested with your proposal. So get out of this office."

She knows she lost it. She lost this big deal. If the situation has not involved Luchio, she would have convinced the client more and give him or her more good deals. But this is different. That is all she can give. And besides she can't possibly work with someone she banged the night at her best friend's wedding. It is just too complicated.

Without anything to say, she stood up and offered her hand for Luchio. "Thank you for your time Mr. Tan."

Luchio smiled and took her hand. It was a brief handshake, but his touch was so warm and distinct that she can still feel it even as she left the building.

Being alone in his office, Luchio can't seem to forget his encounter with Alexa. The rejections he received from her was immediately replaced with how proud he is with her now. He was happy that she became so powerful and very independent, very different from the weak and bullied young Alexa he has known. He admired her more for being a beautiful and intelligent woman she has become.

And I'm not giving up.