Mending Heart's Affliction [Phoenix Countesses: ETHEREAL MAIDENS SERIES I]

Chapter 7

The Fuentebellas

"Are you still going to your meeting with the Sy Corp. for lunch, dear? I'm asking because I want to come with you if it's okay with you."

I looked at her and smiled. "Ayaw mo bang magpahinga na lang sa bahay? You might get tired again, and Papa will worry about you."

She walked around my table and sat in front of me. The pearls around her neck and wrists shimmered as she moved.

"Your Papa can't do anything about it. Besides, Amanda and I have plans to meet today. You can join us, and afterward, we can go shopping together."

I couldn't help but grin as I stared at her. She's in her mid-50s, but she acts like a teenager. Her age doesn't show on her because she remains healthy and beautiful. Parang hindi siya nakaranas ng stress sa buong buhay niya. Paano niya nagagawa ito?

"Fine, Mom, but we'll go home right after. Kailangan ko rin kasi siyang sunduin," I replied.

The door swung open and my secretary, Pau, walked in carrying the files I had requested. She placed them on the table and bowed in front of her.

"Good morning, Madame Harper," she greeted the lady who nodded and smiled back at her.

"Good morning to you too, Paula," she replied, turning to face me. "I have to go, dear. Sasamahan ko pala ang Papa mo sa appointment niya sa mga Walton mamaya. I'll see you later before lunch."

I stood up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Take care."

Agad na nawala ang ngiti sa labi ko nang makaalis siya. Binalingan ko ng tingin si Pau na nanatiling pinapanood ako.

"What's up? Do you like your new office?" I asked her, taking a seat in my swivel chair. "I didn't expect you to be serious about what you said before, that you'd resign when I leave."

Napakamot siya sa kanyang ulo at naupo sa harapan ko. She placed the folder with my schedules for the day in front of me.

"Nasanay na kasi akong ikaw ang boss, Mam," aniya.

"But what about your job? Anong ginawa mo pagkatapos mong mag resign habang wala ka pang natatanggap na offer dito?" I asked her curiously.

"My brother owns a coffee shop. I'm doing a side job there as a barista. Wala pa naman akong sariling pamilya kaya sa akin lang lahat ng income ko. But I'm still grateful that you took me back after..." She didn't finish her sentence, hesitating to mention it.

I forced a fake smile and started focusing on my paperwork again. "It's fine, Pau. Matagal na iyon."

"I'm sorry, Ma'am Celeste. By the way, Mr. Scott is requesting an appointment today before your late lunch meeting with Sy Corp. He said it's important."

My attention shifted to Pau when I heard that name. "Scott the son? Or the father?"

"The son, Ma'am."

"I still have free time before my late lunch meeting, right? I'll call him myself. Thanks, Pau."

As soon as Paula left my office, I quickly dialed his number. He answered after just one ring.

"Celeste!" he greeted me immediately. "I had to make sure it was really you calling."

"Sira. You requested an appointment to talk to me. I still have free time right now. We can meet at the nearby coffee shop," I suggested. I could hear him chuckle.

"Actually, I'm on my way there. I'll be there in a few minutes. Hintayin mo na lang muna ako bago ka bumaba," he replied enthusiastically.

"Sure, Liam." I ended the call.