Maybe, Someday

Chapter 23

Serene's POV

The conference room was a whirlwind of papers, files, and rising tensions.

Aki paced back and forth, her frustration palpable as she rifled through receipts and financial statements scattered across the table.

The finance team was present, each member looking increasingly nervous under Aki's piercing gaze.

"Why wasn't this discrepancy caught earlier?" she shouted, her voice echoing off the walls.

"We're talking about a significant amount of money that's just... missing! How could you let this happen?"

The room fell silent, and I could see the team members shifting uncomfortably in their seats. I knew Aki was under immense pressure, but her outbursts were starting to spiral out of control.

I glanced around the table, seeing the anxious expressions of her team.

They were doing their best, but Aki's relentless criticism was only adding to the chaos.

"Aki, I think we need to take a step back," I interjected, trying to mediate before things escalated further. "They're working hard to trace the issue, and yelling isn't going to solve anything."

I should really stop calling her Aki, at least in front of others. But I couldn't help it!

She shot me a frustrated look, her eyes blazing. "I don't have time for this, Attorney! We're on the brink of a lawsuit, and I need answers now!"

I felt my own frustration bubbling to the surface. "I understand that, but you can't expect them to perform under this kind of pressure. They're trying to help you—yelling at them won't make the numbers magically appear!"

Aki's jaw tightened, and for a split second, I thought I had crossed a line. But I couldn't stand by and watch her tear into her team any longer.

"You're a great CEO, but you need to remember that they're on your side. They want to help you, but this environment isn't conducive to that."

The room was thick with tension, and I could see Aki's expression shift from anger to something softer, though it was quickly replaced by frustration again.

"You don't understand the stakes here, Ms. Montefalco! This is my family's company—our reputation! Everything we've worked for is in jeopardy!"

"And you're not the only one who has something at stake!" I shot back, my voice rising slightly.

"They're just as invested in this company as you are. If you keep treating them like this, you're going to lose their trust—and that's the last thing you need right now!"

Aki stared at me, her eyes wide with surprise and indignation.

The silence in the room felt electric, the air thick with unresolved emotions. I took a breath, trying to steady myself, but the words had already left my mouth, and I couldn't take them back.

"Maybe you should just walk out then!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger. "If you think you can do better, go ahead!"

I felt a stab of hurt at her words, but before I could respond, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

The sound echoed in the tense silence that followed.

I stood there, shocked and frustrated, as the finance team exchanged worried glances. "I'm... I'm sorry about that," I said, trying to regain my composure.

"This situation is stressful for everyone, including Aki. Let's focus on what we can do moving forward."

But even as I spoke, I felt the weight of what had just happened. I hadn't intended to confront Aki so harshly, but I knew she was pushing herself to the brink.

I also realized that I was just as upset about the situation as she was.

"Let's regroup and figure out what we know so far," I suggested, trying to redirect the energy in the room. "We need to gather all the facts before we can communicate anything to the investors."

As we began to sift through the documents again, my mind kept drifting back to Aki.

I wondered if she was okay, if she was cooling down somewhere or if she was simply more furious than ever.

I felt a pang of worry for her as well as a sense of responsibility.

After a few minutes, I decided I couldn't just let this go. I needed to check on her, to see if we could find some common ground again.

"I'll be right back," I told the team, heading toward her office.

When I reached her door, I knocked lightly, my heart pounding. "Aki? Can I come in?"

There was a pause, and then I heard her voice, muffled and strained. "Fine."

I opened the door slowly, stepping inside to find Aki sitting at her desk, her head in her hands.

The sight of her like that tugged at my heart.

"Hey," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "Can we talk?"

She looked up, her eyes red-rimmed and filled with frustration. "What's there to talk about? You literally scolded me in front of them. You sided with them."

Sided with them? Huh? Is she mad because she thought I wasn't on her side, not because I scolded her in front of her employees?

"I'm sorry. It's not like that, but Aki, you're pressuring them too much. They wouldn't be able to perform at their best if you keep inflicting fear on them." I softly said, trying to explain my side.

She didn't answer me, instead she looked away and pouted.

"Tsk. You should be on my side, not them." She whispered but since I have a good hearing, I heard that which made me somehow happy.

So, I decided to tease her.

"Are you sulking right now, Alcantara?" I teased.

She glared at me before saying, "Sulking?! Who? Me? Tsk. Why would I, huh?!"

"I just saw you pouting, and I heard what you said." I teased more.

"I don't know what you're talking about. And did you just call me Alcantara? May I remind you I'm your boss. At least show some respect." she talked back.

I went in front of her table and put my hands on top of it and leaned closer to her. "You don't want me to call you Aki, you also don't want me to call you Alcantara, okay fine. I'll just call you, baby."

That was smooth. I smirked at her.

"Not funny anymore, Montefalco." she glared at me which made me smile.

"Fine. I'm sorry again, baby. Let me make it up to you. I'll order food for us. What do you want? You haven't eaten anything yet." I bravely called her again, with that endearment.

She didn't answer so I need to try harder.

"Please?" I pleaded, showing her my puppy eyes.

I thought she's going to reject the idea but I was startled when she softly said, "I want ramen. And an ice cream too." while biting her lip.

For a second, my mind stopped functioning.

Fuck it, why does she have to bite her lip?! And I wasn't expecting her to accept my offer!

Com'on Serene! Get yourself together.

"Okay, anything my big baby wants, my big baby gets." I said with a victory smile.

She glared at me before looking away, but I saw her cheeks went red which made me giggle.

I told you all, I'm not going to give up.

After all, what her princess wants, her princess gets.

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Author's note: Last for today! Don't forget to watch the loyal pin later!