Descubrimientos (Faye Yoko)

Part 10

Morning light filtered through the kitchen's wide windows, bathing the central island where Faye and Yoko shared breakfast. Maria had prepared freshly ground coffee that perfumed the air, accompanied by homemade pastries that rested on a white porcelain tray. The clink of cups against saucers marked a calm rhythm, contrasting with the tension that hung in the air.

"Yoko, are you sure you want to go to the office today?" Faye held her coffee cup, watching Yoko with concern. "The auditors will be there, all of your father's employees."

Yoko examined the pastries with feigned concentration, avoiding Faye's penetrating gaze. "Mmmm, sooner or later he'll find out I work with you when they go through the papers. I'm sure they'll find my name," she replied with a lightness she didn't really feel.

"You're right," Faye conceded, taking a sip of her coffee. Her eyes revealed the concern her voice tried to hide. "Then it's time for him to know that you work for me."

Yoko finally looked up, her eyes shining with determination. "If he were to say anything, I'd tell him that you offered me a job because I decided to leave home and I had no money." A wide smile lit up her face, as if she'd found the perfect solution.

Faye sighed, a mix of admiration and concern in her expression. "Everything is easy for you, isn't it?" Her words carried a tone of fondness that softened the resignation in her voice.

The Malisorn's office was bustling with activity when they arrived. The air conditioning hummed softly, mixing with the noise of printers, phones, and hurried conversations. Mountains of documents littered the desks, silent witnesses to the audit they were facing. Faye kept her posture upright, her face a mask of professional serenity that hid the storm within.

Yoko couldn't help but watch Faye as they worked. She could see the small cracks in her façade: the way her fingers drummed on the desk when something worried her, the almost imperceptible frown in her brow as she scanned the papers. It was fascinating to see how she maintained control even when everything seemed to be faltering.

When the auditors finally finished their work, Ling ushered them out with her characteristic professionalism. The silence they left behind weighed like lead.

On an impulse born of concern, Yoko approached Faye, her arms reaching out to offer comfort. But Faye recoiled, as if the contact could crack the fragile mask of control she maintained.

"Not here, Yoko. There are too many people," her voice was firm but soft, as if every word hurt her. "Remember the first rule."

The rejection hit Yoko like a cold wave. Her arms fell to her sides, confusion and pain mixing in her chest. She didn't understand that for Faye, distance was a form of protection, not only of their relationship but of both their reputations.

"I'm fine," Faye added, noticing the pain in Yoko's eyes. But the words sounded hollow, as if she didn't believe them herself.

The silence that followed was thick, heavy with unspoken words and suppressed emotions. Yoko returned to her desk, her usual energy dulled by confusion. Faye remained motionless, torn between her role as boss and her feelings.

"Yoko," Faye called, forcing herself to keep a professional tone. "What time is the press conference today?"

"In three hours," Yoko replied without looking up from her computer.

"I need you to call Ling. Bring the speech and the data for the launch of the new collection." Faye's voice was firm, taking refuge in the familiarity of orders and routine.

Yoko nodded, grateful for the distraction from a concrete task. The press conference would be crucial: the launch of the autumn-winter collection had exceeded all expectations, with record sales in just days. The collection, with its earthy tones and natural textures, had captivated both old and new customers.