The Four People Who Read Minds

Chapter 17

XVII – Her Mind

Isabelle Cruz,

CEO, 26

I signed to the contract Carlos had been requesting. Eto na 'yung kapalit na hinihingi niya just so he would keep his hands off Eric—ang magkaroon ng joint venture with a government agency na hawak ni Karmen Obando.

Of course our company would also benefit from it, but definitely she will benefit more with the commission.

"So babe, don't you think we can already plan our future through this?" Tanong niya.

Inayos ko ang mga papel sa lamesa ko at pumwesto sa kabila para lumayo ng kaunti. "It never crossed my mind to plan my future with you, Carlos."

"Well it's time that you think of it, sweetheart."

Umiling lamang ako at iniwan siya sa loob ng office. Bukas na ang dating ni Ms. Olivia Zablan kaya magra-rounds ako ngayon sa mga department. I just can't afford to fail her, so I have to make sure everything is okay.

"Eve, kumusta 'yung location shoot tomorrow? Ready na ba 'yung mga tao mo?"

Pagkakita palang niya sa'kin, nanginginig na siya. What's going on in her mind? I can't even read dahil sa nagkahalo-halo na. I really have no idea why she's so afraid of me. She's actually doing well, knowing na mabigat ang responsibilidad ang maging head ng marketing.

"Okay na po Ma'am. We're all set for Zambales tomorrow. May konting revisions lang po sa script, pero minimal lang naman."

Some people look smart and bright on the outside but deep inside, they're very much nervous. But I think such trait is commendable. Pinapakita lang nito kung paano maging professional.

"Good. Baka kasi maisipan ni Ms. Zablan na pumunta so at least we're ready."

Dumeretso ako sa production team at nakasalubong si Airra. Ugh, just how I hate her. I understand na fashion design graduate siya kaya medyo iba 'yung pananamit niya. Pero kung maka-flaunt naman kasi ng legs niya sa sobrang ikli ng skirt—and to think that she has her eyes on Eric!

"Good morning, Ma'am!" Bati nito habang hawak-hawak ang dalawang kape. Agad ko siyang hinarang. Balak niya kasing ibigay 'to kay Eric.

"This is so kind of you Airra," malumanay kong sabi at kinuha ang isang kape. "I love my coffee brewed and hot."

"Ah actually Ma'am,"

"Oh wait, someone's calling me." Sinagot ko ang tawag from the information desk. May naghahanap daw sa'king reporter—David Austria. Sumenyas lamang ako kay Airra at hindi na binasa kung ano pa'ng nasa isip niya.

I feel so bad for her, but sorry, love isn't supposed to be shared.

"Isa? Saan ka pupunta this time?" Tanong naman ni Carlos at sumabay na sa'kin sa elevator.

"Call me Ms. Cruz. I'm your boss, don't you ever forget that."

"All right, Ms. Cruz."

Napapansin na siguro niya ang mga pag-iwas at pambabara ko sa kanya. Ayoko na lang isipin ng mga tao na I'm Carlos' pet tulad ng sinabi sa'kin ni Eric.

"May imimeet lang akong reporter." Kaunting lakad lang pagbaba ng elevator ay nakita ko na si David. "There he is."

"Ms. Cruz, I need to talk to you," Seryoso niyang sabi.

Ramdam kong hindi dapat marinig ni Carlos ang pag-uusapan naming kaya kami na lang ang pumuntA sa cafeteria. "So, what do you have to tell me?"

"I need documents about Karmen Obando. Madami akong sources na nagsasabing dati siyang shareholder dito, and just recently she has been requesting for a joint venture."

"Mr. Austria, I would never risk my company."

"Then would you rather risk the country?" Paghahamon niya, "Would you rather let the people go blind by her lies? She has a mob of supporters kasi walang gustong magsiwalat ng baho niya."

"Businesswoman ako. Hindi bayani." Ayoko nang pakialaman ang babaeng 'yon. Ayokong ma-involve sa kanya. Sadyang napilitan lang akong pumirma ng kontrata. "At wala kang makukuhang sapat na impormasyon dito. Lahat ng transactions niya are under dummy accounts."

"That's enough information." Sabi niya at agad na ni-note ito. "I promise your anonymity. Just give me copies of the documents."

"No."

"What will I have to do for you to help me?" He asked, and then continued, "Is she your mother? Kaya ba ganyan ka-iwas sa pangalan niya?"

"Stop doing background check on me. I don't ever want to get involved with her. She's a cruel witch I must never come across again."

"Then you're no different if you keep this information from our country. Hindi mo ba naiisip na gamitin etong kakayanan nating makabasa ng isip ng ibang tao para sa ikabubuti ng bayan?"

"Sorry if I am being selfish. But life has also been selfish to me too. Whatever happens, happens. We don't share the same dream, Mr. Austria. Excuse me." Tumayo na 'ko at lumakad paalis.

"Isabelle, wait." Napahinto ako sa pagtawag niya sa pangalan ko. Is he trying to get close to me now?

"Kung natatandaan mo man, you were the one who told me to be a journalist," Sabi niya, "nu'ng mga bata pa tayo, sa orphanage. Ang sabi mo, I look like a trustworthy person who can save anyone. I hope you can also trust me this time."

"I'm sorry," hinarap ko siya at sinabing, "pero wala akong alam sa sinasabi mo."