Years After - Continues (Completed)

32 - Catching him in the Act

As planned, Harold is too excited to learn how much Althea trusted him. He is aware how important to keep the confidentiality of the MGOC strategic plan. But Althea is confident enough to obtain his opinion about the stratplan she drafted. It only means that his intent to gain more money through MGOC is easier in Manila than when he was in Italy.

He knows that the formula for VictoRi brand and whisky will give his much fortune and Althea will be his bridge to obtain that formula. If his plan succeeds, he is certain that he will not have a hardtime asking Althea's parent's for her hand in marriage as he have the means to give her a better life once they settledown.

In reality, he only accepts Althea's request for some space because it would give him more time to carefully plan for obtaining the formulas of the brandy and the whisky which Victor Monteiro solely formulated. Once he established a concrete plan, he will work on getting back Althea again.

He could not help but smile when a new email arrived in his inbox. The email is from Althea, thanking him for giving his input in the stratplan she drafted. Upon reading her email, Harold immediately went to Althea's office to greet her.

"Good morning," Harold greeted as soon as he enters Althea's room.

Despite being surprised at Harold's sudden show up in her office, she prefers not to negatively comment on his gestures. As much as possible, she does not want him to feel he is not welcome in her office.

"Good morning, Harold. Have you seen my email?" Althea asked while she continued tinkering on her laptop.

"I did and you are welcome." Harold said.

"You don't know how much I appreciate your help, Harold. Tomorrow I will be presenting the draft to the StratPlan Committee and your inputs really help a lot. Thank you so much." Althea said.

"I'll do anything for you, Sweet." Harold replied.

"My Dad Daniel will be out for lunch with the President. Would you like to join me later for lunch? It will be my treat," Althea asked and she sees how Harold's face lightens up.

"I would love that. This will be the first time we will dine at lunchtime." Harold said.

"Great, I will ask Alice to book a reservation for us." Althea said.

"I got to get back to work now and I'll just see you later at lunchtime." Harold said.

"All right, I'll call you if I am ready to go." Althea replied before Harold leaves.

As soon as Harold left her office, Althea opens the file sent to her by Harold containing his comments on the draft of the stratplan. She shook her head while re-reading Harold's comments on the draft. She is actually expecting more than what she is seeing now. Technically, Harold only agrees on what is written in the draft and jot down a very few and irrelevant inputs in it.

Her invitation to Harold over lunch is part of her plan. She does not want him to feel that she is distancing herself from him. She has to keep him closer to her so she could carefully monitor him.

It is half an hour before lunchtime when Alice came into her office with a bouquet of flowers. "These are beautiful flowers, Althea. Thirdy, really has good taste." Alice commented.

"Wow, ang ganda naman nito." Althea commented while accepting the flowers from Alice. She immediately read the card and got a bit sad after reading it. "He's inviting me for lunch." She said.

Alice smiles and asked, "Would you like me cancel your lunch reservation with Harold?"

"No need for that Tita Alice. I'll just call Thirdy to turndown his invitation." Althea replied.