Before You Lost (Casimiro Series #1)

PROLOGUE

"That is all." Sambit ni Engineer na ngayo'y inaayos na ang kanyang tie.

I sighed, trying to process the new plan he discussed. Kinuha ko ang folder na nakapatong sa table na nasa harapan ko at binuklat iyon. It holds the information and main points of the presentation. Unfortunately, our business is facing a hard time at the moment. We needed to evaluate the situation on the accident that happened when we were rehabilitating the Arts Center.

"Oh!", The engineer blurted out of nowhere, "I forgot about my proposal."

Half of the people inside the room laughed, including me. A sudden change of reaction from a serious engineer is indeed hilarious. It rarely happens. Ha! It was nice, trying to brush off stress even for a bit. I can't believe laughing helped.

"Mukhang marami kang iniisip ah, Engineer." Pang-aasar ni Architect Phoebe, who is seating two seats away from me.

He sighed in exasperation.

"I apologize".

"We need to purchase new materials in rebuilding the destroyed portion of the Arts Center."

Nilipat ng assistant ang slide. Restoration. That's the title of the proposal.

"Bella, can you pass the files?", Utos niya sa assistant.

The assistant took the files and gave one to each of us. I immediately opened it to read its content. I tried to familiarize myself with the plan, remembering only important details. I took a piece of paper and wrote my analysis regarding its logistics. After a few seconds of calculating, I realized that the plan will do well.

I smirked.

The engineer gave me a look on the eye, asking permission if he can continue.

"Continue." I said.

"Next slide, please." Utos niya sa assistant.

"I plan to change the materials needed to maximize the efficiency of construction and to ease the process of rebuilding the Center." He said.

"And how can you be sure that if you change the materials in rebuilding, nothing like the previous accident will happen?" Gael asked.

Napahawak ako sa aking sentido. I figured he didn't read the file. If he did, he would've known the answer.

"I'm pretty sure it won't." The engineer answered.

Gael raised his eyebrow, "How can you say so?"

"I know because I'm an engineer." The engineer answered with confidence, "It's my job."

The tension between the two kept the room in silence. My eyes scanned the room, some are busy reading the file's contents. That's why they're quiet. They didn't really pay attention to those twos argument.

The two continued exchanging glares. I can tell that they're both annoyed with each other's presence. Is there something wrong between them?

"That doesn't prove anything." Gael talked back with a different tone, hinting his annoyance.

"Want me to run the numbers for you?" The engineer teased.