I JUST finished checking the minutes of this morning's board meeting when my phone vibrated from the pocket of my coat.
My lips parted a little when I saw who was calling.
"Hello, baba?" I said when I picked up his call.
"Charity, my dear." A smile tugged my lips as I heard my father's familiar sweet voice on the other end of the line. "It's nice to hear your voice. How are you doing, hija?"
"I'm doing good, baba," I answered, my eyes went to the screen on my laptop when a notification popped up there. It was a message from Sandy asking me if we're going to get lunch together. I typed in my reply using my other hand.
"That's good to know. I'm just asking because you haven't sent any photos of your vacation."
"Oh…" I bit my lower lip. Dad asked me to update him with my vacation here in the Philippines. But how could I send him photos when I haven't even left Manila? "Of course, Baba. I'll send them to you later." It's a good thing Mariel and I went to Tagaytay last week just before I started working here at VGC. I have a couple of pictures I could send to Dad later.
I'm so sorry for lying, Baba.
"Alright. I'll go ahead now," Dad said. "I have a business meeting with Lukas and your Uncle Theron. I just wanted to check on you, kori."
"Don't worry, baba. I'm doing fine." I said with a softer voice. Dad's really sweet. During my first few years in Greece, he was very protective of me. "I'll see you soon, okay?"
"I'd look forward to that. Se agapo, kori mou."
"I love you, too. Please take care of yourself." I was smiling wide as I put down my phone. But then the smile on my face froze when I noticed Xander was standing away from me. Shit. How long has he been standing there?
"S-sir?" I muttered as I put down my phone on my desk.
Xander cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you." He glanced at the phone on my table before his eyes went back to me. "Boyfriend?"
Boyfriend? My chest calmed down when I realized what he meant. He didn't hear my entire conversation with Dad.
"Uh…no, Sir. Just a friend." I smiled at him.
He nodded at me before glancing at his wrist watch. "I have a luncheon meeting with the President of YGM Builders, right?"
I quickly checked his calendar. "Yes, Sir. I made the reservation at Izakaya Kikufuji."
"You mentioned that you can speak Nihonggo, right?"
I blinked. "Yes, Sir." Aside from Greek and Italian, I also became fluent in Nihongo. I remembered I put it down in my CV but I didn't expect him to take notice of that.
He pursed his lips. "Is it fine if I bring you to my meeting with Mr. Nakamura, Charity?"
My lips slightly parted. "I mean, use me as an interpreter?"
"Well, only if it's okay with you."
We're going to have lunch together with a client? That means I'd be sharing a table with Xander, right?
"Of course, Sir," I answered. But then I cleared my throat when I realized I sounded too enthusiastic. "I mean, you're my boss."
"No. It's not part of your job, Charity. I'm just asking you a favor," he replied. "You can refuse if you already have plans for lunch. Besides, it's not like Mr. Nakamura can't speak basic english."
"It's okay, Sir." I said. As if I'd let this chance to be with him pass. "I have no other plans for lunch."
Sorry, Sandy. I guessed I won't be having lunch with you today.
Xander smiled. "Alright. Gather your things. We'll leave in fifteen minutes."
The old man shot me another sensual look before he turned to Xander.
"You have a beautiful secretary, Mr. Madrigal. I can't blame you if you always bring her to your meetings." Mr. Ventura glanced at me and smiled. "If I have a secretary like her, I would gladly bring her everywhere I go."
"Let's just stick to business, Mr. Ventura," Xander answered in a serious voice. "I believe my secretary is none of your concern."
Mr. Ventura cleared his throat and finally looked away from me.
"Come on, Charity." Xander said as he motioned for me to sit. I pursed my lips as I took a seat next to him. Mr. Nakamura was not here… so I guessed I was not needed in this meeting.
"Sir, should I take down notes?" I asked Xander in a small voice. I glanced at Mr. Ventura who was busy talking to the waiter.
Xander leaned in to me. His shoulders aost brushed my arm. Shit. I fought myself not to close my eyes when his cologne hit my nose.
"No." He smiled at me. "Just enjoy this lunch, Charity."
I bit my lip as I picked up the menu in front of me.
Xander and Mr. Ventura talked about business while eating. I silently listened to their conversation. A small frown formed on my forehead when I noticed how Mr. Ventura glanced at me from time to time while they were talking.
"Excuse me."
In the middle of the meeting, Xander's phone rang. "Would you mind if I take this call?"
"Sure," Mr. Ventura nodded. "No problem."
Xander stood up and left the private room. I was left alone with Mr. Ventura.
Even if I was not fond of Japanese food, I pretended to be busy with the food in front of me. I picked up a piece of California Maki, dipped it in the soy sauce in front of me, and brought it to my mouth.
"Charity, right?"
I dabbed the tissue on the corner of my lips and was forced to look at the man in front of me.
"How long have you been Villarama's secretary?"
"Uh… I was just recently hired, Sir," I politely answered.
The old man smiled as he stared at my face. "Well… if you're no longer happy working for him, you just come to me, sweetheart. I can offer you a much higher paying job."
I almost shiver in the way he called me sweetheart. This sick old man. If I was not here as Xander's secretary, I'd already poured the glass of water in front of me to this disgusting man.
He gave me a malicious smile. I wanted to shoot daggers at him but I forced myself to remain calm.
Instead, I just smiled at him. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Ventura. But I'm very much satisfied with my job, Sir."
He cocked his brow. "Why? Is Villarama really good in bed?"
My lips parted. What the hell? I cleared my throat. "Excuse, Sir. Mr. Villarama and I have a strictly professional relationship." This time, I didn't bother to hide the frown on my face.
"Professional?" he asked in a mocking tone. "I know the likes of him, Miss. He likes beautiful women just like you. I'm sure part of your job is to warm his bed."
I put down my chopsticks and stood up from my seat. I clenched my fist as I averted my gaze. I might slap the old man if he continued talking to me.
"E-excuse me. I need to go to the restroom."
But before I could take a step, I felt his hand on my wrist. "Come on, Miss Charity. I'm not done talking to you."
"Don't touch me, asshole." I gritted my teeth as I removed his filthy hand on my skin. This time, I gave him a disgusting look.
"What did you just say to me?"
"You're a disgusting asshole," I muttered straight to his face.
"What's happening here?"