Chapter 29

SILVANA

"Is there still news about me flying about?" I asked Mr Gregory, who was standing in front of me, but my eyes were on the system I was working on.

"Yes, it seems someone got rid of them." He replied, and I nodded. I'm certain it's James' handwork.

"But...are you truly dating Mr James."

I looked up. "Huh?"

He shrugged, "I just want to confirm from you, but is it really true?" He suddenly leaned in, but I moved back. I swallowed nothing at the sight of his curious face. What should I tell him now?

He raised his brow, and I chuckled, shrugging my shoulders. "Who knows."

"Ooh, how can you say that, you – "

"About Saeja Interiors, did you set a meeting with them?" I cut in to avoid his question, but his cheerful expression fell.

"What's wrong?" I asked, and he sighed, adjusting his glasses well on his nose bridge.

"They don't want to collaborate with us. They say collaborating with us is too risky because of the recent happenings."

"What? But still – I thought things were going well."

"Same here, but I got a call from them this morning saying they can't meet with us."

An exasperated sigh escaped my lips as I listened to his words. My elbows met with the desk, and I placed my face in my palms, covering them. Why will this happen now? We have just begun constructing apartments in the lands we secured, and having Saeja interiors help with the designs of the apartments will increase our chances of purchase by residents when the time comes, because they are well known and trusted.

"Try securing a meeting with them again. We need them." Taking my elbow from the desk, I said to Mr Greg who sighed.

"I'm not sure, but I will try." He said, and turned to leave.

"Wait." I spoke up and he stopped, his brows rasing.

"How about the lady who made false claims against us?"

"Oh. She has not paid the compensation fee and our lawyer can't get through to her too.".

I let out a scoff. Is she joking with me?

"If she doesn't reply before the end of the week, hand over the case to the police."

"Okay, I will inform our lawyer."

I nodded and he walked out of the office.

Throughout the rest of the day, Mr Greg tried getting through to the CEO of Saeja Interiors, but to no avail. We decided to keep trying and if there is still no result, we would try getting through to another design company.

I left the company for the house when I was done with my work for the day, but I was surprised to see Xander's mum, Aunt Lucia, just coming out of her car.

"Aunt Lucia." I came out of the car before going over to her. "What are you doing here? I never expected you."

"I know, my uncle and I just came back to the country and I decided to come see you. Am I welcomed?" She tilted her head with a smile.

"Of course, please let's go in." I gestured towards the house and we both went in. We settled in the sitting room and Cynthia brought two cups of coffee for the both us.

I urged her to drink, which she did, and I also did the same.

She dropped the cup on the saucer after taking a sip. "I heard about your divorce, I'm sorry."

"It's nothing. I've moved on."

"I see." She gave a nod, but there was something more to it. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was hesitating.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Her eyes widened slightly and she chuckled nervously before nodding her head.

"I guess you are quick to read people."

"Maybe." I shrugged, getting impatient to hear what she had to say, though I had an idea of what it was about.

"It's about Xander," she started and I sighed, taking a sip from my coffee. I guessed right. Dropping the cup, I focused my gaze on her, and she went on.

"I'm sorry about how he handled the company. It's a big shame. He is at fault, but can you please give him another chance?"

I let out a slight chuckle, a smiling pulling to my lips. I'm glad she knows that Xander is at fault, but how can she ask me to give him another chance after everything?

"You have nothing to say?" A minute after I said nothing, but just kept staring at her, she questioned.

Nodding my head, I replied. "I really don't have anything to say. Giving Xander another chance is something I don't see doing. He almost ruined the company."

"I know, and your uncle and I are deeply sorry for that. But please give him another chance. Xander realizes his fault and he certainly would not make the same mistake."

I scoffed, though I tried hard to keep in, so I wouldn't seem disrespectful, but I just couldn't. Xander realizes nothing and will surely do the same thing.

I was about speaking when she spoke up.

"How about I make the collaboration possible with Saeja Interiors possible?"

"What?" My brows creased into a frown. How did she know about that?

Looking away from her, I scoffed once again. Like always, she came prepared. Though kind and all, this is her. She would do everything to get what she wants. Even making deals.

"How can you do that?" Even though she was cunny and all, I don't see how she would be able to make the collaboration possible, but her reply gave an answer to my question.

"I'm acquainted with them. The CEO's mother is a good friend of mine." She smiled, and I rolled my eyes. Right. She wouldn't have made that suggestion without having plans, and as much as I didn't want to heed to her offer, I needed a deal with Saeja Interiors.

"Can you really make it possible?"

"I can, but in return, bring Xander back to the company, even if it's a small position.”