Chapter 4: Are You Lost?

Bella..

"Good morning, since the marketing department is not yet seated, just like some of our colleagues here, I believe you are from the Marketing Department, otherwise, you would not step in  the conference room if you have no business here.." I blinked repeatedly as I heard him talk. It was really him, the accent, the smirked  of his sensuous mouth last night that-- I furiously shake my head. 

"Miss?" He boringly called. "Are you lost?" He knitted his brow as she  regarded me from head to toe. I'm sure I was blushing now as I saw  the mischief on his eyes as he scanned my body thoroughly. My breathing accelerated as I  saw him bit his lips. 

"What are you doing?" I almost jump as I heard Val behind me. "Bakit ka ba naging estatwa riyan, p*****a ka talaga, napapahiya na tayo rito!" Val whispered to me, clearly annoyed. She pushed me forward and I slowly walked with him.

I ignored the murmurs that I heard inside the room. mariin nila akong sinulyapan, looking at me as I am one of the laughing stock here in the room.  Why it has to be him? I asked repeatedly, hindi ko pinansin ang mga empleyado sa loob.

Sinong tuhod ang hindi mangangatog na makita mo ang kaulayaw mo sa kama ay big boss ng kumpanya. Oh, my God! This is a catastrophe! Ito na ba ang katapusan ng karera ko? What will happen to me now? Ano na  lang ang ipalalamon ko sa mga tamad kong kapatid at sa  ama kong maysakit kapag nawalan ako ng trabaho. Is Mr Blackwood going to fire me? I was nervous  and frightened inside. 

"Good Morning, Mr Blackwood.  Miss  Cruz  here is one of the Marketing strategist, she is the incharge of the presentation  today. I'm sorry, kung medyo distracted siya--"

 "I know why she was distracted.." Mr Blackwood concietedly  replied. I dropped my jaw in shock. Was this b*stard going to expose me? I nervously clenched my hand  as I held the laptop  firmly. 

I heard whispered and the confusion eye of my Manager seems to ask me what did I do. 

"Please be seated.." the jerk said, amusement was dancing in his eyes. I know he was teasing me or worse, mocking me! 

"Siguro na di-distract ang  marketing  strategist mo, Mr. Asuncion dahil nakikita niya na okupado na ang  mga upuan and she will have to seat next to me. Tama ba ako, Miss Cruz." His gaze and the way he called my name reminds me of the wild night. I felt hot flashes spread over my entire body. I felt my knees buckle again even though I am sitting now.  I swallowed and I felt that my voice muffled  in my throat. 

This is too much! Hindi ko na matantiya ang kaba na aking naramdaman. If this jerk  standing in front of me is going to expose me, hindi ako papayag na hindi man lang makaganti sa kaniyang ginawang pagtago sa aking damit, reason kung bakit na late  ako  ngayong umaga. 

"Oh, no..Mr Blackwood,sir. Is it my pleasure actually to meet you and see you in person, and I am thankful that I am sitting  next to you, this is quite a priveledge to be sitting beside you. Para marinig ko naman ng malinaw  sakaling may puna ka sa  presentation ko mamaya, or perhaps, you want me to start now?" I quickly glanced away and turned my gaze to my laptop as I saw his surprise reaction. 

"I'm gonna kill you,mamaya, bruhilda ka! Lintek ka talaga sa akin mamaya." Kinurot ni Val ang aking hita habang bumulong siya sa akin kung kaya napaigtad ako. 

"Hmm, I like you, Miss Cruz right?" My panty almost dropped as  he blurted out my name. The way he called me is so f*cking sexy, hindi ba siya nahihiya na kaharap namin ang mga Senior Manager ng kumpanya?  

"Okay,  ang mga katulad na ugali ni Miss Cruz ang kailangan ng kumpanya. Iyong precise, direct to the point at nagmamadali.."  he eyed me and chuckled. "Lamang huwag nating pamarisan ang mga empleyado na late kung pumasok sa trabaho at late din sa meeting." Mariin niyang sabi. Without smiling, he started the meeting. 

"Good morning, everyone. As you read the memo, I am now the newly appointed CEO of SBS Investment Corporation. My drive is the progress of the company, and I want to assure you that my efforts are focused on making this company a place where everyone can thrive. However, don't mistake my commitment to creating a positive and supportive work environment for a lack of expectations. I expect everyone to maintain high standards of productivity and performance. Let's work together to achieve  our goals while fostering a friendly and collaborative zone that benefits everyone."

"Let us proceed to your presentation Miss Cruz, as you know, given my background as the son of the former CEO, Mr. Jacob Blackwood, I'm committed to building on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Serafin Blackwood. Our shared goal is to drive growth and profitability for SBS Investment Corporation.

Today, I'd like to review the current marketing strategy and explore ways to enhance it. Your team's expertise is crucial in helping us achieve our objectives and increase profits. Could you please present your current strategy, highlighting key initiatives, challenges, and opportunities for growth? I'm looking forward to hearing your insights and working together to take our marketing efforts to the next level." Matalim na tinitigan ako ng CEO. 

 Kung pwede lang sana akong maglaho na parang bula o matunaw na parang ice cream, sana mangyari nga iyon. But I just couldn't freeze and remain seated while gasping for air as I thought  about last night. Perhaps, Val was right, kapag natikman mo ang s*x hahanap hanapin mo! Bull, get a grip of yourself, Bella Cruz nakakahiya ka! 

I stood up and went to the  podium. Hindi ko na alintana ang pangangatog ng aking tuhod at ang pagbagal  ng aking  hininga ng sa ilalim ng aking pilik- mata ay nakita ko  na sinusundan  niya ang bawat galaw ko. 

"Thank you, Mr Blackwood. " I quickly nodded at him and hurriedly glanced away. Nakatingin na ako sa sliding visuals ng screen habang ina adjust ko ang laptop, I know right, nanginginig ang aking kamay at siguro naririnig niya ang tibok ng aking puso. But here we go..

"As the marketing strategist and based on our current market analysis and customer insights, I'd like to share the following key strategies to drive crucial profit growth for the company:

1.) Digital Transformation --  Enhance our online presence through optimized website design, SEO, and targeted digital advertising to reach a wider audience.

2.) Customer-Centric Approach -- Develop personalized marketing campaigns and loyalty programs to increase customer retention and encourage repeat business.

3.) Data-Driven Decision Making--  Leverage data analytics to track key performance indicators, identify trends, and inform marketing decisions.

4.) Innovative Product/Service Offerings-- Continuously monitor market trends and customer needs to develop new products or services that meet emerging demands.

5.) Strategic Partnerships-- Collaborate with complementary businesses to expand our reach, improve brand visibility, and drive revenue growth.

By implementing these strategies, I believe we can increase our market share, drive revenue growth, and ultimately achieve our profit goals. I'd be happy to elaborate on each point and discuss implementation plans."

I watched as the arrogant CEO dropped his jaw. I'm sorry-- Mr. Alexander Blackwood, matindi ang pangangailangan ni Bella Cruz, I looked at him in a confidential manner.