"Can you keep it between us, Kuya? I mean, there's no evidence that Zarina has harmed me before. She's right by my side and helped your team to find me; you told me that when I woke up."My brother-in-law, Mateo, snorted and nodded. "I don't plan to tell anyone else besides you. Isaih, that's the only reason he's here to report something about Zarina. He doesn't know anything, nor does Giovanni; even what happened to you before he didn't know anything."I nodded. Apart from my family and the person who planned what happened then, no one knows. They did everything to keep the truth out of the media. It's something in my favor because, at those times, I was just starting out.I was also afraid because I couldn't face the public and look back on my experience at their hands. Zarina. Can she really do that to me? Of all the people, is she really capable of doing it?I can't believe it, and I never will. We have been under the same roof for a long time, but she has never shown me any harm.
"Don't mind about what happened earlier, Amira. We both know that you work hard to have all this. You deserve this."I ignored Giovanni, who had been easing my mood. He must have noticed how quiet I was earlier.What came out of Ventura's mouth was like a dagger of truth when it hit me. A truth that woke me up. Can I really get here even without their surname, without my sister Fayra? Would I be at the top without a solid last name attached to my name?I smirked slightly in my mind. This is the very first time someone has pointed out my success, and he was able to distract my mind easily.I know my worth. I know that I did all I could to be in this place. I gave and sacrificed myself just to have this title bestowed upon me. I wouldn't be here if I didn't work hard. I may have climbed a ladder to be in this position, but I still work hard to leave a better legacy in the future."You gave blood, sweat, and tears. That Ventura just got out of his mind for pointing out the unnecessary t
"She's too far away from Francine, Amira. Why would you even let her in your company? She's a Mallari, Isaih's cousin, is that so?" "I didn't give her the position because of that, Zari. You're right, she's not even close to Francine's figure, but she's still got the skills I want. And it's not permanent; after Francine recovers from her trauma, I'll think of what place Annika should take. She can be my best asset too." "Best asset or best rival?" I stopped eating when I saw Annika trying to come close to Giovanni after Giovanni parked his car and went inside this restaurant. I look at them. Giovani's irritated face registers as he meets Annika at the entrance. In a glimpse, Annika circles her arms around Giovanni's arms and leads the way. It's been one week since I hired Annika as my temporary secretary. I reviewed her resume, even the little details she puts in it. She has a business management degree and has worked for a number of companies. She didn't even get fired once becaus
"He sounds so serious about spitting his words a while ago, Amira. You can't have any romantic relationship, because you and him are not yet over. But you already said to me that you and him parted ways three years ago. Was that true?" Isaih asked, full of confusion written in his face."Why would I even lie to anyone?" I ask back in disbelief at his question."Then why did he say those words? It sent me away to my sanity—""Forget about it, Isaih. You should think about your job. What you heard is not important, so go away, and I'll be evaluating your cousin for Francine's position in the meantime. But remember this: don't expect too much from me. I don't care if she's your relative or whatever."He let out a wide smile. "I don't care about that either. I know how you work, Amira. Do all you want and need for her; she's an applicant after all."I didn't expect what Giovanni spilled out a moment ago. He's too serious, like Isaih said. When he asks me if Isaih and I are in a relationsh
"Giovanni can't be with you for today, so I'll pass you to Zarina first, so that Isaih can watch over you together. I'm just reminding you, Amira, before eight o'clock strikes, you should be at home.""I still beat the prisoner; I really need to get back to my condo. This is not normal anymore!"I almost roll my eyes a few degrees because of the annoyance I feel now. Just now I'm going back to the office; this is what I was instructed to do right away. I can beat the teenager if I'm given time when I get home. This is insane! My every move is limited.Zarina, I don't know how they could allow that girl to do that while I can't be allowed to do what I want in my life."If Giovanni were here, I wouldn't restrict you, Mira. But like I said, he can't join you today.""I told you that I can do it. You make me look like a child, and that's really annoying. I don't care about your friend, Mateo. Isaih is already there; you don't need to give me time because you know what my state is. I run a
"I'm not lying. Stop calling me a liar, Zarina. I saw you entering the orphanage; that's why I set myself inside, but then you suddenly disappeared. Maybe I'm just hallucinating; that's why I'm asking you what you're doing or if you really went there. I noticed that you spend most of the day at the destination; it's like you don't want to go a day without setting foot there.""What if I keep going there? Do you need to know the reason? Can't you just shut up?" Zari answered sarcastically to Isaih, who had been scolding my friend."Just asking. Your head is hot right away, isn't it?""Because you're asking questions. You're a skinhead," Zari said, annoyed, before marching up the stairs.I just shook my head. I looked at Isaih, who caressed his chin, and when he felt my eyes on him, he immediately straightened up."Why are you asking what he's doing there? Can't it just be common sense?" There is a hint of sarcasm in my question."I'm just curious. The last time I was on duty and patrol