𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 4: GAME ON!

(Jaiden’s POV)

I adjusted my cuffs as I stepped into the car, the door clicking shut behind me. Silence filled the space, but I didn’t need words to understand what had happened.

“She refused,” one of them finally said.

A smirk tugged at my lips. “Of course, she did.”

“She seemed firm about it,” Jude added cautiously.

“She’ll take it,” I cut him off.

Nagtinginan lang sila, waiting for an explanation.

“Sigurado ka?” Irhon asked, a hint of doubt in his voice.

I leaned back against the seat, gaze fixed outside the tinted window.

I don’t play games I can’t win—especially when it involves something my half-brother wants.

I’ll give her the illusion of control for a while, sabihin nating three months of approval. That’s all. And if she fails?

My gaze flicked to the two men in front while the car moved steadily forward. Another vehicle followed at a close distance—security detail, though unnecessary.

If I fail, then we go with the risky plan.

— Three Days Ago —

And three days in, she was already making an impact. The Ferrer team, which had been struggling for months, showed improvement because of her.

Napangisi ako.

Just enjoy for a while, my pawn.

The day I met her, I knew she was different. Matapang. Hindi madaling pagalaw.

And I like rare things—just like her.

Castheophy Ynares.

A law graduate. Smart. Stubborn. Full of pride.

She’s the girl my half-brother wants—based on the extensive investigation I conducted.

And I’ll make sure I get the pawn he desires.

—

(Castheophy’s POV)

Maaga akong dumating sa Wench Corporation para sa unang araw ko bilang junior legal assistant. My appearance was immaculate—white blazer, black slacks, low heels. My long, waist-length hair was neatly down. Wala akong suot na alahas maliban sa isang silver wristwatch.

Sa harapan ko ay ang imposing glass facade ng kumpanya. The golden letters spelling out WENCH LAW FIRM gleamed on one side, while on the other, bold capital letters read WENCH CORPORATION.

This is it.

I stepped inside, my heels clicking softly against the polished marble floors.

Now, I could take in everything—the towering ceilings, sleek glass partitions, the crisp, professional atmosphere. Employees moved with purpose, some engaged in hushed conversations, others reviewing thick case files.

Napatingin ako sa paligid. So, this is where it all begins.

Not far from me, I overheard whispers.

“I heard Ferrer’s team has the lowest solved cases this year.”

“Yes, I heard it too. Maybe it’s because of that Senior.”

I ignored them and approached the receptionist’s desk.

“Castheophy Ynares. First day at the legal department,” I said calmly.

The receptionist, a woman in her late thirties, nodded. “You’re listed. Fourth floor. Attorney Ferrer’s team. Elevator to the right.”

“Thank you.”

I took the elevator, mind replaying the whispers. If the Ferrer team really had the lowest solved cases, then this would be interesting.

Let’s see how bad it really is.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, I walked straight to the information office, where they confirmed my assignment.

The moment I pushed the door open, organized chaos greeted me.

Employees typed furiously, others sifted through stacks of case files, while in one corner, a heated debate was underway.

I knocked lightly before stepping in, and just like that, every gaze turned to me.

Before I could speak, a woman approached and handed me a folder.

“Read this,” she said briskly.

I flipped it open. Case file. Open dispute. Pending litigation.

Mabigat na simula ‘to, auh.

Valderama vs. LRX Holdings Inc.

A case concerning breach of contract and unjust termination.

Samuel Valderama, a former high-ranking finance officer, was fired after refusing to sign off on a fraudulent financial report. The report allegedly contained fabricated profit margins to mislead shareholders. His refusal was met with immediate termination under claims of gross negligence.

Ang kaso ay may tatlong pangunahing hamon. Una, ang kakulangan ng direktang ebidensya. Walang matibay na patunay na pineke ang report—tanging salita lamang ni Valderama ang meron. Pangalawa, ang matibay na legal team ng LRX Holdings. May sapat silang resources para pahabain ang kaso at pahirapan si Valderama sa proseso. Pangatlo, ang confidentiality clauses. Nakapirma si Valderama sa isang NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement), na ginagamit ngayon ng LRX Holdings upang mapatahimik siya at pigilan siyang ibunyag ang anumang impormasyong maaaring makasira sa kanila.

Binaba ko ang folder at tiningnan ang babaeng nag-abot nito.

“What’s the progress on this?”

“Still at a standstill,” sagot niya. “LRX Holdings won’t budge, and our client is hesitant to push forward without more evidence. Attorney Ferrer expects a strategy plan before lunch.”

Napaisip ako. Kung walang direct evidence, may ibang paraan para makuha ito.

Internal witnesses. Employees who might have seen something but were too afraid to speak up.

Financial records. If LRX had been manipulating reports, there had to be inconsistencies in past data.

Leverage. If the media caught wind of this, the public backlash could push LRX into a settlement.

I checked my watch. Three hours until lunch.

More than enough time.

Tumingin ako ulit sa babae.

“I need all financial reports of LRX for the past three years, especially before Valderama’s termination. Also, records of employees who resigned in the last six months. Check for a pattern.”

Nanlaki ang mata niya. “You think there’s a bigger cover-up?”

“I think there’s a way to win this case.”

She nodded quickly and hurried away.

Huminga ako ng malalim.

First day, and I was already up against a corporate giant.

But this is exactly what I wanted—the fight, the challenge, the game.

And I don’t intend to lose.

Game on.