Chapter 4: Stitched in Scandal

Cailin's POV

I stepped into the Mirano Headquarters wearing a structured power suit in midnight navy double-crepe—the kind of fabric that doesn't just hold its shape, it demands respect. My hair was pulled back into a sleek low bun, while my makeup looked effortlessly expensive. Malinis ang pagkaka-blend ng base ko, paired with a thin, sharp eyeliner that gave me a fierce, lethal gaze. My skin glowed like I’d never seen a deadline in my life.

In short, I looked like a woman who could buy the whole building, even if my bank account was currently crying for mercy.

"I’m here to see Mr. Ellezar Mirano. Tell him I have his pen," sabi ko sa receptionist, my voice steady. Ginamit ko na agad ang maternity leave ko in advance so I could proceed with my plan. Bahala na ang HR kung anong idadahilan ko, basta kailangan kong ma-secure ang "financer" ko bago pa lumaki ang tiyan ko at lumiit ang pasensya ko.

Nanlaki ang mata ng babae. Siguro ay hindi siya makapaniwala na may isang 'estranghera' na nakahawak sa personal na gamit ng boss niya. Seconds later, I was being ushered into the penthouse office.

Ellezar was exactly as the tabloids described: sharp features, eyes as cold as a frozen lake, framed by thick lashes na unfair para sa isang lalaki. He was wearing a bespoke charcoal suit with a silk tie in a perfect Windsor knot. Looking at him, he didn't look like a man who would lose control in an underground suite. He looked like a god who found humanity a bit too exhausting for his schedule.

"You have five minutes, Ms. Relova. Make it worth the billable hours," he said without looking up from his tablet.

Cold. Industrial. Professional.

Did I even flinch? Of course not! I’ve dealt with stricter creative directors.

I stepped forward and placed the ballpen with the medical results I got on his mahogany desk.

"I think this is worth more than five minutes, Mr. Mirano. One night, and now I’m carrying the potential heir to your empire."

The air in the room turned sub-zero. Ibinaba niya ang tablet at dahan-dahang tumingin sa resulta, pagkatapos ay sa akin. For a split second, I saw a flicker of something—recognition? O baka nagka-calculate lang siya kung kailangan na ba niyang mag-hire ng assassin?

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

"Sustento," I replied, crossing my legs. Umupo na ako nang kusa dahil ang tagal niyang tinitigan ang papel. My Saint Laurent heels clicked against the floor, a sound of pure confidence.

He leaned back, scanning me like I was a faulty garment. "Are you sure... that I am the father?"

I laughed, a sharp, elegant sound. "Kung hindi ka naniniwala, then might as well do a DNA Test. Specifically, the Non-invasive Pre-Natal Paternity Test. We just need my blood and a cheek swab from you."

Hindi ako nag-stutter. I might be a social climber in his eyes, but I am an educated one.

"At paano kung hindi akin 'yan?" he challenged, his eyes narrowing.

Dahil segurista ang lolo niyo, inilabas ko ang black card na iniwan niya sa hotel room. I played with it between my fingers, letting the gold chip catch the light. "If not... then I will return this to you."

Nagkuyom ang kamao niya. I knew it. Malakas ang alas ko dahil ang card na ito ang ebidensya na magkasama kami noong gabing iyon. Hindi ako papayag na wala akong makukuha rito. Hello? Magpapalaki ako ng bata!

"Fine. You’ll have money in that card. But you have to keep this matter strictly confidential." Puno ng awtoridad ang babala niya. Para bang may nakatutok na baril sa sintido ko. One wrong move of spilling this tea and it's game over for me.

"No problem. Hindi mo kailangang magpakatatay. Kahit hindi ka magpakita sa amin, wala akong pakialam," I said, channeling my inner unbothered bitch.

"I will use my surname for the child para hindi marumihan ang pangalan mo. It would be a scandal on your end, and I’m not stupid enough to ignore that."

I gave him the assurance he wanted. He’s a businessman so he wants to minimize risks.

May ginawa kaming contract on the spot. Ang mahalagang parte rito ay buwan-buwan niya akong bibigyan ng isang daang libong piso. Naliliitan pa ako rito, considering I just spent a million in a month pero isinantabi ko muna ang greediness ko. I need him compliant for now.

"I will hire someone to track your progress and prepare for the tests. Eight weeks should be enough to verify your claim," he said, dismissed me without another look.

Tumayo na ako matapos pumirma. Pinicturan ko ang kontrata gamit ang phone ko. Mahirap na, baka dayain ako ng "Ice King" na ito. I will surely sue him if he tries to pull a fast one.

"Works for me. That would be all. Thank you!"

Masaya akong lumabas ng opisina niya, rumarampa sa hallway habang ramdam ang mga tingin ng mga empleyado niya. I didn't mind them. I felt like a queen who just secured her throne.

Pagkalabas ko ng lobby, agad kong kinuha ang phone ko. My hands were slightly shaking, not from fear, but from the sheer adrenaline of successfully blackmailing a billionaire. I dialed Emarie’s number while waiting for my Grab Premium.

"Oh, buhay ka pa?" bungad ni Emarie. Rinig ko ang paghigop niya ng kape sa kabilang linya.

I leaned against a marble pillar, making sure my posture was still perfect. "I just walked out of his penthouse with a signed contract and a hundred-thousand-peso monthly retainer. Buntis kasi ako."

"P*****a!" Nasamid si Emarie. "Seryoso? Isang daang libo? Isang gabi lang 'yun, Cailin! Ano 'yan, gold-plated ang matris mo?"

Natawa ako nang mahina, a sharp contrast to the cold business persona I just wore inside. "It’s not just about the night, Emarie. It’s about the brand. He’s paying for silence and the 'Mirano' peace of mind."

"And you agreed? Girl, that's huge! Pero teka, hindi ka ba natatakot? Ice King 'yan. Baka sa susunod na buwan, imbes na pera ay death threat na ang matanggap mo."

"Oh no, he won't do that! Nasa akin pa ang black card niya." Humalakhak ako nang bahagya though a part of me knew she was right.

"But seriously, he’s cold, Emarie. Sobrang gwapo, yes. His face is like a sketch from a high-end architectural firm. All straight lines and expensive angles, pero ang tingin niya, parang kaya kang gawing ice cube sa isang sulyap lang."

"Well, at least you’ll be a rich ice cube," hirit ni Emarie. "So, anong plano mo ngayon? Shopping spree?"

Tumingin ako sa paligid, sa mga taong naglalakad sa Ayala Avenue na tila mga langgam na nagkakandarapa sa trabaho.

"Not only that. I’m going to re-sketch my life as well, Emarie. That CEO thinks he’s in control because he signed the paper. He has no idea that I’m the one holding the needle and thread."

"Evil genius ka talaga. O siya, ibaba ko na 'to. May client pa ako. Basta balato ko ha!"

"Whatever, Emarie. I’ll send you a Valentino Garavani Vain Clutch if I’m feeling generous."

I ended the call just as a black sedan pulled up. Sumakay ako at tumingin sa labas ng bintana.

Ellezar Mirano, I will make sure that you will spend more money for me. Mark my words.