Monte discreetly attached a small camera to his coat, neatly concealed in a brooch. He also had a tiny recorder attached to his glasses.He was set to meet Shaina at Mi Unica Hija, a restaurant. After a few minutes of waiting, she arrived, confidently striding toward him."Hi, my dear," she greeted, attempting to give him a cheek kiss, but he blocked her. "You're so unfriendly. Do you have a nice surprise for me?""Why?" he asked."Why what?" She rolled her eyes."Why did you do this to me?""Hey, I didn't do anything to you. Is it my fault you got too drunk? I just took you home, but you undressed me. I could have filed a rape case against you, but I enjoyed it. It was delightful.""I have a high alcohol tolerance; I don't easily succumb to a little drink.""Did you bring me here just to interrogate me?""Why did you pass our pictures to my wife?""You're difficult to talk to. I just submitted my proposal, and you rejected it right away. We wouldn't be in this situation if you had gi
The NBI plugged in a different USB and played the video.The suspects were engrossed in their conversation, oblivious to what was unfolding."Watch a movie," he called their attention.As they looked at the screen, their faces turned pale, as if they had seen ghosts."W-what's that?" Erick asked."That's you... when you set me up," he replied. "You all look so handsome and beautiful in prison. You'll be even more handsome and beautiful when you're behind bars."They all stood up simultaneously, about to flee. The NBI agents came out and prevented their escape."I-I'm innocent...You raped me!" Shaina screamed.The door opened. Ericka entered with her friends."What did you say to my husband?" his wife asked, her eyes glaring with anger."I-I was ra--"Paaaal!!! paaaak!!!Ericka delivered a couple of slaps to Shaina."You're not the kind of woman my husband would have. He doesn't fall for sluts!" she exclaimed in rage."Who are you to insult me like that?" Shaina exclaimed, trying to bre
That incident caused a major scandal, making headlines worldwide, especially in the business world. Mrs. Dominguez was caught attempting to leave the country for Singapore.The news about Monye's involvement in the scandal was abruptly cut. The company took swift action to protect its reputation.Numerous complaints flooded the police station where the suspects were held.Many families were affected by the fallout, and initially, there were support for Shaina. However, the men who gathered at the police station were shocked to find not just two of them, but five! Shaina had left them all, leading to an unexpected twist in the story.According to the report, the suspects will be charged with syndicated e****a to prevent them from getting out of prison.*******The car horns outside their gate were continuous. Everyone was outside grilling food, getting ready for a pool party. She pressed the remote to open the gate, and those who arrived without cars entered."Did you guys ride in taxi?
Ericka took a moment to assess herself in the mirror, satisfied with her appearance for the day. As the executive secretary to the president, she had held this position since her graduation. Her parents, including her father who was once the right-hand man of Señor San Miguel, perished in an accident that left Señor San Miguel disabled. Following the tragedy, he took on the responsibility of her education and placed her in a boarding school, where she graduated with honors. Despite tempting offers from other companies, Ericka chose to stay loyal to the San Miguel family due to a sense of gratitude. Initially thinking she would be the personal assistant to Señor, her fate changed when Monte, Señor's eldest grandson, selected her. There was a mysterious attraction she felt, perhaps stemming from a crush since their school days. Monte had always defended her from bullies, earning him the nickname "popper fish" due to his unique traits.She took another look in the mirror, revealing a st
POV: MonteHis grandfather wanted him and Almira to get married, unaware that they were no longer together. This morning, as he descended, he heard his grandfather asking Ericka to prepare coffee. He approached when the woman left."Good morning, Lolo," he said, taking a seat beside him."How was your sleep in your own house?" his grandfather teased."Lolo, I came back, and your question sounds sarcastic.""You're too sensitive," his grandfather chuckled, ruffling his hair. "Coffee?""You're already having Ericka prepare it; she probably brought a thermos.""When is your wedding with Almira?""Lolo, I'm not ready to get married.""You're at the right age, Monte. I want to see some little ones running around before I leave this world.""What if I just adopt?" he joked."Ah, this kid is crazy," his grandfather playfully slapped his hand. "That's not good.""Just kidding.""I want Almira. You've been dating her since college, and she comes from a prominent family. It would be better if y
POV: Ericka"Sir, I think Sir Monte is upset," she paused in devouring shrimp."Just let my grandson be, he's already thirty-two, might be going through menopause," the old man chuckled."You really are quite the joker," she laughed. When it's just her and the old man, she can converse playfully. But in front of others, it's a whole different story. Dealing with an authoritative figure."Alright, go ahead, eat. My grandson might develop veins waiting for you," he chuckled at what he said.After eating, she brushed her teeth and washed her hands before going out. She's annoyed with her braces. It's hard to clean.Before she went out, she pushed the old man's wheelchair into the garden and instructed the gardener to call the nurse if the old man wants to go inside.When she went out, she found Monte with a dark expression again. Like the weight of the world's problems is on his shoulders."Are we leaving, sir?" she called his attention."My car broke down, so we'll use the other one. Ge
POV: ErickaThey were immediately greeted by other assistants outside the building. Everyone greeted them as they passed by. Many were in line for the elevator, but they used it first. No one attempted to join them and the two male assistants. Their office is on the 26th floor. Monte resides in the penthouse, but he was sent back home for an unknown reason.The door opened, and there were few employees on that floor because Monte disliked crowds. The cubicles had ample space, with cabinets on each side.They stood up when they arrived."Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am," they greeted.She smiled and nodded to them while Monte maintain a focused gaze alongside the other assistant. They reached the door, and nearby was Marie's cubicle, her secretary. She was at her desk. "Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am.""Good morning, Miss Marie, could you please bring the files I assigned to you?" she asked."Okay, Ma'am," she smiled.She was affectionate with her colleagues, unlike oth
POV: MonteHe couldn't stay calm during the meeting. He's worried about Ericka with Almira. His ex's girlfriend is a notorious bully, and Ericka is the type of girl who doesn't fight back even when someone stepped on her. He can't focus on their meeting."Sir San Miguel, are you okay?" Mr. Amado asked."Yeah... I mean yes... yes, I'm alright!" he adjusted his seating."Do you want to reschedule this meeting?"His face suddenly brightened."Really, uncle?" he sought confirmation."I know you, Monte. I can tell if something's bothering you. I saw Almira earlier. That's why I thought you might want to reschedule our meeting.""Thank you, uncle. I'll make it up next time, I just couldn't stay calm. I'll go.""Go ahead, son."He hurriedly left the conference room and practically sprinted to the elevator. It took forever. He kept pressing the up button.Finally, it opened, but it was crowded."It's sir..." people whispered in the elevator.The three men inside exited."Sir, please go ahead.