Part 4

Terms and Conditions

Natigilan si Celle. Para siyang na-short circuit. Ang utak niya, na kanina lang ay puno ng marketing jargon at statistics, ay biglang blangko. Ang tanging salitang umalingawngaw sa isip niya ay 'Collateral'.

"Collateral?" she repeated, her voice barely a whisper. "Sir, I don't... I don't understand."

The playful smirk on Percy's face softened into something more genuine. He saw the genuine confusion and panic in her eyes. He took a small step back, giving her space to breathe.

"Relax, Ms. Cruz," he said, his voice losing its teasing edge.

"Let me be clear. The project is yours. My team was impressed, 'I' was impressed. That decision is final and purely professional."

He paused, letting his words sink in. Celle felt a wave of relief so intense that her knees almost buckled. Nakuha nila ang project. 'Yun ang importante.

"But," he continued, and her shoulders tensed up again, "the matter of my ten-thousand-dollar suit is personal. And I'd like to settle it personally."

"I told you, I'll pay for it," she insisted, finding her professional footing again.

"Just send me the bill. Kahit installment pa 'yan."

He chuckled, a low, pleasant sound that seemed to warm the cool air of the boardroom. "And I told you, I don't want cash. I want your time. One dinner, Celle. To make sure you're not a flight risk who goes around spilling coffee on unsuspecting CEOs."

Despite the absurdity of the situation, Celle felt a small smile tug at her lips. "I think you're the one who's a risk, Mr. Montefalco."

"Oh?" His eyebrows shot up in amusement. "And why is that?"

"You're mixing business with... with expensive suits and dinner," she said, choosing her words carefully. "It's unprofessional."

"On the contrary," he countered smoothly, stepping closer once more. "We've concluded our business for the day. This is me, Percy Trench Montefalco, asking you, Jocelle Shane Cruz, out to dinner. Is that clear enough?"

Napalunok si Celle. When he put it that way, without the corporate titles and the power play, it sounded... different. It sounded like a man asking a woman out. A ridiculously handsome, intimidating, and powerful man, but a man nonetheless.

Her mind raced. What should she do? Saying no could be awkward, considering he was now their biggest client. Saying yes felt like stepping into a minefield. But there was a spark of defiance-and curiosity-in her. The same spark that made her talk back to him earlier.

She met his gaze, her chin held high. "Fine. One dinner. But I have conditions."

It was his turn to be surprised. He crossed his arms, leaning against the table with an intrigued expression. "I'm listening."

"First," Celle began, counting on her fingers. "This is not a date. It's... a settlement."

"Agreed," he said, a glint in his eye.

"Second, you will not mention anything about work. No marketing, no quarterly projections, no ad spend."

"My pleasure."

"And third," she finished, taking a deep breath. "I choose the place."

Percy threw his head back and laughed. It wasn't a smirk or a chuckle; it was a full, genuine laugh that reached his eyes, making him look years younger and infinitely less intimidating.

"You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Cruz," he said, still smiling. "Alright. You have a deal." He pulled out his phone. "Give me your number. I'll wait for you to text me the details of this... 'settlement'."

Nanginginig pa ang kamay ni Celle habang tinatype ang numero niya sa phone ni Xander. Nang matapos, mabilis siyang tumalikod. "I have to go. My team is waiting."

"I'll see you soon, Celle," his voice followed her out the door.

Paglabas ni Celle sa boardroom, para siyang lumulutang. Her face was flushed, and her heart was beating a wild, frantic rhythm. Nakita niya ang team niya na naghihintay sa lobby, all looking at her with wide, curious eyes.

"So?" bungad ni Sir Mike, puno ng pag-asa. "Anong sabi? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's great, Sir," Celle managed to say, forcing a calm smile. "He just wanted to congratulate me again personally and said he's looking forward to working with us."

Sir Mike beamed. "That's my girl! Sabi ko sa'yo, eh! Tara, team, let's celebrate! Early dinner on me!"

Habang naglalakad sila patungo sa elevator, Chloe sidled up to her, linking their arms.

"Girl, that's not the whole story, is it?" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with suspicion.

"Ang pula ng mukha mo. Anong 'Personal congratulations' 'yan? Huwag ako!"

Nasa loob na sila ng elevator nang hindi na napigilan ni Celle. She leaned closer to Chloe, making sure Sir Mike and the others couldn't hear.

"He asked me out to dinner," she whispered breathlessly.

Chloe's jaw dropped. Her eyes went wide, and for a second, Belle thought she would scream. Instead, Chloe grabbed Celle's arm tighter, her face a perfect mask of shock and glee.

"As in... a date?" Chloe mouthed silently.

Belle shook her head frantically. "As payment for the suit I ruined."

That was the final straw. Chloe let out a squeal so loud that Sir Mike turned around. "Okay ka lang, Chloe?"

"Yes, Sir!" Chloe said, trying to compose herself. "Sobra lang po akong... happy sa nakuha nating project! Ang galing ni Celle, 'di ba?"

Nang makarating sila sa parking lot at sumakay sa kotse ni Chloe, doon na sumabog ang kaibigan niya.

"OH. MY. GOD! CELLE! This is straight out of a W*****d story! The clumsy girl and the grumpy CEO! He's making you pay with a dinner? Collateral daw?! Girl, that is the most romantic thing I've ever heard! Kinikilig ako para sa'yo!"

Celle just slumped in the passenger seat, burying her face in her hands. "Hindi 'yon romantic, 'no! Nakakahiya! At nakakatakot! Client natin siya!"

"So what?" Chloe countered, starting the car. "Business is over for the day, 'di ba? This is Percy Trench asking Jocelle. Besides, you handled him in the boardroom. You can definitely handle him over dinner." She wiggled her eyebrows.

"The question is... saan mo siya dadalhin para sa 'settlement' niyo?"

Jocelle groaned. She hadn't thought that far ahead. All she knew was that she had just agreed to have dinner with Percy Montefalco. And as her phone buzzed with a new message from an unknown number, her heart did a nervous, terrifying, and undeniably thrilling flip.

The message read:

"Looking forward to your terms. - Percy"