CHAPTER 7

LANCELOTTE'S POV

I gently rubbed my lower lip.

A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth as I recalled that woman's reaction. The faint smile that had been lingering on my lips seemed impossible to wipe away. I was only brought back to my senses when Mr. Asero spoke.

“If you looked as though the world had ended for you earlier, why do you look like you're walking on air now?”

“Did I? Anyway, don't mind me!”

The old man shook his head, chuckling, before starting the engine.

“Perhaps you're hungry now, Lancelotte. I bought those bags especially for you. Give them a try. They're delicious, and I guarantee you won't regret it.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Really? If I don't like the taste, you're not allowed to go back there anymore. We'll order from somewhere else instead.”

“Just taste it first. Then you can tell me what you don't like about it.”

When I opened the paper bag, I found a mouthwatering special gyros pita inside.

I recognized it immediately. I had tasted it once before when Merliza brought some food to my office.

“Well, not bad,” I commented before taking a bite.

Mr. Asero shook his head with a smile and continued driving.

“Not bad, indeed. You even managed to finish one because it was so delicious.”

“Do you know her? She looks so familiar. Where have I seen her before?”

“She's the woman I almost ran over earlier.”

I frowned, feeling as though his answer wasn't enough. I crossed one leg over the other before fiddling with my phone.

“What's her name? Do you have her number?” I asked him one question after another.

The old man laughed and shook his head.

“Actually, I don't know. I didn't bother asking either. I'm sorry.”

I stopped what I was doing and slammed my phone down on the seat beside me.

I rubbed my lower lip and bit it lightly. Once something caught my interest, I couldn't help wanting to know more. And right now, I wanted to find out who that woman was.

“Oh, dear. It seems your mischievous side is showing again, Mr. Lancelotte. Don't tell me you're interested in that woman?”

I merely smiled before folding my arms and using them as a pillow against the seat. I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

“Just drive, Mr. Asero. I only want to know who she is. That's all!”

The truth was, I wanted to find out because of something that had happened before.

“Jeez. Did she forget that night?”

I loosened my tie slightly so I could breathe more comfortably.

I was a playboy who knew how to charm beautiful women who wanted to be with me. But once I had satisfied my desires, I would discard them as though they were nothing.

I sighed when my phone suddenly rang. My friend's number appeared on the screen. It was Bryant.

I swiped the answer button, a smirk forming on my lips.

“What is it, Engineer?” I teased.

“You idiot! I'm celebrating my birthday tomorrow night. Exactly seven in the evening. You have to be there on time, Lance. If you're late, you're paying for everyone's drinks!” my friend reminded me.

“Tsk! When have I ever missed one of your parties, Mr. Ocampo? It's still tomorrow, so don't be paranoid. You're worse than Merliza,” I said, teasing him.

“You really are an idiot.”

“Tsk! Fine. I'll hang up now. I can practically smell your breath through the phone.”

“Wengya!”

I simply laughed before ending the call.

Bryant Leigh Ocampo was one of my friends. He was a well-known engineer and the owner of the largest engineering firm in Davao. We met through Jacob, and we had been friends ever since.

When we arrived at the company, Mr. Asero drove the car into the parking area. After getting out, I left the old man outside because he still had something to attend to.

I adjusted the collar of my white long-sleeved shirt, which I had paired with navy-blue trousers.

“Good morning, Mr. Smith,” my secretary greeted me with a smile.

“Good morning, Miss Sandoval,” I replied in a serious tone.

She followed me into my office, prompting me to turn around and ask her a question.

“What is my schedule for today? Have you finished the annual report?”

“Yes, Mr. Smith. Actually, I placed it on your desk yesterday. As for your schedule today, the chairperson has set an appointment with you. It's scheduled for later, before lunch,” my secretary answered politely.

My thick eyebrows drew together slightly.

“Thank you. You may leave.”

I sighed.

I had a mountain of work waiting for me. I opened the annual firm report, which contained a comprehensive account of the company's activities throughout the preceding year.

A moment later, my phone rang on top of my desk. When I glanced at the screen, Merliza's name appeared.

I dropped the document and let out a heavy sigh before answering her call.

“Hey.”

“Hi! Have you had lunch? I brought some food for you. I'll stop by your office after my duty,” Merliza said over the phone.

“Thanks, Iza. But I have an appointment with the chairperson before lunch.”

The other line fell silent. I stood up from my chair and rubbed the back of my neck.

“Merliza,” I called before continuing. “If you want, you can come with me. We can have lunch together after the appointment,” I offered, almost reluctantly.

“Sure! I'm on my way. I'll wait for you in the lobby, okay?” she said cheerfully before ending the call.

I let out a deep sigh.

I couldn't bring myself to turn Merliza down, especially since she was easily hurt. I didn't want to neglect her either, even if she sometimes went too far.

After the call, I decided to leave my office and head to the management rooftop to get some fresh air. I still had two hours before my meeting with the chairperson.

I let my eyes wander over the towering buildings across from our company. With both hands tucked into my pockets, I breathed out a long sigh.

I had made a promise to Mr. Hareth Smith that I would take care of Merliza and never abandon her. The reason I carried the Smith surname was that the old man had legally adopted me.

I stopped when I heard Mr. Asero's voice.

“Merliza is in the lobby. It looks like she's waiting for you. The chairperson and the board director have also arrived.”

He had followed me after noticing that I had gone upstairs.

“Okay. You may head home first, Mr. Asero. I'll ride with Merliza later.”

The old man nodded before turning around and leaving.

I made my way downstairs and headed to the lobby, where Merliza was waiting. I spotted her carrying a small box.

Her fair complexion seemed even more radiant in her red dress, which she had paired with a light jacket. I approached her and returned her smile.

“Hey! I thought you wouldn't be here until later.”

“I'm hungry. So, shall we eat first?”

“Maybe later. My meeting with the board starts in just three minutes,” I replied, briefly glancing at my wristwatch.

The smile disappeared from Merliza's lips, replaced by a hint of irritation. However, she eventually managed to smile again.

“It's okay. I'll just wait until you're done.”

I nodded in response. A few moments later, my secretary approached and informed me that the board members, including the board of directors, had arrived.

Merliza accompanied me, and I had no choice but to let her come along. I needed her presence at that moment, too. After all, she was actually the one with more right to the shares and properties I currently held.

Merliza was the daughter of the man who had given me a new reason to live. I owed him everything I had achieved.