Manuela slumped onto the sofa after reviewing all the files Uno had Santi deliver. She felt a headache coming on from the sheer volume of information about Uno's company.She looked down at the completed files, impressed by what she'd read. From strategic and logistical planning to financial and administrative departments, everything was well-organized and efficient. Most striking was the billions of pesos flowing into Uno's company."The profit coming into IFC is peanuts," Manuela muttered, glancing at Uno, who was silently engrossed in his laptop. "My company's expenses are higher than its income."Manuela briefly stared at Uno, whose attractiveness was enhanced by his glasses. Even his bad attitude seemed to add to his charm, the kind that women found appealing."If you're done reviewing those files, your next job is sorting the financial statements from previous reports to the present," Uno stated, without even looking at Manuela, who straightened up."What? I already reviewed
"Please wait for Mr. Urquio here; he's on his way," said the female employee as they entered a spacious office and she led Manuela to the guest area, where Manuela sat on a long sofa."Would you like coffee or juice, ma'am?" asked the employee, eliciting a smile from Manuela."Juice, please, thank you."Once the employee left, Manuela was alone in Uno's large office. She looked around, taking in the vast space – much larger than her own office."I'm a CEO too, but my office isn't this big or impressive. This is even bigger than my house!" Manuela commented, rising from the sofa and walking towards a large cabinet displaying the company's plaques and awards, which she couldn't help but admire.Manuela was startled when the door suddenly opened, and a man in a suit entered, his face breaking into a wide smile upon seeing her."When I heard Uno's wife was here, I immediately left my desk to see her. So I guess it's you?" he said, smiling as he approached Manuela.Manuela was taken aback
The next morning, Manuela, Uno, and Lucas ate breakfast together. Manuela kept glancing at Uno, who ate silently. She hadn't slept well after his scolding the previous night.Manuela wanted to apologize again for her actions, knowing she wouldn't find peace until she did."Uhmmm, U-Uno…""Don't talk; I don't want to speak with you," Uno coldly interrupted."B-but I want to apologize for my negligence—" Manuela started, flinching as Uno violently dropped his utensils before giving her a cold stare."I don't want to hear any fucking apologies or excuses, Ms. Ibañez. So shut the fuck up."Manuela hung her head, unable to respond; she was at fault."Brother, why are you yelling at my sister? Shouldn't couples avoid fighting?" Lucas commented, causing Manuela to look at him."Lucas, it's okay—""—your sister is at fault, kiddo, so don't take her side," Uno coldly interrupted, as Santi arrived and whispered something to him."Are they all gathered in one place?""They are, sir," Santi repli
The next day, Manuela was visibly in a great mood at the office. She seemed to radiate happiness, a joy she couldn't quite contain.She was humming a tune when a knock came at her door. Suzie entered, immediately noticing Manuela's cheerful aura."Something good happened, boss? Care to share the reason for that bright aura?" Suzie asked, smiling as she placed three folders on Manuela's desk."These are the investigation reports on our budget deficit. Mr. Caticlan pocketed the budget, inflating the prices of our supplies. What do you think we should do?" Suzie asked."I'll fire him, of course. He's stealing from my company. But I'll let him go tomorrow; I don't want to ruin my mood today," Manuela said, causing Suzie to raise an eyebrow."Why are you in such a good mood today? Is it because of Mr. Urquio?" Suzie teased, instantly wiping the smile off Manuela's face at the mention of Uno's name."Why would I be in a good mood because of him? I'm constantly annoyed and frustrated with t
"Just let me know, Mr. Urquio, the date of your honeymoon so I can prepare the things we discussed," the organizer said before leaving the restaurant.Manuela couldn't eat properly because of Uno's conversation. She knew this honeymoon, constantly reminded by Don Victorino, was for their charade. Manuela struggled to comprehend their discussion, especially the exorbitant amount Uno was spending on their fake honeymoon."Are you done eating?" Uno asked, turning to Manuela."Do you think I can eat after that conversation? Really, Uno? Three hundred thousand pesos for a honeymoon?""My old man will suspect us if I don't allocate a significant budget for this honeymoon. I don't want to hear his bullshit 'if I love you' card," Uno replied flatly, earning a kick to the shin from Manuela."Don't curse! My brother might hear you.""Tss! If you're done eating, let's go home.""But you haven't eaten anything," Manuela pointed out, noting that Uno hadn't touched his food."I'm not hungry. Let's
"Ughhh!" groaned the dying man sprawled on the floor, his hands bound. His face was bloody, a dagger protruding from his shoulder.He lay before Uno, who sat cross-legged, emotionless, staring at the man."Mozart.""Yes, el señor?" Piero Mozart approached; Uno's head capos, handling field work and transactions."Did you burn his people like I told you to?""That's already done, el señor. The dust has literally settled; I cremated them," Mozart replied."M-Master U-Uno, p-please spare me… I-I'll make amends…" the man on the floor pleaded, his voice strained, his eyes pleading with Uno."Spare you? After you stole most of my fucking high-end guns to sell at triple the price, you want me to fucking spare you? Give me a fucking reason why I would let you live," Uno said coldly."I-I won't do it again, Master Uno…""You're a fucking thief, and a hand that can't behave must be cut off. What do you think?" Uno said, gesturing to one of his men, who immediately unbound the man but restrained