52: Scheming lady 

Kharl was giggling while being carried by Richard. When Khana heard giggles from the baby's room, she went to check what was going on. She kept her pace light as a feather to avoid making a sound that would interrupt a father-son bonding.

When she reached the doorway, she paused, a small smile creeping onto her lips as she watched the scene unfold. Richard was making funny faces at Kharl, and the baby responded with more giggles, his tiny body wriggling in delight. The sight melted Khana’s heart, and for a brief moment, all her worries seemed to vanish.

She smiled at the sight. It was sooner when Richard noticed a pair of eyes was watching. It didn’t take long for Richard to notice her presence. He glanced up, a knowing smile on his face as their eyes met.

"Aren't you going to be late at investor meeting later?" Khana asked, slowly approaching her doting husband. 

Richard shifted Kharl in his arms and glanced at the clock on the wall. “Right,” he said, sighing slightly. “I wasn’t planning on staying long. I just wanted to check on this little guy. He’s growing so fast. Faster than we thought.”

“He sure is,” Khana replied, her gaze softening as she looked at their son. There was a warmth in her eyes as she watched Kharl, her love for him radiating in every glance.

"I have to go now, Honey. Let's shop for party things once I'm done with the meeting."

"Should we go to your office later? or, we'll wait here for you?" Khana asked while feeding the baby.

Richard shook his head. “I don’t want you to go through any hassle. Just wait for me here. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He leaned in and kissed Khana’s forehead tenderly, lingering for a moment as if savoring the feel of her skin against his lips.

Khana nodded and smiled a little. She sat on the edge of the bed, then uttered, "Don't grow up so fast, my boy. Mommy still wants to sing you a lullaby."

A few minutes later, the maid entered the room, holding Khana’s phone, which was ringing. Khana handed Kharl to the maid and picked up the call. 

“Hey, Serina! How’s life?” she asked, her voice brightening at the familiar voice on the other end.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? How’s motherhood and married life treating you?” Serina replied with a playful tone.

Khana sighed and replied, "Should I really answer that now?"

"Just kidding. I was only asking if you'll hold a grand banquet for Kharl," Serina replied.

“Yes, we are,” Khana confirmed. “Mark your calendar and make sure to be there.”

“Good thing I asked! I was just about to book a flight to Hawaii, but then I remembered the little one’s birthday was coming up,” Serina replied.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries before ending the call. Afterward, Khana dressed in a simple floral print dress, pairing it with white stilettos. She wanted to be ready just in case Richard got home early and they could head to the mall together.

On the other hand, Richard, who was dressed in a respectable Dark blue suit and pants, welcomed the potential investor for the new project. 

Chloe Delancy, a striking woman with sharp features and an air of confidence, couldn’t help but be smitten by Richard’s polished appearance.

"We are honored to have you, Miss Delancy,” Richard said as he extended his hand for a handshake. His tone was professional, but there was a charm to his demeanor that couldn’t be ignored.

“The pleasure is mine, Mr. Santillan,” Chloe replied, accepting his handshake a little too eagerly. Her smile was sweet, lingering a moment longer than necessary before she pulled her hand away.

"Please take a seat. We'll start with the presentation. Please let us know if you have revisions or questions. We'll take note of that and gladly address it after the presentation," Richard uttered.

Throughout the session, all eyes were on the CEO, especially Chloe. She was mesmerized by every move of the CEO. Throughout the session, Chloe’s attention was almost entirely focused on Richard. She watched his every move, captivated by his confidence and leadership. It was clear that she wasn’t just interested in the business proposal in front of her.

"That concludes everything."

As the presentation concluded, the room erupted in applause. Chloe stood up, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Shall we all drink tonight before I sign the contract?” she suggested with a coy smile.

He agreed although Richard hesitated for a moment. He had promised Khana he’d be home early so they could shop for Kharl’s party. But securing this contract was important, and Chloe’s influence in the business world was not something to be taken lightly. Reluctantly, he agreed, sending Khana a message that he might be late and suggesting they delay their shopping trip a little.

They rented a karaoke place and ordered wines and cuisines. Richard was simply securing the contract would be signed, thus he shouldn't mind Chloe's obvious advances. However, she was getting touchy, maybe due to alcohol. Richard was careful to keep his focus on business, but Chloe’s advances became harder to ignore 

Richard felt a growing discomfort. He stood up abruptly, excusing himself from the room. As soon as he stepped into the hallway, he pulled out his phone and was about to call Khana when Bettina, his cousin, approached him.

“The contract was signed,” Bettina informed him. “But most of them are passed out drunk. Should we call cabs and take them back to the office? It’d be safer for them to sleep it off there.”

"Please do so," Richard replied.

"I will leave everything to you. Khana is waiting for me. I promise her we'll buy party needs for Kharl."

Bettina hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Is it really okay for you to take care of that child when—”

“Ssh,” Richard interrupted, cutting her off. His voice was low and firm. “As long as I can keep my wife by my side, that’s all that matters.”

Bettina frowned, concern etched on her face. “I hope you’re truly happy, Richard. I’m responsible for what you have now, but you must protect it.

Richard’s gaze darkened as he stared off into the distance. “We forced her to marry me,” he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “We used her guilt against her. Now I fear everything will crumble if she discovers the truth. I hope she never finds out that I was never terminally ill. If she learns that lie, it might destroy everything I’ve built to keep her by my side.”

Unbeknownst to them, Chloe had been eavesdropping just around the corner. A wicked smile spread across her face as she overheard their conversation, her mind already plotting how she could use this newfound information to her advantage.