Chapter 12 : Dinner After Meeting

The elegant doors swung open and one by one they stepped into the hall.

Thersa moved ahead, with a few maids walking quietly behind her, ready to help for the night.

At the entrance, Thersa stood poised, her hands gently clasped in front of her, with a soft smile. A few maids stood respectfully behind her.

"Mrs. Mondragon, it’s lovely to see you again," one of the older businessmen greeted warmly.

Thersa nodded politely. "You’re all welcome. Please, come inside."

Just as she turned to lead the way, Rafael walked in through the side door. His eyes caught hers immediately. For a moment, everything else seemed to pause……the lights, the soft chatter, the sound of music.

Their eyes held each other’s.

But Thersa quickly looked away, regaining her composure. She stepped forward.

"This way, please," she said in a calm voice.

The guests were ushered into the reception hall, where soft music played and drinks were already flowing…..

 They moved straight to the long, grand table set up at the centre of the hall. One by one, the businessmen took their seats, chatting quietly amongst themselves.

Just then, Mr. Mondragon entered the room with a serious face.

He walked straight to the head of the table and sat down without a word.

Then, with a slow lift of his eyes, he looked around.

"Welcome to my second home," he said, and just like that, a smile crept onto his face.

Everyone nodded as they looked around, clearly impressed by the setting.

"This…" Mr. Mondragon began, raising his glass slightly, "is one of my billion-dollar deals I closed last year," he added boastfully.

Then, his eyes drifted steady and sharp....straight to Rafael, who was seated at the far right.

Mr. Leo, sitting just beside Mondragon, chuckled and leaned in slightly.

"Let’s just say… when it comes to closing the biggest deals..there is no one who beat you... You're a monster at what you do" he said with a grin.

Mondragon let out a low laugh and raised his glass toward him.

"Thank you," he said. "Cheers to that."…

Everyone burst into laughter at Mr. Leo’s remark, the tension in the room melted into warm chuckles and playful glances.

Suddenly, Mondragon clasped his hands once as the sound echoed slightly through the grand hall.

“Let the feast begin,” he muttered with a smirk.

Almost immediately, the doors to the side opened, and the maids began to file in, each holding large trays balanced carefully in their arms...the trays were filled with all kinds of dishes, from golden roasted meats to colourful plates of fruits and rich desserts.

They stood in a perfect line a they waited.

From the same doorway, Thersa stepped in behind them, graceful and composed.

She moved forward and gave a soft, clear instructions as she guided the maids to begin placing the trays down one after the other along the long table.

They watched in admiration as the dishes were laid out before them like something out of a royal banquet.

"I've always heard a thing or two about your wife…" Mr. Miller said, his voice light with curiosity, his eyes fixed on a plate just served by one of the maids. "Everyone praises her cooking skills. And I guess… I can see why."

Thersa gave a small, warm nod, her smile gracious…..grateful to be acknowledged.

At that moment, Rafael's eyes flicked toward her, silently watching. And just as Thersa lifted her head, her gaze collided with his. He gave her a soft, leaving Theresa wondering what he was thinking.

Thersa quickly looked away keeping her firm face.

“What else do you expect,” Mondragon suddenly said, casually reaching for his glass. “When that’s all she does....she ought to be perfect at it by now.”

A few guests chuckled awkwardly.

Thersa smiled again, but there was a quiet shift in her eyes.

‘‘Ah,’’ Mr David simply said

"She spends all day in the kitchen....might as well be good at something," Mondragon said with a smirk.

"Not like she has anything more important to do anyway," he added with a dry laugh.

Rafael glanced at him, then at Thersa. "Some things deserve more respect than we give them," he said simply, lifting his glass.

"Haha, right! I agree with that one," Mr. Lorenzo added, chuckling.

Mr. Mondragon’s eyes darkened for a second, but he said nothing.

"Oh my! Zhū ròu shāo, this Chinese dish is perfect!" the Chinese man exclaimed. "How did you make this?" he asked, clearly impressed. Then, turning to Thersa, he smiled. "Please, join us," he said, gesturing to the empty seat beside Rafael.

Thersa hesitated for a moment, she glanced at Mr. Mondragon but he was busy talking to someone across the table, pretending not to notice.

She gave a small nod and quietly took the seat beside Rafael.

“Your cooking truly brings people together,” Rafael said softly, just for her to hear.

Thersa smiled faintly, not sure how to respond.

Mr. Mondragon glanced toward them, his jaw tight, but still said nothing.

Rafael reached for a plate nearby and picked up the ladle.

“Oh… don’t worry, I can...” Thersa started, a little flustered.

But Rafael didn’t stop. He gently scooped some food onto her plate.

“Enjoy,” he said with a small smile.

Thersa gave him a quiet second smile, her eyes lowering for a moment.

A toast was suddenly called from the far end of the table....Mr. Leo stood with a full glass in hand.

“To good food, better company, and the man who made all this happen....Mr. Mondragon!”

Everyone lifted their glasses with cheers, but Rafael’s eyes didn’t leave Thersa.

….…………….

After dinner, the men remained at the long table, talking deals and sipping what was left in their glasses.

Thersa was in the kitchen, carefully plating the dessert....something sweet, light, just enough to end the evening well.

The soft click of the door made her glance up. She froze a little.

Rafael had stepped inside.

“Are you… looking for something?” she asked her hands were still gently moving.

He leaned slightly against the counter, calm as ever. “Just needed a breath. And maybe… a break from business talk.”

Thersa gave a small nod, not sure what else to say....

She turned to the maids and gave a quick instruction. “Please serve the dessert now.”

The maids nodded and exited, leaving the two of them alone.

A quiet moment settled in.

Thersa glanced around the kitchen, her eyes flicking from shelf to counter. Her fingers lightly tapped the edge of a bowl.

Rafael watched her, then smiled knowingly. She wasn’t really looking for anything......just trying to fill the space.

He walked forward and bent slightly beside her, mimicking her searching.

“What exactly are we looking for?” he asked.

Thersa’s head turned to him at the same time his did.

Their faces stopped just inches apart….

Thersa’s eyes widened. “I need to.....” she started, but didn’t finish her sentence. Without waiting for a response, she stood up quickly and rushed out of the kitchen.

Rafael watched her go as a soft chuckle escaped him.

She walked fast down the hallway, her heels quiet on the marble floor. Just before turning the corner, she glanced back slightly then faced forward again, smiling to herself.

….………….

After about an hour

People slowly began to rise from their seats, some heading outside to make quick calls.

Mr. Mondragon clapped his hands lightly. “Gentlemen, I’ve arranged with the best hotel in the city...each of you has a private suite waiting. The limousines are just outside.”

Laughter followed. “Ah, Mr. Mondragon...always going the extra mile,” one of the older men said with a chuckle.

As the guests made their way out, Thersa quietly trailed behind, making sure everything was in place. She stood by the entrance, her hands folded as she watched the men leave with polite nods.

Mondragon’s voice cut through behind her. “And where do you think you’re going, young woman?”

Thersa paused.

He stepped closer. “I’ve had enough show from you tonight. Make sure everything is in order before you even think about stepping foot in that house.”

Before Thersa could answer, one of the foreign guests glanced back. “Oh....Mrs. Thersa,” he said warmly, “thank you for having us. I had a great evening.”

Mondragon’s face twitched. He quickly smiled and nodded. “Yes, yes… my wife has her charms,” he said lightly. Then, turning to the guest, he wrapped an arm around him and steered him out the door.

 

Meanwhile…

Outside, Rafael had stepped away to take a call. When he returned, the cars were already pulling away.

He stepped back inside quietly… and saw Thersa still in the hall, her head lowered as she packed the trays one by one, trying to tidy the space.

Her movements were slow, almost tired. There were no maids in sight.

Rafael stood by the doorway, watching her for a moment.

"Hey… do you need some help?" he asked gently.

Thersa turned, startled as he saw him. Her eyes widened a little. "Oh, I...no, no it’s fine," she muttered quickly, bending to gather a tray. Just then, two of the maids returned and began taking over some of the dishes.

But her hands trembled slightly under his gaze.

Rafael stepped forward, grabbing a set of cutlery from the table to help.

"I said I’m fine," she said again, firmer this time, trying to keep her cool. But she was clearly flustered.

As one maid turned too quickly with a tray, a small dish slipped from her hands and crashed to the floor.

The sharp sound made Thersa flinch hard. She froze.

Rafael was at her side instantly, kneeling down.

"Careful," he said softly, already picking up the bigger shards. Thersa knelt too, her fingers hesitating. He reached out to her hand.

"You’re shaking," he said under his breath, blowing gently on her knuckles where she’d grazed them.

Thersa’s breath caught in her throat.

She pulled her hand back, standing up quickly. "The maids will handle it." She turned her back to him, trying to hide her face.

Rafael stood too, his eyes still on her. "I know," he said quietly. "But who handles you?"