Maagang nagising si Keila, ang sikat ng araw ay tumatama sa mukha niya, alam niyang this is it—simula na ng journey niya para makuha ang hustisya para sa kanyang ama. She took a deep breath, feeling that mix of excitement sa loob niya. Today has to be perfect. No room for mistakes.
She went straight to her bathroom to freshen up. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she went to her closet. This has to be good. Kailangang magmukha siyang professional, pero at the same time, enough para hindi siya ma-ignore. She finally picked her black blazer, yung fitted na sakto lang ang pagka-powerful tingnan. Then, she matched it with a white blouse, yung may slight plunging neckline. Sakto lang para hindi siya magmukhang inappropriate, pero kita pa rin yung konting cleavage niya. And then she paired it with a tight black pencil skirt na hanggang tuhod. Classy pero may konting pang-aakit. Alam niyang mapapansin siya ni Clyde Suarez in this outfit.
Next, she fixed her makeup. Hindi naman masyadong heavy, just enough to highlight her features. A little blush, konting highlight, and then pink lipstick—something that looked natural but pretty. Her eyes, she made sure to define them with eyeliner and mascara. And finally, the perfume—isang spritz sa pulso at leeg. Something na may subtle but memorable na scent.
Keila organized her documents—resume, cover letter, certificates, lahat ng kailangang dalhin for the interview. She placed everything sa black leather folder niya. Sinigurado niyang lahat ng ito kailangan magmukhang professional.
One last look in the mirror, and there was her mom, watching her quietly from the back. Nakita niya sa mga mata nito ang pag-aalala at suporta at the same time. She gave her mom a small smile, something na nagsasabing kaya niya 'to. Huminga siya ng malalim, a final check sa sarili, at lumabas na siya ng bahay.
Habang nagdri-drive papuntang Suarez Corporation, pilit niyang pinapakalma ang sarili. “Kaya ko ‘to,” she whispered to herself. Her mind drifted back to her outfit. Nung una, she was doubting kung tama ba 'yong attire niya, pero alam niya—this is the only way. It was a risk, pero kung gusto niyang mapansin ni Clyde, she had to go with it.
Pagdating niya sa building, sobrang taas ng Suarez Corporation. Parang intimidating 'yung vibes na binibigay ng glass walls and towering height nito. She took a deep breath, konting ayos sa blouse para sakto lang ang pagka-revealing, and she walked in, carrying all the confidence she could muster.
“Good morning,” she said with a smile sa receptionist. “I’m here for an interview.” Her voice was soft but steady, that type of charm na hindi mo pwedeng balewalain.
The receptionist, isang babae na naka-formal attire rin, glanced at her and smiled politely. "Alright, Miss, kindly wait for a moment," she said, double-checking something on her computer. Keila watched as the receptionist made a call. "Mr. Suarez's office is on the 18th floor. Someone will escort you in a bit."
Keila nodded, feeling the mix of nerves and determination. She took another deep breath, straightened her posture, and waited until may lumapit na assistant to guide her.
As they rode the elevator, Keila’s heart pounded in her chest. She kept reminding herself of her mission, that this wasn’t just about any job. This was her chance to get closer to Clyde Suarez—ang lalaking makakatulong sa kanya para makakuha ng impormasyon tungkol sa pagkamatay ng kanyang ama. She didn’t know kung anong klase ng tao si Clyde up close, but she had to play her cards right.
Finally, the elevator dinged, and they stepped out onto the 18th floor. The ambiance here was different—quiet, with the luxurious decor and heavy silence. Each step felt like she was going deeper into enemy territory, pero she maintained her confidence.
"Miss, please wait here," sabi ng assistant, indicating a waiting area outside Clyde's office. Keila nodded, settling on a leather couch and crossing her legs elegantly. With one final check sa kanyang makeup at posture, she waited.
Moments later, the office door opened, and she caught her breath as she saw him. Clyde Suarez walked out—a tall, well-built man with sharp features and that typical air of superiority that only someone with his status would have. He had this confident smirk on his face, as if he knew the effect he had on people. "Keila Santiago, is it?" he said, his eyes sweeping over her, lingering just a bit longer sa neckline ng blouse niya.
“Yes, Mr. Suarez.” Keila stood, offering her hand and a gentle smile. "Thank you for the opportunity to interview here. It’s an honor."
Clyde raised an eyebrow, not missing the slight flirtatious hint in her gaze. "Let’s see if you’re as qualified as your resume says," he replied, motioning her to enter his office.
She followed him in, feeling the intense atmosphere. His office was sleek, modern, yet imposing—just like him. As they both sat down, Keila noticed how his gaze traveled to her.
“So, Ms. Santiago,” Clyde started, eyes piercing like daggers. “What makes you think you’d be a good fit for this position?”
Keila leaned forward, her blouse shifting just enough to keep his interest, pero hindi masyadong obvious. “Well, I’ve always believed na ang position sa company niyo requires more than just skills, Mr. Suarez,” she said, her tone soft pero confident. “It requires loyalty, dedication, and someone who understands how valuable discretion is in a business like this.”
Nakita niya yung tingin ni Clyde, parang na-intrigue siya. “Interesting perspective,” he replied, his smirk widening a bit. “But loyalty and dedication are earned, Ms. Santiago. Hindi lang 'yan basta ibinibigay.”
“Exactly,” she shot back, meeting his gaze head-on. “Which is why I’m here—to prove na I can be that kind of person for Suarez Corporation. Para maging asset na worth trusting.”
Clyde nodded, seeming to take in both her words and her presence. For a moment, locked eyes sila, and she knew she had his full attention. This was the first step. Kung makikita niya siya as more than just another applicant, then maybe—just maybe—she could start getting closer sa kanya at sa mga tinatago ng pamilya niya. The plan was just beginning, and she could feel it.
Keila smiled, noticing how Clyde’s eyes lingered on her a little too long. She decided to push her luck a bit and leaned back in her chair, may playful glint sa mga mata niya, letting her lips curve up into a subtle smirk.
“So,” she began casually, crossing her legs in a way na alam niyang makukuha ang attention niya, “I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Suarez. Parang lahat ng tao dito in awe sa’yo. Hindi naman sa nagfiflatter ako, pero I get it. You seem to know exactly what you’re doing.” She raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “I bet running a place like this comes with its perks, hmm?”
Clyde’s eyes narrowed slightly, may flicker of amusement sa face niya as he leaned back in his own chair, clearly intrigued. “Perks?” he repeated, mirroring her tone. “And what exactly do you think those are, Ms. Santiago?”
Keila tilted her head, pretending to think. “Oh, you know…” She shrugged, flashing him an innocent look na walang malisya. “The respect, the influence, the... perks that come with being Clyde Suarez.” She let out a soft laugh, letting her tone turn slightly flirtatious. “I mean, I’d imagine it’s a little… intoxicating.”
Clyde smirked, clearly enjoying the little game. “You seem to have quite an imagination, Ms. Santiago,” he replied smoothly, leaning forward, his voice a little lower. “But be careful. Intoxication can be dangerous.”
She gave a mock gasp, putting a hand over her chest. “Oh no, Mr. Suarez, I’m all about being careful. Though sometimes… taking a risk has its own rewards.”
The challenge in her tone was unmistakable, and Clyde’s smirk grew. “Is that so? Then maybe you’re right for this job,” he said, his gaze lingering on her just a bit longer than necessary. “Though I have to say, Ms. Santiago, you don’t strike me as the typical applicant.”
She leaned forward just a bit, matching his intensity, her eyes dancing with mischief. “Well, I don’t see you as the typical boss, either, Mr. Suarez. Let’s just say… I like a little challenge.”
Clyde chuckled, shaking his head slightly as if amused. “You’re not here just for the job, are you, Ms. Santiago?”
Keila let her smile widen, tilting her head playfully. “Maybe I just like the company,” she replied smoothly, holding his gaze. “Or maybe I like proving myself to people who think I can’t handle a little danger.” Alam niyang nasa delikadong territory na siya, pero the thrill of it was exactly what she needed para mapansin siya.
Clyde’s gaze hardened slightly, as if both intrigued and amused by her boldness. “You’re very confident,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “But confidence alone isn’t enough in this business.”
She shrugged, feigning innocence. “Confidence, skill, determination… I’d say I have a pretty good mix.” She leaned forward, resting her arms on the table, looking him straight in the eye. “And, Mr. Suarez, I don’t back down easily.”
For a moment, there was a silence between them—intense, charged with a mix of challenge and attraction. Keila could tell he was intrigued, that he was used to people cowering under his gaze, hindi yung naglalaro sa mga ganitong sitwasyon.
He finally broke the silence, his voice carrying a hint of something darker. “We’ll see if you’re as good as you say, Ms. Santiago. The job isn’t easy, and neither am I.”
She met his smirk with one of her own. “Good,” she replied, her tone dripping with playful defiance. “I don’t want it to be easy.”
Clyde leaned back, chuckling konti with that cocky look sa mata niya. “Interesting,” he muttered, parang he was talking to himself lang. Then he slid a folder towards her. “These are some documents you’ll need to go through. Consider it... a test.” Ang challenging ng tone niya, parang he’s daring her na ipakita kung ano’ng kaya niya.
Keila raised an eyebrow, looking at the folder. “A test already, Mr. Suarez?” she said, tilting her head as if surprised. “Akala ko I’d at least get through day one muna before you put me to work.”
Clyde just shrugged, with that slight glint in his eyes. “I like to see what I’m working with early on. If you can handle this, then maybe you’re worth keeping around.”
Keila couldn’t help but smirk back as she opened the folder, skimming through the pages pero every now and then, she’d give him a playful glance. "Fine,” she said confidently. “Bring it on. I didn’t come here para lang mag-sit around and look pretty.”
Clyde’s smirk deepened, and his eyes narrowed, as if amused sa boldness niya. “Good,” he replied, voice dropping lower. “Pretty girls who just sit around bore me.”
She laughed softly, leaning forward ng konti lang. “Then I guess it’s a good thing I’m not one of them.”
For a second, Clyde’s gaze dipped, lingering, bago siya ulit tingnan in the eyes. “Alright, Ms. Santiago,” he said, may konting challenge pa rin sa tone niya. “Let’s see if you can keep that fire. Suarez Corporation isn’t for the faint-hearted.”
With a playful glint in her eye, tinaas ni Keila ang chin niya, meeting his gaze head-on. “I didn’t come here para maging faint-hearted, Mr. Suarez,” she replied smoothly. “And I promise you, I have more than enough fire to keep up with anything—or anyone—you throw my way.”
Clyde chuckled, obviously enjoying the little game. “We’ll see,” he murmured, leaning back in his chair, arms crossed as if sizing her up one last time. "Tatawagan ka ng HR Manager kapag natanggap ka.”
Keila took the folder, smiling confidently, and as she left, ramdam niya 'yung tingin niya following her. Game’s just starting.
TATLONG ARAW na ang lumipas simula nang umalis si Keila sa opisina ni Clyde, and still, wala pa rin siyang naririnig mula sa HR manager na sinabi ni Clyde na magre-reach out sa kanya kung nakapasa siya. Habang tumatagal, she’s starting to lose hope. Parang hindi yata umepekto ang ginawa niyang pang-aakit kay Clyde, kahit na nagpakita siya ng extra effort para mapansin.Habang iniisip niya ito, napansin ng kanyang ina ang pag-aalala sa kanyang mukha kaya lumapit ito sa kanya. “Anak, baka it’s a sign na huwag mo nang ituloy 'yang balak mo. Maybe it’s not for you," sabi ng kanyang ina, halatang may concern sa boses.“Mama, please naman,” Keila responded, almost desperate. "Ito na lang talaga ang alam kong paraan para makapasok sa buhay nila and finally give justice kay Papa. Hindi ako susuko nang ganito na lang, lalo na kapag ganito na ako kalapit." With her resolve strengthened, tumango lang ang kanyang ina kahit halata ang pag-aalala. Pero bago pa siya makapagsalita ulit, biglang tumu
MAAGANG pumasok si Keila sa opisina. Bagama’t tahimik ang paligid, ramdam niya ang tensyon sa bawat sulok ng gusali. Isang malalim na hinga ang kanyang pinakawalan bago tuluyang umupo sa kanyang desk. Hindi pa man siya nakakabawi mula sa trabaho kahapon, agad na dumating si Clyde Suarez, may hawak na makapal na stack ng mga dokumento. "Ms. Santiago, sa opisina ko ngayon," malamig at diretso nitong utos. Tumayo agad si Keila, dala ang kanyang notebook at ballpen. Sa kanyang kalooban, alam niyang isa na namang pagsubok ang kanyang haharapin, ngunit hindi niya pinahalata ang kaba. Pagkapasok sa opisina, tumambad sa kanya ang maayos na lamesa ni Clyde, pati ang matalim na tingin nito. "I need these documents reviewed and compared with yesterday’s reports," ani Clyde habang itinulak ang mga papeles patungo kay Keila. "Look for inconsistencies. I don’t want any mistakes. Kapag may mali, i-report mo agad sa akin." "Understood, sir," sagot ni Keila, pilit na pinanatili ang malamig a
Pagkatapos makita ni Keila ang mensahe sa papel, ang kanyang puso ay tila huminto ng ilang segundo. Hindi niya matukoy kung anong klaseng takot ang kanyang nararamdaman—isang malalim na kaba na nagmumula sa kanyang kaibuturan, na para bang may malupit na mga mangyayari. Tinitigan niyang mabuti ang papel na may nakasulat na *"Stay out of this if you want to stay alive."* Hindi ito isang simpleng babala. Wala sa mga kaharian ng negosyo ang mag-iiwan ng ganitong mensahe sa isang tao na walang malalim na layunin.Napansin ni Keila ang tahimik na paligid sa opisina. Ang usual na ingay ng mga keyboard at tawanan sa malalayong cubicles ay tila nawala, ang lahat ng tunog ay natabunan ng tenso at kaba sa kanyang dibdib. Para bang ang bawat galaw niya ay pinapanood—ang bawat hakbang ay may kaakibat na panganib.Isang malamig na kilig ang dumaan sa kanyang katawan. Hindi na siya makapagsalita, parang may kung anong pwersa ang pumipigil sa kanya na gumawa ng anumang hakbang. Inilagay niya ang pap
The office was quiet, save for the rhythmic clicking of the keyboard as Keila typed away at her desk. She had grown accustomed to the late nights, to the endless flow of paperwork and the tight deadlines that came with working as Clyde Suarez's secretary. But tonight, the atmosphere was different. The usual tension that hung between them seemed to have eased, even if only a little.Clyde, who usually maintained a professional distance, had been less cold in recent weeks. There was a subtle shift in his behavior, an unspoken understanding between them. It wasn't that he had become more friendly—far from it—but there was a certain warmth in the way he acknowledged her presence now, a flicker of respect in his gaze that hadn’t been there before.Keila wasn’t sure what had caused the change, but she couldn’t deny that it had made her job a little easier. Gone were the terse words and the cold silences that used to dominate their interactions. Instead, there was a quiet camaraderie that ha
Keila sat at the long conference table, her fingers nervously tapping on the polished wood surface. The soft hum of the office air conditioner filled the otherwise quiet room. It was 9 AM, and Clyde was already late. Her eyes drifted to the clock on the wall, then back to her phone, hoping to see a message or an update. But there was nothing. She let out a sigh, trying to shake off the nervousness building inside her. She had barely slept last night, her mind replaying everything that had happened between her and Clyde the night before. The casual praise, the way he’d thanked her so sincerely for her ideas—it all felt like too much, too soon. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for this shift in their relationship. She had always kept her distance, knowing the professional boundaries that were meant to be maintained. But Clyde had made her feel… different, more than just a secretary.As the minutes dragged on, Keila found her thoughts wandering again. She remembered the way Clyde had co
Keila stood there, watching Clyde walk away, his broad shoulders disappearing into the maze of office cubicles. Her heart thudded against her chest, and she felt an unfamiliar warmth spread through her, a mixture of admiration and something deeper, something she hadn’t dared to name yet. She shook her head, as if to clear the thought from her mind. But it lingered, stubborn, refusing to fade.What had just happened? It wasn’t just a regular work conversation. Clyde had spoken to her like he truly valued her—like she wasn’t just the secretary who made sure the schedules were on track or kept the files in order. No, today, he had treated her like a partner. A colleague. A confidant. And it had left her reeling.Keila sat down at her desk, trying to push the confusing emotions aside. She needed to focus. The proposal wasn’t going to revise itself, and there were countless emails waiting for a reply. But no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, her thoughts kept drifting back to Clyde’
Keila’s heart fluttered in her chest as the sound of footsteps broke through the intimate moment between her and Clyde. It was as though the world had returned to normal, shattering the bubble that had formed around them. She quickly pulled herself together, but the rush of emotions—excitement, confusion, fear—still flooded her mind. Her gaze flickered toward the source of the interruption. One of their colleagues, Jonah, stood at the edge of their table, a curious look on his face.“Is everything alright here, Keila? Clyde?” Jonah asked, his tone light but tinged with something like concern. Keila’s face flushed slightly, and she tried to act casual."Yes, Jonah, everything’s fine," she said, her voice steady but her mind still racing. She glanced at Clyde, whose expression was unreadable. He had gone from soft and sincere to his usual reserved demeanor in an instant. The shift wasn’t lost on her.Jonah raised an eyebrow, still standing there, clearly noticing the tension between the
Keila’s heart pounded in her chest as Mr. Bennett’s words hung in the air. "I know about you and Clyde," he repeated, his voice cold, calculated. Her body tensed, her fingers tightening around the handle of the door as she turned to face him fully."How much do you know?" Keila managed to ask, her voice steady, though the anxiety inside her was bubbling just beneath the surface. She hadn't expected this. She hadn't anticipated that Mr. Bennett would catch on so quickly. Mr. Bennett’s gaze was unreadable, his expression locked in a mask of business-like composure. "I know enough," he said, leaning forward slightly, his steepled fingers tapping against the surface of his desk. "I see the way you two interact. How you’ve become... close. It’s hard to miss."Keila’s mind raced. She had tried so hard to keep her personal life and her professional life separate, but this was a reminder that nothing was ever truly hidden in the corporate world. Mr. Bennett, for all his cold and calculating
The evening continued with a quiet ease, the weight of the world falling away as Keila and Clyde shared their space. The fire crackled in the background, casting flickering shadows on the walls, while the soft hum of the night outside seemed distant and far away. Keila leaned back into the couch, her body feeling warm from the wine and the intimacy of the moment.She glanced over at Clyde, who was studying her with a thoughtful expression. His eyes seemed to be searching hers, as if trying to read her mind, but there was no tension, no pressure. Just curiosity and a sense of understanding between them.“You’re quiet,” Keila remarked, breaking the silence. “Something on your mind?”Clyde smiled, his expression softening as he met her gaze. “I was just thinking about how this feels—how easy it is to be here with you. I didn’t expect it, but I’m glad it’s happening.”Keila felt a warmth spread through her at his words. It was rare for her to feel so at ease with someone, to let down her
Clyde had been true to his word. The weekend getaway was arranged with meticulous detail, and Keila had only to pack a bag. The thought of escaping the confines of work and routine with him was exhilarating. She found herself looking forward to it more than she expected, and she knew it wasn’t just about the change of scenery. It was about the time they would spend together, uninterrupted by deadlines or responsibilities.The day before the trip, Keila sat at her desk, her mind wandering from the reports she was supposed to be reviewing. She couldn’t stop thinking about the weekend, about the cabin in the mountains, and about what this trip might mean for her and Clyde. She had grown fond of him—fond in a way she hadn’t allowed herself to feel for anyone in a long time. “Keila, you okay?” It was Clara, her colleague, snapping her out of her thoughts.Keila smiled and nodded, though she couldn’t quite shake the excitement that was brewing inside her. “Yeah, just thinking about somethi
It had been a few weeks since Keila and Clyde had shared that evening, and their bond continued to grow. The connection between them was undeniable, and both had become more comfortable with each passing day, embracing their newfound closeness. Their relationship, once filled with uncertainty, had evolved into something much more solid, rooted in trust, affection, and mutual respect.The office dynamic had shifted too. Though they had always maintained a professional front, it was now evident to those around them that Keila and Clyde were growing closer, their interactions filled with unspoken understanding. Keila had been cautious at first, not wanting to jeopardize the work environment or her reputation, but Clyde had a way of making everything feel effortless. He made her feel seen, not just as a colleague, but as a person with her own hopes, dreams, and desires. She could feel herself changing—becoming more open, more willing to express her feelings.One afternoon, Keila was at he
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
The next few weeks felt like a blur, each day passing by in a haze of shared moments with Clyde. Keila had never felt more alive, yet there were moments when she felt the weight of their situation. Their relationship, though undeniable, was still new, and she couldn’t help but wonder if they were rushing things. They had to be careful. They couldn’t afford to let their feelings get in the way of their work, especially since they were both so committed to their careers.Clyde was always there, though—by her side in meetings, offering advice when needed, and sharing quiet glances when the world around them was too loud. His presence gave her comfort, and slowly, the worry in her chest began to fade. Keila had never been one to let emotions control her, but with Clyde, everything felt different. She wasn’t sure if it was the way he made her feel safe or the way he looked at her when he thought no one was watching, but she knew she was in deep.One Friday afternoon, the office was unusual
Clyde took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as he led her toward the exit. The night air felt cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the office. Keila’s mind was still spinning from the kiss they had shared earlier, the confession he had made. For the first time, she felt her heartbeat slow, the tension in her body easing with each step.They reached the parking lot, where Clyde’s car was parked under the dim light of a streetlamp. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the passenger seat, the silence between them comfortable, yet charged. As he got in and started the engine, Keila couldn’t help but glance at him, noticing how his jaw tightened with a mix of concentration and something deeper.“So,” she said, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts in her head, “what now?”Clyde turned his head toward her, a soft smile playing at the corner of his lips. “Now, we take it one step at a time,” he said, his tone calm but determined.
Clyde’s presence was a steady comfort beside her as they navigated the final stages of their project. Each passing day brought more challenges, but also more moments that felt like a promise of something deeper between them. Keila had become accustomed to the way his gaze lingered on her just a little longer than necessary, how his hand brushed against hers when they passed each other in the office. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, but she had never felt more alive.As they continued to work together, the professional façade they had maintained for so long began to fade. Keila found herself looking forward to their private moments—those fleeting seconds when their eyes met, when they shared a quiet laugh, or when Clyde would simply stand a little too close, the air between them thick with unspoken understanding.One afternoon, they found themselves alone in the office, going over some last-minute details for the presentation they had to give the next day. Keila was at her desk
Clyde’s lips were warm against hers, sending a wave of electricity through her body. Keila closed her eyes, savoring the moment, the raw intensity that she hadn’t realized she needed until now. It felt like everything in her world shifted—like she could finally breathe freely for the first time in ages.As they pulled away, Clyde’s forehead rested against hers, his breath shallow. “I’ve wanted this for so long, Keila,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.Keila opened her eyes, locking onto his. “Me too,” she whispered back. “But I didn’t want to mess things up, especially with work. We’ve been so focused on this project, I didn’t want to complicate it.”He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I get it. But I’ve been trying to ignore this connection between us, trying to keep things professional. It’s not easy.”Keila smiled, a mix of relief and excitement flooding her chest. She had felt it too—the way the tension had been building for weeks, the way her h
Keila walked into the meeting room, determined to address the cost issues that had cropped up. The tension in the air was palpable as she took her seat at the table, Clyde by her side. The contractors and suppliers were all there, waiting for her to speak."Alright, let's get down to business," Keila said, her voice steady but firm. "We have a budget, and we need to stick to it. I want to know exactly why these costs have gone up and how we can make adjustments without compromising the quality of the project."The contractor’s lead, Mark, cleared his throat. "There have been delays in materials, Ms. Keila. We’ve had to source from other suppliers, which caused the price hike. But there are ways we can adjust the schedule and materials to lower costs."Keila narrowed her eyes, focusing on the issue. "We’re not cutting corners, Mark. I want quality, but I also want to stick within the financial plan we’ve set. Let’s brainstorm some viable alternatives."The meeting lasted for a few more