Kabanata 56

“Is that all, Mr. and Mrs. Fresco?” nakataas ang isang kilay na sambit ni Senior Thompson. Medyo mataas ang tono ng boses niya habang sinasabi iyon. “I expected more from the both of you, but...Sorry to say this. You disappoint me.” Dahan-dahan niyang isinara ang laptop na pag-aari ng mag-asawa. Itinulak niya ito palapit sa dalawa.

“S-senior… What are you trying to say?! May kulang pa po ba? May kailangan pa po ba kaming ipaliwanag sa iyo? Idagdag? Just state it, Senior Thompson.” Napakunot noo ni April. “We’re willing to add more or to omit something you didn't like.”

Don Gilberto shook his head. He cleared his throat and stood up. “I’m sorry, but I cannot accept it. Sa ibang kompanya niyo na lang i-offer ‘yan, baka sakaling tanggapin nila.”

“Mr. Thompson, wait…” pigil ni April. Kasalukuyan niyang hawak ang kaliwang braso ng matanda. “Please, don’t do this to us. Matagal po naming pinaghandaan ito. Mahabang panahon ang ginugol namin para sa business deal na ‘to. Please, give us