Chapter 4

POV: Ericka

They were immediately greeted by other assistants outside the building. Everyone greeted them as they passed by. Many were in line for the elevator, but they used it first. No one attempted to join them and the two male assistants. Their office is on the 26th floor. Monte resides in the penthouse, but he was sent back home for an unknown reason.

The door opened, and there were few employees on that floor because Monte disliked crowds. The cubicles had ample space, with cabinets on each side.

They stood up when they arrived.

"Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am," they greeted.

She smiled and nodded to them while Monte maintain a focused gaze alongside the other assistant. They reached the door, and nearby was Marie's cubicle, her secretary. She was at her desk.

"Good morning, Sir, good morning, Ma'am."

"Good morning, Miss Marie, could you please bring the files I assigned to you?" she asked.

"Okay, Ma'am," she smiled.

She was affectionate with her colleagues, unlike other supervisors and managers who seemed to inherit the company when giving orders. That's why she was more requested for organizing team building and events. She wasn't bossy.

The two assistants placed their belongings on the side. Monte arranged for a designated area for their bags, keeping it within reach.

"We'll be leaving now, Sir, Ma'am," they said.

"Thank you very much," she replied. "I'll just call you later if we need anything."

She took his seat at the table. All the cabinets were on the side, creating an open space in the office. There was a sofa and a center table inside for visitors. The blinds on the glass wall were always raised, allowing a view outside. It felt like they were perched on the sky due to the height of the building they were in.

She began working, and there was no conversation between her and Monte. Suddenly, her smartwatch alarmed, breaking the silence in the cool office.

She stood up and retrieved files from the cabinet. Approaching Monte, who was adjusting his collar, she helped him button his coat and fixing his tie.

"Mr. Amado is already in the conference room, sir."

"Did they offer refreshments?"

"Yes, sir. I discussed it with Marie yesterday."

"Okay, let's go!"

She carried Monte's briefcase, opened the door, and closed it behind them. Marie stood up and followed. The two assistants greeted them and brought their belongings. The conference room was on the 10th floor. Upon opening the elevator, they were surprised by a beautiful woman wearing a clinging outfit—a low-cut halter dress that reached mid-thigh. Her hair was curly, and her lips were a vivid shade of red.

"Baby," she immediately greeted, kissing Monte on the lips.

"What are you doing here?" the man asked.

"I miss you. It seems like you're avoiding me," she said, sweetly.

They didn't enter the elevator because of this woman.

"Miss Ericka, the meeting is recorded. Can you take Almira to my office?"

"But sir, we have two meetings today," she protested. She didn't want to accompany her. This woman was arrogant and felt entitled to everything.

"It's okay. I'll take care of that. Marie, go with your boss."

"Yes, sir," her secretary replied.

The elevator opened, and Monte boarded with their assistants.

"This way, Miss Almira," she said unenthusiastically.

"You're quite now, Ericka. You even have a secretary," the woman sneered.

She ignored the taunt. This woman was a literal bully. "I remember when you were still a popper fish, and your skin was so dark. But now, you're so fair. Did you bleach?"

"Ah, Miss Almira, please don't..." Marie couldn't continue as she was interrupted.

"Shut up! I'm not talking to you. Is that the manner you learned from this girl? When people are talking, don't let the dog interfere," she rudely replied. "Oops... I guess I'm the only human here."

She gestured for Marie not to respond. She opened the door, letting the woman in.

"Miss Marie, I will call you if we need anything."

"Yes, ma'am," Marie replied.

She opened the door and ushered in Almira.

"Care for coffee or juice?" she asked Almira, indicating a seat.

"Ice coffee," she replied, taking a seat and crossing her legs. Only then did she notice how short her attire was.

She walked to the table with the intercom. Pressing number 2, Marie's line.

"Miss Marie, kindly ask Miss Beatrice to send over some ice coffee for Miss Madrigal."

Is it the same as before, ma'am?

"Yes, please," she said, ending the call. "Feel free to look around. I just have some things to attend to."

"You know what?" the woman stood up. "I wonder why you still work with San Miguel's when there are many companies eager to hire you, right?"

"Pardon?" she furrowed her brow at the comment.

"Don't get mad. I'm just asking. You're smart, Ericka, but your life seems to revolve only around this company. How will you ever find a boyfriend that way?"

"Do you know the meaning of the term 'gratitude,' Almira?"

"Of course!"

"So, you should know why I'm here."

"I feel like you're using that 'gratitude' as an excuse to get close to Monte!" she retorted dramatically.

"And why would I do that?"

"I know you like him. Montana told me. That's why you chose him to escort you on your debut. But anyway, your plan did not work because he chose me."

"Why?"

"I told him I was sick," she said, smiling.

Ericka gave her a blank expression, unsure of what to think or feel.

"And?"

"What 'and'? I ruined your plan."

"The past is past. I can't move forward if I keep dwelling on the past. Let me tell you this, Almira, if you base your life on a bitter past, you won't have a bright future ahead. What happened back then was a small thing. I've forgotten it. You're still holding on to it. Is it so hard for you to be kind to people who are beneath you and to let go of the past? Yes, you're beautiful, wealthy, educated, but manners? That's free, you just need to apply it, which you still haven't done."

"You're really bold now," Almira scoffed. "What are you proud of? Being slaves to Monte?"

"Slaves indeed, but at least I'm living under the same roof with him," she teased.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm living with them again."

"What?" Almira's eyes widened in shock.