Awkward encounter
(Alexander pov)
I returned from Europe yesterday, and starting today, I'm taking over the company. Thanks to the company, it's Alexander Eduardo now. Xander? That name doesn't belong to me anymore and my family,especially my mother and my nanny have already gotten used to calling me Alexander.
I sat at the cafeteria reading the newspaper while waiting for the coffee I had ordered before going to the company. Then I saw a lady walking quickly toward my table with a tray of food. Before she could sit down, I said, "Go elsewhere, this table is taken." She shot me a deadly look and replied, "And as who? The owner of the place? Even if you were, you couldn't stop me." Then she shoved my legs off the table, making me fall, my butt landing hard on the floor which made me winced in pain. She didn't even react, just sat down and devoured her food like a hyena.
I looked around and noticed some people staring at us, so I quickly stood up, dusted myself off, cast her a final glance and walked away in anger, heading toward the company. Under my breath, I muttered, "Just pray you don't work in this company or have anything to do with it because I'll make your life miserable and you'll be the one to leave."
(Isabella pov)
"I was halfway through my meal when my phone rang, flashing Rosa's name, my best friend my constant support ever since I told her about my destiny. Her words had kept me going through all the wolf chaos. I picked up and she blurted, "The CEO is already here! Where are you?" The food in my mouth got instantly stuck in my throat at the mention of the CEO. I gulped down water, shot to my feet and bolted out, racing toward the company like a lunatic.
(Alexander pov)
I left my office and headed to the conference room after Francisco's call,my personal assistant and my friend. Everyone was already seated, waiting for me. Without glancing at anyone, I walked in, took my seat and went straight into my speech,laying out my do's and don'ts, while also acknowledging those who took their work seriously. Then, I finally raised my head and let my gaze sweep across the room, locking eyes with each worker one by one.
And there she was,the hyena from the cafeteria.
"Perfect", I thought, a wicked smile curling at my lips. She kept her head bowed, not daring to meet my eyes.
(Isabella pov)
"Rosa caught the uneasiness in my expression and fearing it was the wolf again, subtly, she gestured to ask if I was alright. I forced a faint smile to reassure her. Then the CEO's voice cut through the room as he dismissed everyone,everyone except me. His eyes fixed on mine. "Wait for me in my office,"he said.
My chest tightened and in that instant, I knew this was the beginning of the end of my job.
In his office, I stood for what felt like forever, my eyes downcast, legs aching from standing too long. He didn't even acknowledge my presence, his gaze fixed on the computer screen as if I was invisible.
Finally, I broke the silence. "I'm sorry, sir. I swear, I didn't know you were the CEO. I thought you were just some random guy trying to bully me. Please… don't fire me. I'll do anything you want,just don't fire me."
At last, he lifted his head. His eyes were cold, sharp. "So, Hyena… you said you'll do anything?"
"Yes, sir," I replied quickly. "And… my name is Isabella, not Hyena," I added.
His brows rose. "What did you just say?"
"Nothing, sir," I whispered.A wicked grin spread across his face. "Good. Earlier at the cafeteria, I ordered coffee before you decided to put on your little show. So go prepare it and I'm giving you five minutes."
(Alexander pov)
She bowed and turned, rolling her eyes in frustration,a gesture that strangely reminded me of Ella, my childhood friend. My mind drifted, wondering where she could be now. I had gone back to her home the day I arrived in Manila. I went straight to Makati city where we were staying before only to be told they had left, with no one knowing where.
And the worst part is, I don't even know her full name. Is it Gabriella, Bella, or Carmela…? I can't tell, and it's driving me crazy.
"Your coffee sir," Miss Hyena's voice cut through my thoughts, dragging me back to the present. She stood there, expressionless.
I took the cup from her and brought it to my lips. The moment the hot liquid touched my tongue, I spat it out sharply. "Too hot! Do you want to burn my tongue?"
She flinched and muttered, "I'm sorry, sir."
"Make another," I ordered.
She returned with a second cup. I sipped, then spat again. "Too cold. Another."
She hurried out and back, presenting a third. I tasted it and sneered. "Too sugary."
Another was placed before me. One sip and I slammed the cup down. "Now there's no sugar at all."
By this time, she looked exhausted, her hands trembling, her face pale with frustration. Exactly what I wanted. She gave me a pleading look, silently begging me to stop.
But I leaned back in my chair, voice calm and merciless. "Make another. A good one this time."
When she finally returned with yet another cup, I sipped, paused, and set it aside with cold dismissal. "Go learn how to make coffee. Continue tomorrow."
She bowed stiffly, masking her anger as best she could, but I saw the fury burning in her eyes before she turned and left.
Alone at last, I leaned back in my chair, a slow smile spreading across my face. "Payback had never tasted sweeter," I muttered.
Then I reached into my drawer and pulled out a bracelet,the one Ella had given me the last time we met. My fingers lingered on it, my smile fading.
Ella… where are you? I whispered, staring at the bracelet.