Chapter 38: The man at the mall

Chapter 38:

Jim walked into his boss's office with a grim expression. The first session of the day's meeting had already ended and there was a two hour break before the next one. Rex was working on some documents when he entered. Jim gave a bow.

"Boss", he called, his voice filled with obvious panic.

Rex raised his eyes lazily and looked at his subordinate. "What's it?"

Jim handed the iPad tablet to him. Rex took it from him and glanced through. While he was looking at it, Jim began explaining.

"The Rodrigos and the Sanchez already laid their foundation in seven countries within two weeks and if we don't make a move at this point, we'd lose a lot especially during the Rakash event".

Rex was calm. He didn't even bulge. He was just going through everything in the iPad tablet. When he was done, he turned to Jim.

"What a fun game".

Jim's brows shook. Fun game? Boss! Just then, a musical ringtone rang out from Jim's pocket. His eyes widened and he cursed whoever it was that was calling him at that moment. However, when he saw the caller ID, he trembled in his shoes. It was Old man Forbes.

He looked at Rex. "Boss, it's your grandpa".

Rex nodded and took the phone. He clicked the answer button.

"Yes?"

"Do you want me to die before it's my time?"

" You're taking up space grandpa".

" You...!". Old man Forbes nearly choked on his saliva.

"Ok. Very good. Just make sure that the company gets into the Rakash event".

" That's the only thing that you care about, isn't it? "

The old man was quiet.

Rex continued. " Don't be so fussy. I have my own plans". With that, he hung up.

Without looking at Jim, he spoke. " Get everything ready. We'll be leaving tonight ".

" Yes boss ".

" Also, what's up with Ariel? "

Even at this point?! Boss! Jim nearly screamed but of course, he knew better to keep shut. He replied.

"She went shopping with young Miss and Miss Tyra".

" Ok. You may leave ".

Jim left the office.

He leaned into his seat and heaved a deep sigh. He chuckled at how fast the Rodrigos and Sanchez had moved. So stealthily.

"You better don't let me catch you both!"

The shopping ended when Gina and Tyra were satisfied. Ariel just had to hold unto the bags for them. It was as if she was their escort. The duo were so into everything that they didn't notice Ariel's absence.

"Who're you?"

Ariel looked at the man that was clad in a navy blue tuxedo. She assessed him from head to toe and concluded that he was a rich heir. But why was he stopping her? She looked over his shoulders to check up on her friends but they were so oblivious.

The man looked at her with so much interest. She was a woman that had a particular kind of air around her. Her aura didn't even dwindle at his approach. If not for his reputation, he would have cowered at her aura.

Ariel was pissed when the young man wasn't even speaking. "Move. You're blocking my way" she said calmly but there was a tint of underlying impatience.

"It's good that we are meeting again, Miss Lorenzo".

Ariel arched a brow. So the opponent knew her identity? How unfortunate. But, she was concerned about the phrase 'we are meeting again '. Has she ever seen this guy before? Where? She look at his face again and her brows furrowed.

It was the guy from the dinner! That lecherous man!

She rolled her eyes and sighed. "Do you have something to say?"

"Let me treat you to a meal, then I can introduce myself".

" I don't care about you at all. Now if you may, you're obstructing my business here! "

This behavior of hers made Daniel to be more interested in talking to her. He cursed Rex for finding her first. What was he doing to have missed such treasure? Such beauty wasn't meant for just a night. Such beauty was meant for nights and nights.

"I'm Daniel Rodrigo. The Rodrigo of Texas. Sorry if I wronged you the last time. It would be really nice to treat you to a meal".

"I don't want to have a meal with you".

"Why? Is it because of Rex?"

Ariel stared at him. Was it because of him? Maybe? " My life is not your business. Stay out of it ".

She pushed him aside and walked up to catch up with the girls.

At this point, the two of them were waiting for her some distance away. They noticed that she wasn't with them and went back to look for her . Then, they saw her talking with Daniel.

Ariel flashed them a smile and dragged them to the counter for the payment.

The trio arrived at Dragon area in the evening. They were unpacking the goods they had shopped for when the doorbell rang.

Ariel looked at the door.

"Are you expecting someone?", Tyra asked. Ariel thought of it and immediately, Rex came to mind. But she didn't say it. She shrugged and went for it. She hoped that it was him.

She pulled open the door and was immediately pulled into a warm embrace.