Chapter 3: Are you... hitting on me?

My head hurts as I look at the calling card and cheque Miguel left last night.

Miguel Cassius Castroverde

CEO, Castroverde Empowered Motors Inc.

That was written in his red and gold calling card.

I didn't sleep well, and was still bothered by him following me here to my condo.

I expected this to happen, but not this soon. I sat up in bed and picked up the calling card.

Should I call him? No. Stick to the plan, Shintarra. I was carried away by my emotions again. Pain always drives me when I remember everything that happened then.

I need to change my strategy. I had to act immediately while I was still given the opportunity to be close to Miguel. Attracting him is the easiest way because I know he can't live without a woman.

I need to talk to Ellise.

I looked at my cellphone and didn’t even have missed calls or texts from her.

Why hasn't Ellise called me yet? This woman!

We agreed to always stay in touch when I got here, but I can't remember when she last called me.

I put Miguel's calling card and cheque in a small envelope. I lay down on the bed again and searched for Ellise's number.

"Why aren't you calling me? Don't you say you're already enjoying your job?!"

With a deep sigh, she answered me. "I have already submitted my resignation letter and HR is preparing my replacement. Get ready on Monday." She said coldly.

"Fine. Are your plans still the same or something changed?"

She was silent for a while, so I got nervous. The way she spoke, I knew something was off.

Isn't it because she failed? I won't mind if she want to quit in helping me. I'm not her responsibility. She's my friend and I really appreciate their help but if my mission affect their personal life then she should stop helping me.

"What's the problem?"

"Nothing."

"Ellise, I know something is bothering you."

"I'm fine. My plans are still the same."

I was not able to ask any more questions because she had already hung up the phone. Ellise and I met at a women's organization where it is open to all women who want to learn self-defense.

The organization we joined was not just an organization that helped women. When they see potential in you that they think will help them, you will be selected to be sent overseas.

We were chosen along with five other women who were sent abroad to hone our skills. Ellise is the one I get along with all the time. She doesn't talk much, but every move she makes is polished. I was so impressed with her on how she planned every strategy we would take to win. I also got close with three other girls - Kiana, Adelaine and Monica.

At first I was hesitant to go, but I thought it would help me more with my revenge plan.

The work provided by the organization is not heavy. Simply keep an eye on VVIP customers who don't trust male bodyguards. I also have a big salary, which is what I need to start again.

I am not a good person. I know that in myself. We have different sins to contribute to this world. You're just lucky if you're a Castroverde. Money can easily cover up the sins you have committed.

I clenched my teeth.

All changes to my document were handled by the organization. Only Ellise and I have a new identity which we are using now for our revenge.

Ellise, Monica, Kiana, Adelaine and I planned everything well. They will help me, and so will I to them.

We're still in the organization but not active just like before. They just contact us if they want us to participate and mold new trainees.

We have also contributed a lot to them so it is time for our personal interest to use everything we have learned.

My laptop beeps. I received an email saying I'll start working starting this Monday.

I smiled.

I will not call Miguel to return his cheque because I will give it to him personally.

I called Ellise again to inform her about the email, but she did not answer. I repeated the call three times, but she didn't really answer. my call.

I frowned at my cellphone.

I waited for her to text, but ten minutes later I still didn't receive anything. So I immediately got dressed and left my unit. I was nervous while waiting for the elevator to reach the parking lot. Ellise is not like this kind of person. She answers my call in just one ring and if she is busy, she immediately texts me.

My cellphone almost fell when the elevator opened and the image of Miguel appeared on me. I held my chest and looked at him with a frown. I blew into the air before walking towards my car.

I felt him following me so I walked faster to my car.

I looked at my watch. It's past three in the afternoon. It's not time for him to leave his office, so why is he here?

I looked at my cellphone again. There was still no text or call from Ellise, so I was even more nervous. I opened my cellphone tracker and put her contact number. My hand was shaking while waiting for the result, and when it came out that I almost gasped when she was just in a nearby hotel.

I immediately opened my car and went inside. I ignored Miguel because it was more important that I go to Ellise.

"Is there a problem?" He prevented me from closing the car door.

"It's none of your business. Take that hand off, I'm in a hurry."

I tried to close the door again, but he would not let it go. I was ready to shout at him because of the nervousness and fear I felt when my cellphone rang. I looked at it, and when I saw that Ellise was the caller, I immediately answered it with a frown.

"Why didn't you answer my call right away ?! I'm on my way there, wait for me and we'll talk!"

"I'm okay, Shin. I just talked to someone and I didn't noticed your call," Ellise said gently on the other line.

I sighed with relief.

I leaned back in the driver's seat and closed my eyes. I still can't get rid of this feeling. I get nervous every time Ellise doesn't answer my call. I feel like what happened before will happen again. I treated Ellise as a sister and I would not allow anything bad to happen to her.

"Next time text me if you can't answer my call."

"Are you okay?" Ellise asked worriedly.

I gasped. I could still feel the shivering in my body, but somehow my fear and nervousness had subsided.

"I'm okay, Shin. We trained together so you know I can't just be knocked down by anyone. Stop worrying about me think more about yourself."

My mission is dangerous. The Castroverde is not a joke. By the time we get caught by the people we want to overthrow, I know that our lives will be at stake. I am willing to die to accomplish everything, but what about Ellise? Compared to me, she still has family hoping and waiting for her in the province. What about Monica, Kiana and Adelaine?

"Call me if you need anything," I gently said. "And I have something to tackle about..."

"I'll keep in touch, Shin. Dont worry, okay?" She said with assurance in her voice.

I sighed. "'Kay."

I calmed myself first before getting out of my car. I didn't notice that Miguel was still there. His eyebrows meet again as he looks at me.

"Is there a problem?"

I raised an eyebrow at him. Why is he still here?

"What are you doing here? You forgot something in my condo?"

I'm trying to get my self together. I don’t want anyone to see me in a soft and weak state especially if a Castroverde is in front of me.

He looked at me sharply, as if he had gotten what I meant by what he had forgotten.

I chuckled and walked towards the elevator.

"Don't worry, I plan to send it to you, but I don't know where you live. And I don't need your money because I already have a job."

"What kind of work?" he asked as he followed me.

I didn't answer and just continued walking. I had already entered the elevator and was about to press the button when he also entered.

"What kind of work?" He repeated as if he wouldn't stop asking questions if I didn't answer.

I rolled my eyes and ignored him.

"There is a vacancy in my company. If you want you can just work there."

I turned to him. Nothing changed in his expression as he always seemed angry and disliked everything around him.

I felt suspicious of his actions.

The elevator opened, signaling that we were on the right floor. I kept walking until I reached my unit. I didn't invite him in because I knew he would still insist.

"No, thanks. I'm going to work for a big company. If I declined the position with valid reasons I might be sued."

"I can pull some strings to-"

I stopped walking and turned to face him. I looked at him intently while trying to read his mind. His face remained emotionless as he looked at me sharply.

I have met many men and most of them are really rich. They shower me with gifts, flowery words, offering something I can resist, so this kind of gesture is not new to me.

Is he...

"Are you... hitting on me?"