Chapter 6 Confused
KARA’S POV
Wearing a magenta backless dress, I look effortlessly elegant as I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I do my own makeup, too. I tell Daddy there’s no need for him to spend money hiring someone to get me ready since I know how to do it myself.
I pair the dress with black stilettos and bring a Chanel sling bag where I keep my essentials like my lipstick, foundation, my phone, and my wallet.
Daddy tells me we’re attending the business partnership launch of Mercer’s Thread and Ayolla Apparel. He is one of the invited business personalities, so he decides to bring me along. He wears a black suit and, as always, his thick spectacles. He jokes that he has already lost count of how many pairs he’s owned, considering he started wearing glasses when he was just seven years old.
During the drive, I can’t help but feel sleepy. I was supposed to go clubbing today with Sancha and Louisse, even though we all know we’d be exhausted the next day with work at the office. But we’re used to it. Staying up late has always been basic for us, just like showing up to school early back then—sleep-deprived, tired, and sometimes even hungover.
“Kara, we’re here,” Daddy announces.
He drives himself and doesn’t bother asking our driver to come along since it’s the latter’s day off tomorrow. The driver asks permission to attend his child’s Family Day at school, and Daddy doesn’t want to keep him waiting or make him tired.
My dad is really sweet.
“There are so many people,” I murmur, just loud enough for Dad to hear.
“I think there were more people in the clubs you’ve been to, Kara… what do you think?” he says, and I simply roll my eyes at him.
Dad laughs and opens the car door for me. I hold onto his arm as we walk toward the entrance, where rows of expensive-looking lights line the path. They glow in different colors, complemented by fragrant flowers used as accents on the flowing fabrics that decorate every side of the venue.
“Good evening, Mr. Viancé!” Zaniel Mercer greets.
I know him as a multi-billionaire with multiple careers. Business isn’t his only source of income because he has many. He’s also surprisingly young, probably only a few years older than me.
Next to greet Daddy is the well-known Madam Rizannon, the owner of Ayolla Apparel. Her brand started small but has now grown remarkably.
“So this is Kara, your only daughter lady?" Mrs. Fing says.
She is purely Chinese but married a Filipino, which is why she now lives and does business here in the Philippines.
I know almost all of them. Daddy has been bringing me to gatherings like this since I was young, yet I never really get used to it. I still feel overwhelmed by how many people know Dad. Maybe that’s why his work never ends and why both his wallet and bank accounts are never empty. He keeps himself busy to distract from his longing for my mom, his wife. According to Grandma Andrea, my mom dies after giving birth to me. That’s why Daddy is so protective of me. I’m all he has left.
“Mr. Stewheinz, I thought you weren’t coming!”
My heart skips a beat when I hear that surname, especially when the familiar laughter follows. It sends a jolt through me.
Daddy greets him, and when Dad nudges me and tells me to say hello, I have no choice.
“G-Good evening, sir,” I say softly, bowing my head.
I hear his low chuckle, and when I look up, I see his mischievous grin.
“So, Mr. Finnian Matthew Stewheinz, how is my daughter’s performance lately in your company?” Daddy asks with a smile, holding a wine glass in his other hand.
Mr. Stewheinz sits at the table across from me and leans back casually. I can clearly see the tattoos that look like veins peeking out from his gray suit, especially around his neck. He looks incredibly handsome and undeniably hot tonight.
But then again, when is he not?
“Mr. Viancé… your daughter is not performing well,” he says bluntly, without hesitation, nearly making me choke.
“WHAT?!” I blurt out, startling the business personalities at our table. Even Daddy looks shocked.
Mr. Stewheinz laughs again, his playful gaze fixed on me.
“I—I—” I start to speak, but he cuts me off.
“Because your daughter is the best intern in my company,” he continues. “Very punctual, passionate, and responsible.”
In an instant, the shocked expressions around the table turn into admiration. I hear praises directed at me, but I can’t even respond. My eyes remain locked on the tattooed man who keeps glancing at me with that unreadable look.
“That’s good to hear. I’m happy… very, very happy,” Daddy says, immediately taking a sip of his wine.
I don’t know why, but it feels like fate keeps finding ways for our paths to cross, no matter where I go. I don’t understand why I feel so tense and nervous whenever he’s around. Maybe it’s because something already happened between us before, and no matter what I do, it’s already etched into who I am.
Still, I can’t deny it.
Even now, this man continues to disrupt my entire system.
Unable to take it anymore, I excuse myself and tell Daddy I’m going to the powder room. I already plan not to come back and to just stay in the car instead. Unfortunately, when I enter the powder room, it’s packed. Considering that the the venue is a famous hotel, filled with women attending the event, along with guests who checked in even before we arrived. With no other choice, I head to the comfort room instead.
I don’t expect it, but just as I’m about to step out, a warm and strong arm suddenly wraps around my waist.
When I look up, my heart pounds violently as I realize it’s Mr. Stewheinz. He holds me from behind, his eyes fixed intensely on mine.
I can’t explain what I’m feeling at that moment. I only know one thing...
This man has a strange and undeniable effect on me.