BECAUSE OF YOU

CLOSED DEAL

The next morning, Tamara went to her office at 8:30 the morning. She's always early, no matter how late she retired at night. She had a marvelous evening with Mrs. Madrigal and part with her at 11 p.m. It was almost midnight when she finally arrived at her condominium.

After looking at her email, she checked her appointment for the day. Again she saw two meetings set in the morning and two more in the afternoon, including the CEO's appointment. Tamara took a deep breath upon seeing the CEO's schedule. 

The discriminating man would get one hell of a shock when she finally handed him the draft contract this afternoon. She told Mrs. Madrigal not to communicate with anyone regarding what they discussed last night. She also told the lady regarding her infuriating boss, and she agreed to cooperate with Tamara.

She joked about Alex's possibility of interest in her.

"Alex is a good man. In fact, I knew him since he was young. He might be interested in you, dear. Did he know about  your gorgeous little secret?." Mrs. Madrigal smiled coyly.

"Definitely not. And thanks, but no thanks. Mr. Brias wanted a man to take my position. He might want me to quit as soon as possible." Tamara pulled a long face.

"Hahaha. Let's see about that." Mrs. Madrigal was hopeful. Tamara could be an ideal partner for Alex, matching his authoritative personality. They would definitely make a perfect pair.

They had a very light conversation after and no mention of Alex. However, Mrs. Madrigal was inching on the possibility. If ever, she would be the first one to be happy about it.

For Tamara, maintaining good relationships was more precious than anything else. She treated all her clients with the utmost respect. She never expected them to return her favor, but fortunately, most of them do grant her favor when she needs it for her new clients.

Just like the deal of Alex. Mrs. Madrigal wouldn’t give in if it's not for Tamara.

She made the draft contract immediately. She needed to finish this before her meeting in the morning with the Chief and later in the afternoon with her bossy chauvinist tyrant boss.

The morning passed by quickly, and the time has come for her to meet the CEO. She headed to his office and carried the folder containing the draft contract she prepared.

Alex watched her as she approached the table. 

Then he uttered, "Sit down, Atty. Tamara. Let me see what you've got." he pointed her to the chair facing the table. He had a piece of unconfirmed news that Mrs. Madrigal sold the property and no longer available in the market. He wanted to find out if it was Tamara who closed it. His face was still stiff and menacing. He was sporting a poker face in front of her.

"I am handling you the draft contract which outlined the conditions of the purchase of the property of the Madrigals. Here it is." She gave him the draft contract. All terms and conditions were clearly stipulated in the contract.

Alex immediately reviewed the document. He wanted to smile, but he stopped himself from doing it. Tamara was thorough, and she's excellent, he thought. The contract price was slightly higher than what he initially offered but even lower than the range he projected. 

How did she manage to do it? He asked himself, his amazement hidden from the lady in front of him.

He gazed at her without smiling, "How did you do it? What made her agree?" he asked. This lady was amazing, he admitted to himself.

Tamara answered him without looking at him.

"Well, I just presented your offer and told her the viability. I increased the price a little for fairness. She's old and rich and does not need the money. Not to mention the difficulties of entering into a Joint Venture. While there's potential to make more money but she's no longer fit for the difficulties attached to it." Tamara told him of her position to convinced Mrs. Madrigal while her face remained expressionless.

"Great! Tell me, did you come up with this script yourself?" he asked, admiring her boldness. Mrs. Madrigal was firm when he talked to her. Although he managed to get her agreement to negotiate with no one but him, however her firmness on the JV provision seemed unbendable. Their families were friends for a long time, but she still wouldn't sell to him. But Tamara convinced her otherwise, and that was notable. It was not often that a lawyer impressed him to this level.

"It's not a script, and it's common sense. The lady is rich. I just explained in simple words." she said straightforwardly. 

Tamara was getting uncomfortable with the way Alex gazed at her. But she set it aside and continue to look at him coldly.

"Tamara, how did you manage to set an appointment and talk to her on such short notice?" knowing the client, it was not easy to make an appointment with her. Someone would have to wait a long time before they'd be granted a moment with her. However, he just handed the documents to Tamara yesterday. How come she managed to meet her last night?

"I called her. She used to be my client a long time ago." She briefly explained.

Alex thought Tamara must be exceptional to preserve relationships with past clients. Not all in her position would have the chance to get the confidence of the distinct social class.

Impressed with her work, he sighed, "That's impressive! Have the contract signed as soon as possible and ready the deed of sale." He could feel her cold stare. She builds ice around her. He couldn’t help but admire the lady, and her poker face was better than his.

On the other hand, Tamara was so irritated with his gaze and wanted to get out of the room as soon as possible. She shifted her eyes on him and asked.

"Yes, sir, is there anything else?" 

Alex continued to stare at her intently and smiled meaningfully. Then he remarked...

"Next week, we will go to Cebu. We need to finalize the acquisition of the M Hotel. It's a buy-out." He smirked when he saw her flinched but recovered immediately,  although her poker face remained.

"How long will the trip be, sir?" Tamara asked so she could ready her team to take over her other projects.

"A week, we leave Wednesday," he said while he smirked again.

She breathes deeply; a week with this infuriating man was like a punishment. A grave punishment. She told herself.

"Alright, sir! I should go, first," she agreed without changing her cold expression.

Alex nodded at her, and she went straight to the door. He smiled at himself, looking at her as she walked away. This lady was definitely amazing. She has his interest now more than ever.

If he didn’t know how she looked like, she wouldn't get another glance from him. Her icy cold expression and appearance were a total turn-off for any man attempting to get near her. That might be the reason why Tamara was still single at 28. She has that look that would put anyone in their place. 

Laughing at himself, Alex went back to work. Discovering the lady would definitely be a part of his daily routine.