THE BILLIONAIRE'S REVENGE

CHAPTER 3: Preparations and Realizations

November 13 – 16, 2013. Leila really had a busy week. Daniel’s house was already one-third way through. She had already started conceptualizing her designs for her pitch at CRDF by December 16. She had also met up with possible clients who wished to have their homes decorated for Christmas.

The street where LAID’s office space was located had always been frequented by the upper and middle class because of its high end fashion boutiques, cozy food establishments, and business offices. She was lucky to have such business space available just as Mia had fired her. She was also lucky to have found a trustworthy and hardworking office assistant.

Raoul and his team were already done with their work for her at Daniel’s house that week.

Karen had really helped her a lot with her first week of work. Leila provided her with the desktop PC she personally used at home.

Karen had done all the orders’ confirmations for Daniel’s house. She also made new business cards and fliers for LAID; did the accounting of all the expenses for Daniel’s house; did several computer animations, computer graphics, and audio-video presentations to be shown on the 40-inch LED TV by their front display window near the main door for LAID and LABB; scheduled her client meetings; and a lot more.

Karen also made beautiful changes to LAID and LABB websites with all her computer applications skills. She and Karen had also started decorating the office for Christmas. They had documented all the changes and Karen had uploaded them to the website. Karen also made an audio-video presentation on the Christmas decorations that they could play on the LED TV by the display window, as well as an audio-video presentation to advertise LABB and its opening on December 1.

Several people had already inquired about LAID services. Karen had provided them with the business card and fliers. A lot had also asked for LABB and had booked accommodation for the coming December.

November 17, 2013. Sunday. After a gruesome week of work, Leila went home to Gurvan early in the morning to do some finishing touches on the bedrooms of LABB. Raoul had also sent a team to work on the repainting of the outside walls of LABB upon her request.

In the past, since she started working for Futuriste, she made it a habit to visit on weekends and holidays if she did not have to help out at PEPC.

Since the incident at the auction, she hadn’t encountered Mia. Their communication had stopped as well.

During her stay that Sunday, she met with Diwani. They conferred about the designs of the hand-woven items she ordered.

Leila commented, “They are all perfect, Di. You really know my style and taste.”

Diwani asked, “So when do you need them?”

She answered, “On or before November 30,” then she asked, “Have you received the file regarding my hiring for this B & B?”

“Yes. I have already posted it on the bulletin board at the office of ama as well as your need for a companion for your aunt,” Diwani responded.

She further informed her godsister/best friend, “The job interview is scheduled next Monday. I will be busy processing all the requirements for a business permit tomorrow.”

“Well, this is one of your dreams. I’m really happy for you,” Diwani commented.

“I also just started my small interior design firm last Monday. I am really so busy right now. I am on a very tight schedule because I need to finish my first project towards the end of the month as well. I will only have tomorrow to process all the requirements for the business permit of this B & B while waiting for all the paint in the house I’m working on to fully dry up before I can have the delivery of all the appliances, furniture, and decorations,” she shared.

“Oh, that is wonderful! I hope I can also reach my dreams just like you do,” Diwani remarked.

“You will do it. Just have more patience. The interior designs of every room in this B & B are already uploaded to the website of LAID, my ID firm. I am sure a lot will notice about your designs on all those hand-woven items I incorporated,” she gave her best friend a moral boost.

“Thanks, and you are even wearing all the clothes I designed,” Diwani was so appreciative.

“That is the only way I can be of help to you. Besides, I love all your creations and I love patronizing our own products here at Gurvan. I love incorporating them into my designs as well.”

With all the Monday mornings she had spent at Gurvan for the remaining days of November, she had secured a business permit upon complying with all the requirements. She also had hired three employees, all from Diwani’s tribe. They were all qualified, very interested, multi-skilled, in dire need of a job, and hardworking. The tribe members usually didn’t get employment from others because some people discriminate due to their dark brown skin complexion. She already did the orientation. Her all-around office assistant was tasked to be the front office personnel, cashier, budget officer, book keeper, and team leader. She had already bought a new V+droid desktop PC for LABB. Her all-around cook was tasked with doing all the cooking and housekeeping functions. Her all-around errand man was tasked to be the bellman, handyman, driver, gardener and security officer. The three of them were also tasked to help one another in their duties should the need arise. Her three-man team for LABB had available accommodation in the staffroom with two double-decked beds if they wished to stay. They would all start working on December 1.

By the time she finished at Daniel’s house, PEPC had been hired for the house blessing party at Daniel’s house on November 30, 2013, Saturday afternoon.

Leila attended it not as part of PEPC but as the interior designer of Daniel’s house. His family, relatives and friends were present. His Zulueta and Cardenas families were around. He introduced her casually to them as the person behind the interior design of his house. He also introduced her casually to his friends – James, Jac and Belle Tan, Ace Enriquez, Jed and Pia Yñiguez, Rob and Ayenn Garchitorena, Geoffrey and Leianne Torres, Aaron and Jenna Piedad, Carlos and Margarita Legarda, Third and Iryn Sotto, Frederick and Katherine Zuñiga, William and Cielo Cojuangco, Seth and Hannah Villacorta, Jerry and Raine Castelo, Ramil and Aimee Arevalo, Xander and Liv Blanco, Jacob and Heart Quizon, and Callix and Callie Valderama. Leila felt so overwhelmed with all the introductions Daniel had made. His family, relatives and friends were all very rich and famous. They even asked for her business card because they were all amazed at what she had done with Daniel’s property. Daniel also took so much pride in praising her work in front of everyone.

Mia and her parents also attended the event along with Richard and their kids.

Miranda Sy-Buenaventura had the chance to talk to Leila, “You did a great job with Daniel’s house. But why did you leave Futuriste?”

She responded, “Mia and I have different points of view, Tita Mir. I do not want us to clash all the time, so it is better that way.”

Miranda admitted, “I know my daughter could be so difficult at times. So, how did you land this job at Daniel’s house?”

She answered honestly, “We bumped into his welcome party three weeks ago because I have to substitute for my sick aunt supervising PEPC employees. We just had a casual conversation, then he told me he needed an interior designer who could ready this house by this time. I told him I am available, so he hired me.”

Miranda commented, “Well, most of our clients were corporate ones. I am glad you are doing well with your career even if you are not in Futuriste anymore.”

She expressed her gratitude, “I owe it to your patient mentoring, Tita. I am scheduled to decorate several homes this December for Christmas. I will also have the soft opening of my B & B tomorrow. If you’re not that busy, I hope you can come, Tita.”

Her former employer was happy for her, “Yeah I received the e-card invite. That is really great! But pardon me if I won’t be able to come to your B & B’s opening tomorrow. The family had to go to Godordan for a clan event. Anyway, will you also be decorating this house for the Christmas Home Decorations Competition hosted by the homeowners association?”

She affirmed, “Yes, Tita. Daniel seems to be very happy with what I did to this house. So as soon as the President of the homeowners association informed him of the competition, he asked me to do the Christmas decorating job.”

Mia had also talked to her at one point.

Mia approached her and commented, “It seems like you and Daniel have been spending lots of time together.”

She replied, “Not really. I am busy with work and he is also busy with his. We just talked once in a while on the phone or whenever he checked on the progress of the job I did for him.”

Mia added, “I heard you will be decorating this home for the Christmas Home Decorations Competition.”

She confirmed it, “Yes, he asked me to do the job.”

Mia then stated, “You should avoid him when all the interior design jobs you’re doing for him are already done. I think he is using you to annoy me.”

She told Mia calmly, “I will not allow myself to be used, Mia. Besides, you are happily married already. Why should you be annoyed with what he does with his life? I also think that he has already moved on with what happened in the past. You are here anyway.”

“True,” then Mia confided, “But our families are friends and I do not want any animosity between us considering the fact that Futuriste always bids on their projects. I don’t think Futuriste would win our bid for CRDF’s newest project even if his creative team recommended us to him. As the CEO, he has the privilege to decline the recommendation. The only way he could get even with me about what I did in the past is through work.”

She responded, “I do not think he would go against his creative team’s recommendation. Futuriste is the most-sought ID firm among corporate clients. And as you said, your families are friends.”

Mia then changed their topic and asked her casually, “Will you really be opening your B & B already?”

She answered casually as well, “Yeah, the soft opening will be tomorrow. I hope you and Chard can come.”

Mia partially declined, “We will be attending a family event in Godordan in the morning. Then we will start moving tomorrow afternoon to the new house and lot Chard has purchased in this village. The twins are growing up. They will already turn three by January. His condominium unit is getting too crowded for us already.”

She uttered, “I see.”

Daniel’s mother had also approached her and talked to her.

Madam Juliet Cardenas praised her work, “I like what you did to my son’s house. It is not just simply a house anymore. It is already a very relaxing home.”

She replied, “Well, Daniel told me to spare no expense when it comes to the design concepts we had agreed to do for this house, madam.”

Daniel’s mother stated, “Well, my son only had praises about you. I was really surprised that the two of you got along considering the fact that he lashed at you during the cancelled wedding more than three years ago.”

She responded, “Well, I fully understood why he lashed at me during that time, madam. If I had not invited him and Mia to spend the holy week more than three years ago in Gurvan, Mia would not have met Richard. He actually apologized for it when we met during his welcome party. He wanted to make it up to me so he asked me if I could do this job in this house. I agreed.”

Madam Juliet acknowledged it, even holding her hands, “And I admire you for not taking it against him. My son seems to have a soft spot for you. Are the two of you dating?”

Her cheeks blushed, she replied, “We are just friends, madam. We did go out once for a charity dinner auction, but it was just a work date. He needed my opinion on the paintings and sculptures he wanted for this house, so I agreed to accompany him.”

Daniel’s mother assured her, “Well, I really do not mind if you and my son decide to date. I like you. He is also not interested in dating the ladies I am setting him up with. If it is you who can make him happy, I will not have any qualms.”

Daniel had also talked to her at one point.

He approached her and stated, “It seems like you and Mia have mended your rift.”

She commented, “I told you I got nothing against her firing me or having it appear that I resigned. We have been friends since our college days. I am one of the godmothers of their twins. I know all her moods.”

Daniel retorted, “But it does not mean you should always be the one adjusting. You are too kind, Leila.”

She pointed out, “I do not entertain negative thoughts in my life, Daniel. With every door that closes down there will be new windows that will open up. I also believe that there is always something good in every individual, no matter how bad they can become.”

He then changed their topic by informing her, “By the way, I might not be able to attend the opening of your B & B tomorrow. My friends and I have agreed to have a get-together here tomorrow. Some of them will actually be staying over for the night. We will be discussing forming a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization.”

“Okay, I understand,” she acknowledged.

That night, Leila and her Aunt Angela went home to Gurvan, Arcella aboard the old pickup truck of her father that was pimped and fixed by her two male cousins. JR and Angelo had made arrangements for the red painting of the pickup truck, fixed the problems with the engine, changed all the tires, and renewed its registration. It would be the service vehicle of LABB.

A co-tribe member of Diwani was already hired to be her aunt’s companion. The girl was currently studying Caregiving at Gurvan Community College on a scholarship but in need of a job to earn for her daily expenses. Leila and her two cousins had all approved of her.

December 1, 2013. Sunday. The opening of the Leila Adrielle B & B was a huge success. The blessing was done by Uncle Adriano, his uncle-priest at around 10 AM. The ribbon cutting immediately followed. Mayor Ricardo and Mrs. Claudia Gonzaga, Richard’s parents, were her guests of honor. Diwani and her family also attended the event to support her. They were really happy about all her achievements.

LABB guests, who would check in that day, arrived in time for the lunch reception on the front porch.

Daniel was not able to attend LABB’s soft opening because he, along with his other billionaire friends all over the country, were in the process of organizing Filipinas Elite Billionaires’ Club at his house. The wives of his male friends even helped out his newly hired housekeeper, Leticia, with all the cooking for all the billionaire-members of the club they were to form.

After the reception, Leila decided to have a much needed break in the bedroom in her office. No one had bothered her because they all knew how hard she had worked for the past three weeks.

December 2, 2013. Monday. When she arrived in Vienburg City, as her Kuya Angelo dropped her off at LAID’s business space, she immediately asked Karen to follow-up their orders for their Christmas decorating projects.

The three interior design students who would work for her part-time with all her Christmas home decorating commitments until December 14 were already waiting for her in the seating area. She motioned them to follow her to the conference table so they could discuss their availability and hourly wages. Karen took down notes.

Afterwards, she and Karen had gone through the financial records of LAID. Her firm was doing extremely well for a new business.

That afternoon, some deliveries had also arrived. She and Karen organized them into boxes. The rest of her stay was devoted to decoration making and organizing.

December 3-6, 2013. Assisted by two different part-timers, she finished decorating one house each day.

December 7-8, 2013. She was back at Gurvan to check on her aunt and LABB.

December 9-12, 2013. Assisted by the three part-timers, she decorated one bigger house each day.

December 13-14, 2013. Assisted by three part-timers and the three-man team Raoul had sent, she finished decorating Daniel’s house. Daniel, Esteban, and Leticia also helped them.

By the time all the decorating was done, Daniel and Leila had been left at the house that afternoon.

Daniel had asked her while they were seated on the bar stools by the island kitchen counter, “Are you ready for your presentation by Monday?”

“Yes,” she answered confidently.

He was surprised, “You have been very busy with LAID and LABB. How did you manage to do it?”

“I bring my laptop and drawing tools all the time with me. I have done several working lunch breaks. I also stayed up late until midnight to devote time to my pitch,” she confided.

He informed her, “Sorry if I really did not make it to LABB’s opening weeks ago.”

“I understand. By the way, I will not be able to attend the judging for the Christmas Home Decorations Competition tomorrow. Richard’s Dad, who is already the Mayor of Gurvan, had requested me to have a consultative meeting with the organizing committee for the Christmas Street Décor Competition and Christmas Float Competition. Mia was so busy with Futuriste, their kids’ rehearsals for their nursery school’s Christmas program, and their moving in, so she couldn’t accommodate it in her schedule. I will also have to visit my aunt and LABB, so the committee agreed on a meeting tomorrow because it would only be my available time.”

He acknowledged it, “Okay,” then he imparted, “All houses will be open for viewing from 8 AM until 5 PM. Then the announcement of the winners would be made at the clubhouse for the closing program from 6 PM onwards. This is a fundraising event as well. I know you have other work to do and you are already finished with your work here. But if you can catch up for the closing program, you might as well do.”

She acknowledged it, and then informed him, “I cannot promise. I also need to rest and be ready for my pitch on Monday.”

He agreed, “Yeah. You have been working very hard. You really need a break. That work you did last November was very tiring. But it seems LABB is really doing well.”

She informed him, “Yes, it is. Opening it in time for Gurvan Christmas Festival was really the goal. LABB is fully booked until January 5, 2014. We also have several reservations for the summer.”

He commented, “Well, Gurvan is a tourist destination because of its clean beach resorts, hiking terrain, and botanical and zoological parks. Opening LABB was really a good business venture. And you have planned it with great precision and creativity. It was almost six years in the making.”

She admitted, “Yes. I spent my earnings at Futuriste and PEPC there. As for LAID, the initial p*****t you made for my first ID job as a freelancer paved the way for its opening. The business plan for LAID had long been prepared in one of my courses in my master’s. With my departure from Futuriste, everything just seemed to fall into its place. You hired me to do this house, there was a vacant business space across PEPC’s business space, and Aunt Angela wanted to spend her retirement at Gurvan. Who would have thought that I would realize my two dreams in just a span of less than a month?”

He commented, “You are a good person. That is why you are blessed.”

She looked at her watch, “I have got to go now. I will need to go directly to Gurvan tonight. Good luck on the competition.”

“Okay. Don’t forget about your presentation on Monday. You should be in the conference hall by 8 AM,” he had acknowledged.

She responded, “I won’t forget.”

December 15, 2013. Sunday. Early in the morning, Daniel’s family had all arrived to support the charity event in Luxe Village with the Christmas Home Decorations Competition as its highlight. He also hired PEPC for the food catering among the guests who would tour around.

Daniel’s mother had a serious talk with him regarding the blind date he had with the lady she had set him up with.

Mommy Juliet inquired, “How was your dinner date last night?”

He replied, “It was okay.”

Mommy Juliet queried further, “Have you decided to go out on a second date?”

He told his mother honestly, “We did not click, Mom. So there would not be a second date. She is a very nice lady but our interests are very different.”

“I see,” his mother acknowledged it, and then asked, “So what about Leila? Why isn’t she here?”

He shared, “She is at Gurvan to attend some social obligations and to visit her aunt and LABB.”

His mother made a direct-to-the-point comment, “I know you like her. Why not court her?”

He opened up, “Well, I am trying to pass through the barriers she set between us. She had been suspecting me of just using her to get even with Mia. I really like her a lot, Mom. I think she is the one.”

“I get her point!” His mother had reacted, and then suggested, “So convince her that your motives are sincere. That is if you really want her.”

He responded, “She did not want to have problems with Mia. Lately, Mia is not behaving like a real best friend to her. Mia fired her at Futuriste. Leila is just letting Mia malign her further by making it appear that she has quit. I think Mia does not like her closeness to her husband and her mother. I am sure Mia also wouldn’t like the idea of her ex-fiancé dating her best friend. Leila does not want any complications in her life.”

Around 7 PM, she received a message on her phone from Daniel – My house won first prize in the competition. The registered interior designers for all the winning homes received a plaque of recognition. I’ll give it to you tomorrow.

She replied – Congratulations to us! Got to rest early for the big day tomorrow. Good night!

He responded – Good night! Good luck for tomorrow!

December 16, 2013. Monday. Leila was the last among the four presenters to present her pitch to Daniel and the creative team.

The creative team already knew that she used to work for Futuriste and that she was their boss’ personal interior designer. They were also aware of the magic she had done, transforming their boss’ property into a relaxing and comfortable home. They also heard that the Christmas decorating she had done for their boss had made it to the top prize against several famous interior designers in the corporate world.

She had presented her design concepts with confidence. The animations and graphics she presented through the multi-media projector were as amazing as her ideas.

After the presentation, Daniel invited her for lunch to celebrate their success at the Christmas Home Decorations Competition. Aboard his Range Rover, driven by Esteban, they stopped by the front of Palais Isabelle. They were escorted by the receptionist in the restaurant on the ground floor.

After they had placed their orders, he asked about her consultative meeting, “How was your consultative meeting?”

She answered, “It was actually really fine. The mechanics of the competitions were perfect. There is a specific theme. I only discussed the details of the criteria for judging. I had suggested them inviting the Tourism Secretary or any representative from the department for the judging of the floats on December 24 morning. I also suggest that they invite judges who are not from Gurvan so the issue of bias would be avoided.”

“Fair enough suggestions!” He then talked about her pitch, “Well, about your pitch we were all amazed. The animations and graphics were awesome as well. How did you do those?”

“I am quite adept at several computer applications, plus I have an equally computer-savvy office assistant,” she replied, “Karen, my office assistant, has really been a great help. I will actually be the godmother of her daughter during the baptismal baptism this coming Sunday.”

He commented, “You choose well with your employees, whether fulltime, contractual, or part-timer. Raoul and his team have good work ethics. Even your part-timers were as hard working as you are.”

She then asked about his whereabouts, “How about you? How are you handling those traditional senior executives you mentioned before?”

He responded, “Well, I followed your advice regarding finding the perfect blend of modern and traditional ideas.”

She reacted, “Nice to know that!”

Then a pretty young lady approached their table to greet Daniel.

The young lady seemed to belong from the upper class based on her designer clothes and accessories. After introductions and some pleasantries, the young lady left them and joined her friends at another table. Also, the waiter arrived with the appetizers, soup and drinks.

She teased him, “Seems like you are going out on dates your mother is setting you up with.”

He smiled then said, “I have no choice but to. I did go out on just one just so to satisfy Mom. It was last Saturday after we parted. My parents are so persistent about me having a girlfriend, and then settling down. They are pressuring me to get married soon because our possible partnerships with prospective foreign business partners in developing some properties all over Asia are at stake. They do not somehow believe that I’m capable of creating family-friendly villages or hotels because I am not a family man myself.”

She reacted as the main dish had been served. “I understand what you are going through. What is wrong with being single and unattached anyway? I really do not get why they consider it as a big issue. Say, for example, the wedding of my ex-boyfriend to my maternal second cousin on December 21. I do not like to attend because everyone will definitely make it a big issue of me being single and unattached. Going alone would definitely not be a good idea.”

He reminded her, “December 21 will be the Christmas Party of CRDF here in the grand ballroom of this hotel. The chosen pitch for our newest project will also be announced, so you should attend. Who knows? Your pitch could be the winner.”

She replied, “Then I have an excuse not to attend the wedding.”

He inquired, “Is the wedding reception at nighttime as well?”

She answered, “Lunch reception, actually.”

He volunteered, “You should attend. I could be your date. I will be free on Saturday except in the evening because of the party. Then you can also come to the party as my date. Our prospective foreign business partners will be attending the party as well. Dad instructed me to attend with a plus one. It’s a win-win situation for both of us.”

“I will think of it. I do not want to have problems with Mia,” she retorted.

He commented, “Whether we attend the party together or not, Mia would still find a fault in you. You beat her at Christmas decorating. Who knows? You might also beat her with this pitch you presented.”