A Secret Affair with the Billionaire

03

“I will allow you to build the foundation.”

My eyes widen and head raises up to meet his eyes upon hearing the words I never expected to come from my father’s mouth. For a moment there, it sounded like he was lying yet the straight face he puts on says otherwise.

He… is… serious?

“W-What?”

He reaches for the black envelope placed on his table then hands it to me. “I will allow you to build the foundation… under one okay condition.” He pointed out.

I can only frown secretly. Of course, he wouldn’t let me build it that easily.

“What is it?” I curiously asked.

“Open the envelope.”

I did what he said and opened it, only to be greeted by a familiar company logo that I never wanted to associate myself with. I would rather just stay in my office and suffer alone than get associated with them.

“Young Enterprises.” I read the big letters above the sheet of paper in a hint of annoyance. “Why are you handing me this?”

“A year from now, the board is planning to build what will be the biggest casino in the country. Everything is already in plan and the proposals are already being laid out by each department assigned to the project.” He explained.

I close the envelope and look at my father. “I am indeed aware of that. What does that have to do with this?”

“The Young Enterprises is one of the trusted shareholders of the current leading casino in the country. So, in order to make our planned casino a success, we need that company to our side… and that is when you will enter.” I raise a brow, slowly putting up the pieces all together in my head. “I want you to get them to have a partnership with us.”

“What?! But Dad—”

“Do you want your art foundation or not?” He threatened in a strict tone and a piercing gaze straight at me.

“I want to, but—”

“Then close the deal with Mr. Young.” He cuts me off once again without bothering to know my side. “If you badly want to get your art foundation, get me this deal. If you successfully do, I will not only allow you to build that foundation… I will invest into it no matter how much you need to build it.”

“You… will?”

He nods his head. “I will… So that should be enough for you to close the deal.”

Between the art foundation and this deal, I know there is only one way out… yet it does feel like I am being lured to something that I will end up losing at the end… just like last time.

“But Dad—”

“You said… you want to make me proud, didn’t you?”

It was my biggest weakness.

No matter how much I hated being associated with that company, I had no other choice. The last thing that I want is to make my father disappointed in me. It has already been that way for the last two decades until I sacrificed my own personal feelings just to hear his sweet words of ‘You made me proud’. I worked hard to earn those words, and I can’t back down now.

“This way, Ma’am.”

I took a deep breath and followed the receptionist in silence. The bar is a bit more full than I expected it would be considering the early time I was set an appointment with. It just irks me how, out of all places, this is where I had to attend that stupid meeting.

Within minutes, it is just as I expect it is. The VIP rooms are almost secluded from the public one. The walls are soundproof and have this evident luxurious style painted and put all together. I have been in this bar before, but this will be the first time I feel like cursing in every single step I make.

“This is the farthest I can take you, Ma’am. He is waiting inside.” She exclaims before giving me one judging look then turns to her back.

She probably thinks that I am here to offer myself. If she does, then she is crazy! I am here for one reason only, and that is for my foundation.

I softly knock into the thick wood door before opening it carefully, only to be greeted by a scenario that I already expected will be. One man and four women seated in one couch all together with a table in front that is full of bottles of booze. I can only scoff as one of the women has her arms clinging into his neck as if she is a damn leech.

What a great sight.

“I supposed I am disturbing something here?”

I let them know of my presence. They changed their attention to my direction as I instantly saw the smirk that started to form in his lips. That annoying smirk.

“Not at all.” He said, mischievously.

A single hand sign was enough for his women to leave his side and step out of the room one by one. None of them didn’t even let the opportunity pass to give me such a judging look. They probably think that I will be stealing their man, then they don’t have to worry because I don’t plan to.

“Mr. Young, I know that it is too late to intervene, but I hope you know that this is a formal meeting.” He raises his eyebrow at me. “The last thing that I want is coming out of this room with the lingering smell of alcohol in my clothes.”

He chuckles softly and instantly pushes back the bottles on the other side before gesturing to me to sit on the couch. I occupied the spot he told me to sit on, making sure that there is enough space between us. I don’t want to be anywhere near him at all.

“I’m sure you already know why I came here.” I started.

“Of course! DZ Group wants my company to invest in your upcoming casino project. It is the talk of town and your father must have a lot of confidence to send you here to close the deal.” He reaches for a glass of alcohol on the table before piercing his gaze on me. “But what makes him think that I will switch on supporting his unestablished casino when I am already investing into a successful one? Don’t you think he is being too… naive?”

Take it all in, Celine. You need to take it all in… for the foundation.

“Not at all. We both know that it is not business when a businessman does not reach out to another businessman to build a business that will surely become successful in the future.” I pointed out with confidence.

He gazes at me meaningfully before forming an amusing smile. “Successful… that’s a big word coming from you Ms. Diaz… as if you already have it all planned.” He exclaims.

I force a smile in return. “Well, there is no business venture that is not thoroughly planned, am I right, Mr. Young?” I argued in a polite tone. “And please, it’s Mrs. Cardeo. I would appreciate it if you refer to me properly.”

He nods his head simultaneously before putting down the glass again. “Right! Mrs. Celine Louisse Diaz-Cardeo.” He hissed for a second then gave me an apologetic smile. “Your husband, Mr. Cardeo has not attended any gala together recently, so I forgot that fact.”

I gulp down and just push the thought aside. “We were busy with our own businesses. But, my personal business is not what I came here for, Mr. Young.” I took out the envelope and slid it over the table to his side. “DZ Group is highly anticipating that you will give your trust to us, and we will do everything to earn it.”

“Everything? Really?” I nod my head confidently.

“Everything.”

Suddenly, he slid closer to my side, catching me off guard. The closer he gets, the more I slide back to create a space between us until there is almost no space left and only his hand, pulling me closer to avoid any accident.

“I will sign that proposal… in one condition.” My brows furrowed in return. “I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t mind a single kiss for my sign, won’t you?”

Without any hesitation, I push him away and stand up, looking down at him in disgust. “I would rather kill myself than selling out my lips to a disgusting man just to get what I want.” I took the folder from the table and let out a scoff. “You are still the same, Young. Never even changed.”

If I have to sell myself once again just to get what I want, I would rather not have it… especially if it is for Timothy Justin Young—the man I swore to never come across again.