CHAPTER 25: You’re late
Alaia“Good afternoon,” I said, shaking hands with each of the two men I’d come to visit.
“It’s a pleasure, Alexander Black, but we can save the formalities for another time. I’m Alex, and this is my cousin.” The blonde with a mischievous smile, who was extremely attractive, greeted me.
“It’s a pleasure, Alex.” I smiled kindly.
“Ethan Walker,” the other blonde, who was just as handsome, introduced though he seemed
very serious compared to his cousin.
I thought Tino would be in heaven if I introduced him to these two gentlemen.
“It’s a pleasure, Ethan,” I said and stepped aside for Ignacio, who also introduced himself to
them.
They both led us to the chairs in the boardroom. I had come to Black Enterprises to initiate the
construction of our technical building. We wanted them to start soon and for the new design
to allow us to expand the spaces in the future, as we intended to increase our presence in this
country.
“The lot is large, although it’s clear that it hasn’t been fully utilized. You’re only using 10% of it, and the infrastructure there is very small. According to studies, this space is suitable for building one or two buildings with rest areas and outdoor spaces ideal for your employees,”
Alex said, and I nodded as I looked at the blueprints.
“According to what we’ve reviewed, everything is in order. We can start at any time. Initially, we want to hear what you need, and from there, we’ll work hand in hand on the initial design,”
Ethan explained.
“One of the buildings must be ready in less than six months. My father told me that you are experts at working against the clock,” I said, and they both laughed. “And that’s what we need now. It’s really important to me, to us,” I added.
“Our company has the staff and capacity to meet T–World’s demands,” said Ethan.
“Perfect, then we can sign the contract,” I said and placed my hands on the table.
Alex handed me the folder containing the contract and the amount of the initial p*****t to be transferred. Ignacio proceeded to make the transfer.
“I imagine you’ll both be working on this project,” I said, looking at the blondes after signing the contract we had already reviewed. All that was left was to meet and close the deal.
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“I have to be honest with you, Alaia,” Alex said, and I turned my attention to him. “This project
will be awarded to one of us by the board of directors.”
I nodded, understanding what he meant. I had been informed that one of them would soon become CEO of the company; however, they made sure that both of them received me.
“You can be sure that regardless of who takes it, the project will meet, or even exceed, your expectations,” Ethan said confidently. I could tell that they were both charming, each in their
own way.
I couldn’t imagine how happy these two men, or stallions as Tino would say, would make a
woman.
“I’m glad to hear it.” We continued talking a little longer until it was time for me to go, and I said goodbye to them.
We left the Black’s offices, and I felt that the image I had of the company became even more
favorable after meeting them. I was also able to meet Alex’s father, who was a friend of my father’s, and their grandfather, Mr. Maximiliano. What could I say? They were wonderful men. *Unfortunately, not everyone is like that, I thought, remembering the lovely family of someone
I didn’t want to mention right then.
I returned home after the visit and a morning of meetings. I was very busy those days.
I stayed with my babies for a while until they fell asleep next to me.
Once we had dinner as a family, I went back to my room. The children were playing and running around while I looked at the house proposals for Alicia and the women of the household. I still hadn’t made up my mind. Some seemed too small, others too big, and I didn’t like the area where they were located. I had no idea what made Nick change his mind, but at least he did something right in all of this. It would have been terrible if they and the children had to move so unexpectedly.
“What do you think?” Ash entered my room, dressed like a girl in lilac satin pajama shorts and a strappy camisole. She was carrying a roll of gold fabric in her arm. She had offered to fix one of my new dresses to fit me. It was usually done by the people who worked for her, but in their absence, she had taken care of it personally. It was an honor for me.
She showed me the beautiful gold dress we brought from the UK for a special night, which had arrived – the presentation gala would be soon.
“You know I love it,” I said, standing up.
“Why don’t you try it on again? I adjusted it to your bust and waist measurements.”
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I put it on and saw that she had done an excellent job, as always, since she was the best at
what she did.
“I had to make room for your girls, you know, they’re big for European sizes.”
She moved around me, making sure everything was in order.
A second later, Alana came running in and stopped when she saw me.
“Do you like Mommy’s dress?” I asked, leaning down to her.
“Princess,” she said. I understood that she had called me “princess“, and I melted.
“My love, you are Mommy’s princess,” I said, pressing her against my body.
She took my face in her little hands, which were very cold. They must have been playing
outside.
“Aidan, honey, don’t leave the house. It’s cold, you might get sick,” I said loudly.
“We only opened the back door for a second,” he said, peeking in my door.
“You know that little one,” I said, looking at him.
My little girl kissed my cheek and went to see the fabric Ash had brought while my cousin
continued to put the finishing touches on my dress.
Finally, she finished making the adjustments, and that’s when we saw Alana wrapped in
several layers of the gold fabric Ash had brought.
“Oh my,” I said, getting down to her level. Ash helped me get her out of there.
“Mother of God, my dear, you’ve wrinkled it all up,” Ash said, and my mischievous little girl smiled at us, disarming anything we might say.
“Do you want a dress like your mother’s?” Ash asked.
“Yes,” she said, looking at the fabric covering half of her body.
“Then your Auntie Ash will make the best dress for the most precious girl in the universe,” she
said, and my little girl jumped for joy.
Not long after, we all went to bed.
*****
I was finishing getting ready for that day’s meeting with the minister and Nick. We needed to talk about how we would develop the project together and other details. I went down to the dining room and found everyone there except my father, who was taking care of T–World’s. expansion in the country, I went over to the children and kissed their little heads. I needed to
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show them every day how much I loved them. However, this time, I noticed that Alana felt
warmer than usual. I touched her forehead and could feel a bit of a temperature.
“Loli, please bring the thermometer,” I asked and took Alana in my arms.
“What’s wrong?” My mother and the others approached, worried.
“Call a pediatrician, Mom,” I said as Loli arrived with the thermometer. My mother made the call, and I saw that my little girl had a temperature of 37.3 degrees Celsius.
“He’ll be here soon, honey. It’s probably nothing to worry about,” my mother said.
“Leave her be, Paula. She’s a first–time mother. She’s going to be attentive to anything that happens with her babies, and that’s fine. Any precaution is a good one,” Elise said to my
mother.
My daughter asked me to put her down to play with her little brother, but I wouldn’t be at ease until a pediatrician saw her. The doctor arrived half an hour later and examined the girl while everyone, including the children, watched attentively. The doctor informed us that there was nothing to worry about, as there were no other symptoms that could indicate anything serious. He gave us instructions on how to care for Alana and asked us to call him if there
were any changes.
“See, honey? Everything is fine. Now go to the office. You’re late,” my mother reminded me.
“I don’t know, Mom. I don’t want to leave Alana. Can I ask someone else to go in my place?” I
said, looking at my daughter.
“Look, sweetie, our girl is fine, and today’s meeting is important. I’ll stay here and promise to keep you updated,” Ash interjected.
“Okay, just take care of her. I’ll go to the meeting and come back as soon as it’s over.” I went to say goodbye to the children and them. I didn’t feel entirely comfortable leaving my little girl. After a sigh, I got in the car and drove to the building where the meeting was about to begin. I tried to drive as fast as I could. I called Ignacio and asked him to call the minister and inform him of my delay. I’d never been late for a meeting, but my children came before anything else.
I went through the security filters and walked quickly to reach the boardroom of the minister’s office. The minister’s assistant let me in, and to my surprise, the minister was not there, but Nick was. I turned to look at the guy, confused.
“The minister has stepped out for a moment. He’ll be back soon,” he informed me, and I entered the boardroom. The first thing I saw was Nick and his grumpy face. I inevitably bit my lip to keep from laughing.
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“You’re late,” he stated, looking at his watch.
“I had an urgent matter to attend to, something you probably wouldn’t understand,” I replied, looking for a place at the table. I gave my phone one last glance before sitting down.
“Urgent? Seeing your boyfriend, perhaps?” He stared at me intently and adjusted his back in the chair. I gave him a scathing look.
“Fiancé,” I clarified, and I could see his disgusted expression. There was only one reason for that look: Cedric.
“And what I do or don’t do with my private life is none of your business,” I said, and I noticed him clench his jaw.
“I apologize for the delay, Nick, Alaia,” the minister said. “I had to take a very important call. I hope you were able to resolve the issue with your… family member and that she is well.”
“Everything is fine, thank you,” I smiled, but Nick turned to look at me, looking confused. “We can begin,” I said to the minister, and he nodded.
