Chapter 6 - Friend Or Enemy

"You can seduce him," Ellie suggested with a wicked smile.

"Seduce him?" I blurted out.

"It's a ridiculous idea, Ellie! I cannot do it and besides, I don't know how to seduce a man. I have never been with a man and I will never be, " I stated.

"Don't worry, I will teach you how," she said wiggling her brow. She was enjoying this one!

"I will do that for my last resort Ellie but for now I wouldn't. I won't play on the fire unless I know I can win," I replied.

"Okay sissy, but don't hesitate to tell me if you change your mind," she stated.

"I assure you, I won't," I responded.

Another day for work and another day with my tyrant boss.

I didn't bother to wear makeup and put up my usual hair bun with my eyeglasses. I gazed at the mirror as I examined my appearance. I undid my hair and put on red lipstick. I looked seductive now. Arrgh... What I am thinking!? I will never do such things! I removed the lipstick and did my hair again. Maybe I can get information today without using that ridiculous idea of Ellie.

I went to the office at exactly eight o'clock. It's a usual day, a lot of works and Fitzgerald keeps bossing me around.

A bell rang from another room and I rushed as fast as I can. Enjoy until you can Fitzgerald, 'coz it will never last.

"Yes sir?" I questioned. He did not even glance at me. What was he looking at on his laptop? I want to take a peek.

"What are my appointments for today?" he asked.

"You have a scheduled meeting with Caroline Evans Sir. You still have a half-hour before we go," I replied and he nodded.

After thirty minutes, we went down together and ride to his car. I was sitting at the front seat with his driver while he was at the back taking phone calls.

At about twenty minutes we arrived at the La Lègende an old French Restaurant located on the east side of Baltimore.

Fitzgerald and I entered inside the restaurant. The floor was made of wood tiles and the wall was painted with different shades of blue that forms like a wave. A ceiling was decorated with shells that were hanging with lights. It was a small but cosy restaurant. I reserved a seat at the right corner where you can view the calming scenery of the sea.

We waited for Mrs.Evans and after five minutes, a woman about fifty years old with white hair appeared. She wore a blue sky dress matching it with a blue flower in her hair. A sapphire necklace, bracelet, earrings and watch which she added to her attire to accessorize.

She looks familiar, maybe I saw her already at one of the charity events that I attended when I was still young.

She came to us with a smiling face. Fitzgerald introduced himself and I did the same. We deliberated with her about Fitzgerald project called Carbin Blue.

Carbin Blue is an island located on the West side of the country. It is a two hectares island that he bought from the auction in Gilberton. He is planning to build a world first-class resort hotel that will triple his assets. Mrs. Evans was very interested in it until the moment when we talk over about the amount of money to be invested in a project.

Mrs. Evans and Fitzgerald won't agree on this matter. Fitzgerald asserted that it would be a hundred and fifty million but Mrs. Evans won't deal with that amount. She was persisting it to be a hundred million instead.

My head was throbbing because of their argument. I excused myself and went to a washroom.

I examined myself in the mirror and I looked so pale. I closed my eyes as I massage my temple.

It's been three weeks and I have no clue at all. I was beginning to feel hopeless. I'm just wasting my time here with Fitzgerald. I need to avenge my father but I don't even have any evidence. If only I could get Fitzgerald trust and get more access with his family. What will I do? How can I earn his trust?

"Are you okay dear?" A voice interrupted my thoughts. I opened my eyes and saw the concerned face of Mrs. Evans.

"Yes, Maam. I'm okay," I lied and smiled at her.

"You know you remind me of my old friend," she stated and smiled.

"She has green eyes like yours and your face is alike too, but her hair was red. Oh, I miss her," I gulped down. I smiled but deep inside my heart was aching. Is she referring to Mom?

"May I know her name Ma'am?" I asked.

"Her name is Ysabelle, but sad to say she left the world so young. She was a kind and sweet friend. I hope she's happy wherever she is right now," she reminisced. I fought hard not to let go of the tears I've been holding on to.

"I know she was happy she has a friend like you Maam," I said. I miss Mom so much. I want to weep but sometimes showing your emotion to others can be a sign of weakness. I want to be strong for them, and crying is not my thing.

"Call me Caroline dear. It is nice to meet a young lady like you, but you're boss, he is stubborn young man," she hissed. I don't know Fitzgerald personally but one thing I notice that he is a man of few words.

"I couldn't agree more. Trying to get him to change his mind on anything is close to impossible but he is a capable one. He's competent and can handle tasks successfully. It may be hard to say why, but he has just a glow that attracts people to him," I said. I hate it that I said those things, but I must do it to get the deal and Fitzgerald trust.

"The Carbin blue is a beautiful island. With fine white sand and beautiful corrals. I'm sure it will attract a lot of tourists. I cannot wait to see the place that he envisions," I dreamily said as I hold her both hands. I'm sorry Caroline but I have to lie to you.

"Do you like him?" she questioned while smiling.

"I...like him so much, but please can it be our secret?" I pleaded as I bit my lower lip. I would never expect that I would say these things. I would never like Fitzgerald!

"Sure Bella dear. I know he will notice you. You're a beautiful young lady," she replied in a motherly manner.

"Thank you so much, Caroline," I embraced her

We came outside giggling and Fitzgerald narrowed his eyes to us. We sat down and Caroline was giving me a meaningful smile as she looked at me and Fitzgerald. I cleared my throat and she nodded smiling.

"I will invest the amount that you stated Mr. Fitzgerald," Caroline said. Fitzgerald glance at me and he smiled. I blinked, but he was really smiling. He has an emotion after all.

"Very well. Here is the contract Mrs. Evans," he handled the documents that I prepared and Caroline signed it.

"Thank you. I will assure you that you will not regret your decision," Fitzgerald offered his hand to Caroline and did a handshake. I cannot believe this part of him. Saying thank you? I hope he will say thank you to me.

"I hope we can meet again next time, especially you Bella dear. I promise I won't tell our secret,"

Caroline teased. My face heated up and I look away as Fitzgerald was gazing at me curiously. I hope you will not tell him what I said Caroline.

We closed our deals in success and we were exiting now to the restaurant. I said goodbye to Caroline and she hugged me tightly like an old friend.

We were heading towards the car and I was about to open the front seat when Fitzgerald stopped me.

"You will seat here," he ordered as he opened the back seat for me. I clenched my fist and smiled. This domineering man! Bossing me around again! Argh! I really don't want to seat beside him.

"No problem Sir. Thank you," I said politely as possible even though I really want to punch him.

He entered the car and sat beside me. The driver started the engine and deafening silence filled us. I sat at the edge of the seat and I was trying hard not to touch him even the hem of his clothes. I glanced at him and his Adam's apple moved down.

"What did you say to Mrs. Evan?" He finally spoke. I smiled and looked at him.

"I told her what the island looks like and it is worth investing it there," I replied.

"That's all?" he queried as he leaned forward and looked at me. I stared back at him, and our eyes met. His intense gazed was intimidating and at the same time alluring.

"Yes, that's all," I replied.

"Really?" he narrowed his eyes.

"Yes. Why sir? There's anything you want to know?" I asked innocently. He's been curious about our little secrets. I hid my smile and looked out the window.

"Nothing," he leaned back and face the other side.

*****

I was busy typing important documents on my laptop when someone knocks at the door. A visitor? Who could it be?

I opened the door and a woman came in. I blinked for what I saw and my eyes darted to her as I recognize the blonde woman with blue eyes who was standing in front of me. It's Samantha, my best friend when I was in high school.I want to embrace her and ask her if how does she do, but I remembered I'm not Gabriela anymore.

"Good afternoon Miss," I said keeping my composure.

She looked matured and sexy in her red fitting dress. Her front was pressed showing her cleavage matching it with six inches red heels. Her blonde hair was perfectly curled in place and her face was full of makeup which made her look like a doll.

I was smiling at her but she scrutinized me from head to toe as she rolled her eyes. Suddenly rage poisoned my veins. This witch! I meant it when I said she looked like a doll, a voodoo doll specifically! If only I have pins, I will stick it all over her body!

She walked straight passing me and ignoring me, but I blocked her before she can go further.

"I'm sorry Miss, but you cannot go in there. Our president is busy right now and he said that nobody can enter unless you have an appointment," I said firmly.

"Do you know who am I?" she snorted. Yes, I know you very well! You're Samantha Hamilton, my backstabber former friend! I want to shout it out loud, but I cannot do that. I won't let this woman ruin my disguise.

"I'm sorry Miss, I don't know you. Who are you anyway?" I replied innocently. She laughed as if she found the words that I said amusingly.

"I cannot blame you. Poor people like you won't know rich people like me," her mouth twitched. The nerves of her to insult me!

"I'm sorry, was I meant to be offended? The only thing offending me is your face," I wanted to say that but I decided not to. I don't want to make a scene and she is not worthy of it. I will get back to you Samantha.

The voodoo doll entered the other door and I followed behind her. I don't want Fitzgerald to think that I'm not doing my job properly.

"I'm sorry Sir. She insisted to go inside," I explained. Fitzgerald was busy looking at the files at his table. My Ex friend rolled her eyes and walked in front of my boss. Keep rolling your eyes. Who knows, maybe you'll find a brain back there.

Finally, Fitzgerald looked up at the voodoo doll.

"What do you need?" he asked at her coldly. That was a harsh greeting.

"Breece my love, I just got back from Paris. I miss you so much that's why I came here," she said seductively. I never expected that she will throw herself like this at Fitzgerald.

I went outside, behind the door, opening it a little. I don't want to miss this show.

"So? " Fitzgerald replied irritatedly.

"Breece my love, please don't be like this. There will be a party that Arturo Sullivan will be hosting at the end of the month. It is his birthday and I want you to come with me to be my escort," she pleaded. My eyes widen at the mention of Uncle's name. Maybe I can find there, the man who killed Dad. I must come to that party, by hook or by crook.

"I'm busy Sam! Can't you see?" Fitzgerald's voice thundered at the room.

"But I'll see you there Breece. Goodbye," the voodoo doll voice stuttered. The moment I heard footsteps coming closer, I rushed to my table and sat down. My Ex-Friend looked at me with her brow as high as mount Everest.

Don't worry my dear Samatha. He will surely come to the party, but not with you, but with me. By that, smirked tugged on my face.

~End of Chapter 6~