Chapter 01

"Here's your coffee, Ms. Zaldesa." My secretary, Jacy, said as she placed a mug at the side of my table. I glanced at her from my reading glasses and smiled.

"Thanks, Jace." I replied as I removed my glasses and placed them neatly on top of the papers I'm working on. I drank a sip of hot coffee and sighed in relief. Jacy sat in front of me and cross her arms over her chest.

"You're so workaholic."

I sarcastically smiled at her. "Tell me something I don't know."

"Well..." She started. I gave her a questioning look.

Guess she's taking this seriously. I put my coffee down to hear what she has to say.

"Mr. Genova would like to meet you at some high-end bar. Don't worry, it'll be in a VIP area."

"What? He's too old for bar." I chuckled. "That old man."

"Uh..." She coughed. "The son."

My eyes grew wide at what she said. "And why is that?"

She shrugs. "I really don't know."

"But you're my secretary! You should know!"

"News flash! I don't."

I rolled my eyes at her remark. I looked at my papers and calculated the time I can finish this. "Okay, then. Schedule the meeting."

Jacy gave me the address of the high-end bar where Isaac and I will meet. It's a good thing the place is near my penthouse or else I would've kick that jerk's ass.

I asked a valet to park my car as I straightened the little crease of my red velvet, lacy dress. This place is not that packed. I spotted some familiar CEOs of well-known companies and some successful celebrities and models. Now I know why that stupid jerk chose this place to meet me. Such a thirsty asshole.

A host lead me to the VIP room. I sat at a large sofa as a waiter gave me a glass of expensive champagne.

"Mr. Genova already ordered food. We will serve them right up." The waiter said.

What a jerk! He didn't even let me choose what to eat!

"Good evening, Ms. Zaldesa. I'm glad you could come." A voice speaked.

I rolled my eyes at the man in front of me. "Oh, stop it with the formalities, Isaac. It doesn't suit you."

He chuckled and sat in front of me. "Feisty as ever, Esabel."

"Stop calling me that! We're not close." The waiter served us our food. Imagine my horror when I saw a steak in front of me.

"Excuse me? Are you insulting me?" I glared at him. Isaac eyed my food and laughed.

"The steak is mine." He informed the waiter, then looked at me. "Didn't know you were still vegetarian."

"Vegan." I corrected him. The waiter layed down a plate of caesar salad with some ceasar dressing.

"You know," he started. "I prefer girls eating steak."

I raised my left eyebrow at him. "I don't prefer you."

He placed his hand in his chest. "You've hurt me right here."

"Childish as ever, Dathral." I said and imitated his voice earlier. "Let's get straight to the point, why did you call me up?"

"Can I not ask my dearest rival to eat—"

"No, you can't." I cut him off.

He's playful demeanor a while ago was immediately replaced by a serious Isaac Dathral Genova.

"You need to help me."

I was about to eat a piece of cherry tomato when he said that. I place my fork down and cross my right leg over the other.

"What's in it for me?"

"You'll be CEO in your main company." I eyed him suspiciously.

"And how the hell would you do that? I can't even convince my own father!"

He smirked at me. "Have you forgotten that I'm you daddy's favorite?"

I wore my silk bathrobe and went inside my bathroom to take a quick shower. I dried my hair with a hair blower and proceeded to do my skincare.

I can't stop thinking at Isaac's offer. Being the CEO of our company is such a big deal for me—it's my dream! To say that my dad favors him than his own daughter angers me a lot. Because the truth is, Isaac is more like his son. And I am more like Isaac's father's daughter.

At least we're equal.

That will always be the comfort words that I will bring every time we talk about my dad's favoritism.

I rubbed my face gently with my favorite cleanser. A sweet scent of vanilla rushed through my nose. Vanilla is such a go-to-scent for women.

Through Isaac's help in making me the CEO in our company, I could be the top woman in this career. I smiled at the thought. But then I remembered Isaac and I's conversation a while ago which made me frown.

I rinsed my face and patted a soft towel and I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

"You know what, fuck it!"