He was the CEO and President of Brava International Chain of Resort and Hotel. He took over the company from his deceased father. Pabagsak na ang kompanya noon. Ini-rekomenda ng lahat na ipagbili na lang pero lumaban si Amadeus. Di lang nito nagawang ibangon ang kompanya kundi napalago pa nito. Sunud-sunod ang ina-acquire at pinatatayo nitong mga hotel at resort sa iba't ibang bahagi ng mundo. He was a success story.
Kaya naman nang malaman niyang binuksan nito ang posisyon para sa executive assistant ay kinuha na niya ang pagkakataon. She didn't want to let the opportunity pass. Pangarap niyang maging gaya nito balang-araw. She was confident that she could nail this one. She wanted this job so badly. Malaking privilege kung makakatrabaho niya ito.
"I'm impressed. At such a young age, you achieved so much. Maganda rin ang recommendation sa iyo ng former boss mo," anito at tumaas ang kilay. May bahid ng malisya at hinala ang tingin nito sa kanya. "There is a note here that you are also part of the decision-making in the company. That you have brilliant ideas that helped with increase of their sales. You must be really good."
Hindi niya nagustuhan ang insinuation nito. Iniisip ba nito na mabilis siyang naging executive assistant kahit na twenty-four pa lang dahil sa sexual favors na ibinibigay niya. Hindi naman na bago iyon sa kahit saang industriya.
"I started young in the company. Sa kanila na ako nag-on-job training noong college, work during summer for free. They offer intense training for interns. From housekeeping to guest relations and the kitchen, of course. That's why I am well-rounded. Hindi ko lang basta naintindihan kung ano ang sistema ng pagpapatakbo ng kompanya kundi kung ano ang pinagdadaanan ng mga empleyado. I believe that in order for the company to progress, they must take care of the employees. Para mahalin nila ang kompanya."
Pinagsalikop ng lalaki ang palad at sumandal sa black leather executive chair. "Looks like you are passionate about your job. Why did you leave the company?"
"I have to spread my wings and try something new."
Dahil hindi na niya gusto ang pamamahala ng bago niyang boss. Hindi na niya gusto ang trato sa kanya bilang isang empleyado lalo na kapag binabastos na siya. Kailangan niyang pangalagaan ang dignidad niya bilang babae.
"I am impressed. You have a lot of potential, Miss Santander. But I won't hire you as my executive assistant."
Napamaang siya. Pakiramdam niya ay pinuri-puri lang siya nito, inilipad sa alapaap sabay binitawan sa ere. Naliliyo siya. Bumubusok na siya pababa nang hindi alam kung paano muling lumipad pabalik sa taas. "B-But why? What's wrong?"
Sinabi naman nito na okay ang ibinigay na reference sa kanya. Nakausap ba nito ang isa pa niyang boss na bastos at siniraan siya?
"You are ambitious. I want you to acquire more training. But I want to hire you as my brother's assistant."
"Your brother?" aniya at tumuwid ng upo.
"Yes. Aiden dela Merced."
Hindi pamilyar si Lexie kay Aiden dela Merced. Hindi naman kasi ito nalalathala sa mga magazine at di rin uma-attend ng mga magagarbong event di gaya ni Amadeus.
"He got is Masters in Business Administration from Stanford University last year. He is the manager of the Feasibility and Investments Department here. Of course, I want to groom him for a much higher position as a dela Merced. He has his own interest here in the company. I think he could use a little enthusiasm from you. Baka mahawaan siya ng passion mo."
Ikiniling niya ang ulo. "What do you expect from me?"
"Don't get fired. As simple as that. I am expecting you to share some of your vision with him."
"O...kay." Hindi masisante. Mahigpit na hinawakan ni Lexie ang handle ng hobo bag niya. That was a bit disconcerting on her part. Ibig bang sabihin ay mas mahigpit pa na boss si Aiden kaysa kay Amadeus.
Tumayo ang lalaki. "My assistant will take you to the HR department. Sign your contract today. I will give you the salary that my executive assistant will get. You will even have your own car. I will give you additional incentive if you can stay here for three more months."
"I have questions, Sir..."
Tumayo ito at isinuot ang coat. "I would love to chat more with you but I have a party to attend in Osaka tonight." Inilahad nito ang palad sa kanya. "Welcome to Brava International, Miss Santander."
"Thank you, Sir," usal niya at sabay pa silang lumabas ng opisina nito.
Sa labas ay naghihintay na ang assistant nitong si Florida. She was more than fifty years old. Ayon sa matandang babae ay gusto daw kumuha ni Amadeus ng ipapalit dito pero tumango lang ito nang malamang kay Aiden siya mapupunta.