Chapter 13
Colet sat in her father’s grand office, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of the desk. Across from her, Don Alvaro Vergara studied her with a sharp, calculating gaze.
“You’ve been training well,” he said, breaking the silence. “But training is one thing. Today, you’re going to see what our world truly looks like.”
Colet’s jaw tightened, but she kept her expression neutral. “What do you mean?”
“I have a meeting with an old ‘business associate,’” Alvaro said, his tone light, almost amused. “I want you to come with me. It’s time you understood how we handle… negotiations.”
Colet’s stomach churned, but she forced herself to nod. “Fine.”
“Good,” Alvaro said with a satisfied smirk. “Tomas will brief you on the way.”
The black SUV glided through the bustling city streets, its tinted windows shielding its occupants from prying eyes. Colet sat in the backseat beside her father, the air inside the car thick with tension.
“This man we’re meeting,” Alvaro began, his tone conversational but edged with steel, “owes me money. A lot of money. He’s been avoiding my calls, my men, everything. Today, we remind him why that’s a bad idea.”
Colet stared out the window, her mind racing. “And you need me there because…?”
“Because you need to see what it takes to lead,” Alvaro said simply. “This isn’t just about power, Colet. It’s about respect. People need to know that when a Vergara speaks, they listen.”
Colet’s fingers curled into fists in her lap, but she didn’t respond.
The SUV pulled up to a sleek, modern office building. Tomas led the way inside, his imposing figure drawing wary glances from the staff. Colet and Alvaro followed closely, their presence radiating quiet authority.
They were ushered into a lavish office, where Mr. Jaime Ledesma, a wealthy business tycoon, sat behind an expansive desk. He stood as they entered, forcing a nervous smile.
“Don Alvaro,” Jaime said, his voice shaking slightly. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“That’s the point,” Alvaro said smoothly, taking a seat without being invited. “Sit.”
Jaime hesitated, then sank back into his chair.
“You owe me, Jaime,” Alvaro said, his tone deceptively calm. “I’ve been patient, but my patience has limits.”
“I… I just need more time,” Jaime stammered. “Business has been slow, and—”
Alvaro cut him off with a sharp laugh. “Slow? Jaime, you’re sitting in a million-peso office, drinking imported whiskey, and you expect me to believe that?”
Jaime’s face paled. “I swear, I’ll get you the money. I just need a few weeks.”
Alvaro leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “You have until the end of the week.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek black handgun, placing it on the desk between them. The sound of the metal meeting wood echoed in the tense silence.
Jaime flinched, his hands trembling as he held up in a placating gesture. “Please, Don Alvaro. There’s no need for this. I’ll pay, I swear.”
Colet’s stomach churned at the sight of the gun, but she kept her face stoic, watching the exchange intently.
Alvaro glanced at her, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “What do you think, hija? Should we believe him?”
Colet hesitated, her pulse racing. She hated every second of this, but she knew she couldn’t show weakness—not here, not now. “He doesn’t have a choice,” she said coldly, her voice steady.
Alvaro chuckled, clearly pleased. He picked up the gun and aimed it at Jaime, who froze in terror.
“Remember this moment, Jaime,” Alvaro said softly. “Because if you fail me again, it’ll be the last thing you remember.”
He lowered the gun and stood, gesturing for Colet and Tomas to follow. Jaime collapsed back into his chair, his breathing ragged.
As they stepped back into the SUV, Alvaro turned to Colet, his expression one of satisfaction. “Well done,” he said. “You didn’t flinch. That’s exactly what I need from you.”
Colet nodded, though her chest felt tight. “Is it always like that?” she asked quietly.
“Sometimes worse,” Alvaro admitted, his tone almost casual. “But you handled yourself well. You’ll make a fine leader, Colet.”
Colet looked out the window, her reflection staring back at her. She wasn’t sure she could live with what she had just seen—or with what her father wanted her to become.
Back at the estate, Colet sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her hands. They still felt cold from holding the gun earlier, though she hadn’t been the one to aim it.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a familiar name: Professor Arceta.
Her chest tightened as she stared at the screen, her thumb hovering over the “Answer” button. But after a moment, she hit “Decline” and tossed the phone aside.
She couldn’t let herself get pulled back into that world. Not now. Not when she was already in too deep.