The Sequel [2] |??| BINI [R18] COMPLETED

I couldn't stop staring at the screen.

Austin. Fucking. Ronzone.

The name felt too clean, too calculated. Parang hindi lang ito offer-parang warning.

"So what's the plan?" I said finally, voice low. "You want me to fly to Milan? Or are they planning to drop by and scout kung gaano na tayo ka-desperate?"

Sophia leaned forward sa mesa, eyes sharp. "Actually... Nolan's been in touch with one of his people. They're open for a meeting. Here."

I blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "Apparently, he's in Southeast Asia for some fashion tech summit. May window siya in a few days. Pwede siyang pumunta."

"Ang bilis naman ng universe," I muttered.

"Or he's been waiting," Sophia added, voice calm but pointed.

I didn't answer. My eyes were still locked on his photo. Yung ngiti niya sa picture? Half smirk. Half threat.

Parang alam na niyang darating ako. Parang chess player na naka-ilang moves ahead na.

Patricia crossed her arms. "This could either save us... or bury us. That's your call."

Of course it is.

I stood up, slowly. Took the remote from the table and turned off the projector.

"Fine," I said. "Set the meeting."

Sophia nodded. "Gusto mo ba ng pre-brief? We can go over his record-"

"No. I want to meet him cold," I cut in. "Walang filters. Gusto ko makita kung sinong hayop 'to at anong laro niya."

Patricia raised a brow. "You sure?"

"Absolutely." I turned to leave, but before I opened the door, I added without looking back-

"And tell Nolan... if this guy pulls anything sketchy, I won't hesitate to walk."

Then I walked out.

Pero habang naglalakad ako sa hallway ng Solene Corp, my chest tightened again.

There was no room for mistakes.

Not after Jaz.

And definitely not with someone like Austin Ronzone.

By the time I got home, the lights were dim and warm. Parang laging ganito tuwing galing ako sa impyerno-ay, I mean, Solene Corp.

And like always...
She was waiting.

Aiah was in the kitchen, hair up, wearing one of my oversized shirts, barefoot on the tiles. She looked up when she heard the door click.

"Hey," she said softly, like she hadn't been waiting for hours. "Welcome home."