Heartless Mafia Heir

7- "I was never wrong..."

“Mr. Alvarez!”

“Congressman!”

We tapped each other's shoulders as I arrived at the place where we agreed to meet again to continue talking about business and political matters.

He was already here when I arrived; I thought I would arrive first before he could, like the last time we met.

“Have you been here since earlier? Did I make you wait a bit longer?” I worried.

Of course, I wanted to impress this prospective sponsor for my community project, not only to show him how determined I am to push this sponsorship through but also to show professionalism.

“No, don't worry. I just arrived a bit early, but only a few minutes later you arrived, too. I didn't wait too long.”

“Great. I thought I made you wait a lot.”

“You did not. Ease your mind now.”

I nodded and smiled.

We both glanced at the scenery in front of us.

We were currently standing in one of the main attractions of this fine dining restaurant. The ambiance offered serenity and elegance.

The garden view had a lush oasis of greenery and vibrant blooms. It was meticulously landscaped and exuded a sense of tranquility and sophistication, accompanied by the soothing sound of trickling water from ornate fountains strategically placed throughout the space. This was giving a relaxing vibe to the diners.

“So, how are you, Congressman?” the old man asked.

I glanced at him and lightly nodded. “I'm fine. How are you?” I asked him back.

He nodded and smiled. “I’m doing good so far.”

“Great to hear that,” I commented.

“Anyway, I didn't come here alone. I brought somebody with me. I hope you don't mind, Congressman?”

Oh…

I thought he came here alone. I didn't expect that he would bring another person today.

Anyhow, I shook my head gently. “No, I don't mind. It's alright. By the way, who is he? Is he a business partner of yours, or perhaps one of the biggest persons for VistaCecilia?” I tried with my conclusions.

He almost chuckled before nodding, as if he were entertained. “You're right, this person is really a big person and reputable in VistaCecilia, but she's not a business partner and most especially, it's not a ‘he.’ It's a ‘she,” he corrected me in a humble way.

“Oh!” I exclaimed. “I’m sorry.”

“It's alright. No problem.”

“Dad, haven't he arrived yet—Congressman!” Monique Elizabeth, who just came out and followed, was as surprised as I was when she saw me.

And I shared the same reaction as hers. I did not expect that she would also be here today. Mr. Alvarez didn't mention that he would actually bring his daughter in our lunch meeting.

“So, it's you?” she asked.

We both looked at her father.

He chuckled at the both of us and turned to his daughter. “Yes. Didn't I mention that it's actually Congressman Carlos that we’d be meeting today?”

Monique shrugged her shoulders. “You didn't, dad. You only said you're going to meet a potential business partner and then you invited me if I could go with you so I said yes.”

“Oh, my bad, dear.” He also turned to me. “Anyway, Congressman, my daughter is what I meant I brought here today with me. And I hope it's just fine with you.”

I looked at his daughter, who seemed like she didn't actually like the idea that it was me who her dad met this afternoon for a business talk.

“Great. Let's go then?” he invited us to go in.

I nodded and followed.

We were already walking when he suddenly stopped because he knew that his daughter didn't move her feet, and she just stayed there standing, watching us.

“Monique Elizabeth, come on, dear.”

She almost rolled her eyes. “I’m coming, dad!”

The staff opened the sliding door for us, and I let the old man come first. I even stepped aside to let his daughter come before me—an act of gentlemanliness, of course.

She gave me a lazy look, and I smiled at her. I couldn't figure out why, but it seemed like she didn't really like me and my presence around. I even felt like she was actually despising me in the back of her head. For what reason? I really didn't have any idea about that.

Eusebeo kept on talking, but when he turned around to look at us at the back, he forgot what he was saying and smiled dearly at his daughter before comfortably putting his arm around her shoulders.

“Hey, what's wrong, lovely? Don't you like this place?”

“The place is good, but it's just so-so,” she honestly answered and shrugged her shoulders while roaming her eyes around the place, and she looked obviously bored.

“Come on. Just appreciate it, okay? Next time, we're not going to dine in here again.”

She simply shrugged again.

I couldn't just shake my head quietly while looking at her. What was wrong with this place? Doesn't suit her taste so well, huh?

I looked around and also shrugged as I followed the Alvarezes.

When we sat at our reservation table and food had been served, I couldn't help but notice Monique Elizabeth’s continuation of her indifference. It seemed like she didn't like everything at the moment. Even the food that tasted really good didn't seem to impress her. Not even a bit. What seriously was this woman’s problem?

“Hmm! I like their food here! They taste good!” Her dad commented and was happily eating. “What do you think?” he also asked our opinion.

I nodded, agreeing with what he said. “You're right. The food here tasted great.”

“How about you, Monique?” he asked his daughter.

She was lazily eating. “Just fine.”

“Just fine?” The old man was amazed. “Really? Nothing really fits your liking here, eh?”

She just grinned, but it was almost a sarcastic smile.

I couldn't help but smirk at the back of my head while watching her.

She appeared as if she were very hard to please. Tss. Such a woman with a standard beyond reach of anyone!

Later on, as we got down to business, I had been very transparent and honest with Eusebeo about what I wanted to happen and what I was expecting, too. There had also been conditions in the contract that I wanted us to revise, such as the fair share of revenue for the business we were planning to start right after the agreement and the construction of homes for my constituents.

It was good that after I explained why I needed to adjust the terms and conditions and discussed them thoroughly with him, he got my point and understood. At first, of course, he had a lot of questions. He questioned some of my thoughts, I answered them, and we came to understand each other's pointers.

Finally, I saw him nodding, agreeing and openly willing to take my ideas into consideration.

“Alright then. Point taken, Congressman. I agree with some of your plans, but I must say I also disagree with some of them. However, I have trust in you and I know you know what you're doing and it's for the good of the masses. I’ll revise the contract according to your requests and have it sent to you soon.”

I was so glad with what I heard. This is it! “Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Alvarez.” I even asked for a handshake with him since I was so overwhelmed that I got his sponsorship. Finally!

He was also happy, as he gladly accepted my hand.

After we shook hands, we continued with our food.

I was still in a very good mood and felt like floating in a cloudnine when suddenly he spoke again and suggested something that, I must say, shocked both I and his only daughter.

“Since I agreed and submitted to your requests, I guess it's also time for me to have some requests, too, so that not only one side could benefit from this agreement, but both sides.”

I listened very well. By the way that he was beaming, I was already hinting that he might have a bomb with him and will make it explode.

And I was never wrong...

“Why don't you marry my unica hija?”

After hearing that, my eyes automatically landed on his daughter, and I saw Monique Elizabeth’s brow raise. She didn't expect that, just as I didn't see that coming. Seriously!

“I’m sorry, Sir?” I asked. Maybe I just heard it wrong?

“Why don't you marry Monique Elizabeth Alvarez?” he repeated himself to clarify that he really said what he said.

And I couldn't even believe he was talking about it as if he was just asking for some sweet candy to be given to his little princess!

“Dad!” Finally, Monique spoke and she even stood up from her seat, showing her strong disapproval for what her father wanted to happen.