Private Club? I’ll call Carlos and ask him to lend me his private booth,” announced Stephanie in a


    proud tone.


    “Really? Carlos’ private booth? I can’t wait!” the other women eximed. Their cheers reverberated


    through the hallway.


    As Debbie listened, they seemed to be getting close. They rounded the corner and were face to face


    with her. There were about four of them.


    Stephanie’s friends were surprised to see Debbie. One of them whispered to the others, “Wait…isn’t


    that Debbie?”


    “The singer? Yeah, looks like her. I hear that she and Carlos.. another woman whispered back, winking


    at her friend. For Stephanie’s sake, she didn’t finish her sentence, but everyone understood what she


    meant.


    Debbie’s and Stephanie’s eyes met. Debbie was mad at Carlos a moment ago for he had changed


    their daughter’s Last name on a form without consulting her. But now she shed a meaningful smile.


    Stephanie sensed provocation in that smile. With a frown, she passed by


    Debbie. Neither of them spoke.


    When Stephanie and her friends walked into the elevator, Debbie took out her phone, unblocked


    Carlos’ number and called him.


    No sooner had Carlos stepped into the meeting room than his phone rang.


    He was Known as a cold and emotionless man, but a smile crept over his face when he caught sight of


    the caller ID. He answered the phone and stepped out.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org.


    “Hi,” he said softly. That was such a shift in tone. The rest of the meeting attendees Looked at each


    other in wonder. They had never seen their boss so tender.


    “Was that really him? You never hear him sound Like that.” “Who called?


    Was it Stephanie?” someone else asked.


    “Haha! Right! You ever hear Carlos talk to Stephanie Like that?”


    A N G E L A ‘s L I B R A R Y


    “It’s gotta be. She’s his fiancee, right?”


    More than a few of the men there knew of Debbie’s recent association with Carlos. They simply smiled


    and kept silent. It wasn’t their ce to air their boss’ dirtyundry.


    To annoy Stephanie, Debbie decided to temporarily forget what Carlos did.


    “Hey, old man, I need a favor.”


    “Fire away.” He always found it hard to say no to her


    “My contract with Elmer’spany expired. And I made a grip of money shilling from them. So I think a


    thank-you dinner is just what the doctor ordered. Can I borrow your private booth at Orchid Private


    Club?”


    ‘Elmer?’ Carlos thought. That name rang a bell.


    “The guy who cost you six million?”


    Debbie had almost forgot her Last dinner with Elmer.