His Perfect Temptation

Chapter 17

Igancio pov.

Beep beep beep.. The alarm continuously rang as I slammed my hand on it.

I slowly opened my eyes, and the first thing my mind brought up were images of Maliya.

Especially the moment she was in my arms. I wondered what could have happened if I had just given in to my desires.

But then I snapped back to reality. She is married.

I have to stop having these thoughts. I got out of bed and dressed for breakfast, Maliya was probably still sleeping. Maybe I should give her the day off. She had been working late a break would do her good.

I asked my maid to check in on her and invite her down for breakfast. She must be famished, having rejected dinner hours ago for reasons best known to her.

Soon my maid returned, telling me Maliya was no longer in her room.

"Where could she possibly be?" I wondered.

I asked the security, who reported back that Maliya had walked out earlier.

I couldn't help but feel annoyed, It was just like the other night, she left without the decency of saying goodbye.

Out of rage, I got up and went straight to my car.

She'd better be at work by exactly 8 am, and that sales analysis had better be on my table by 9.

As I drove to the company. I couldn't wait to see her and demand an explanation for her behavior. Who did she think she was, anyway?

I stormed into my office, slamming the door behind me. Maria came in with a concerned expression.

"Good morning, sir," she said. "Is everything okay?"

"Where is Maliya?" I demanded, ignoring her question.

Maria hesitated before answering. "I haven't seen her yet, sir. But I'm sure she'll be here soon."

I glared at her. "See that she is. I want to speak with her as soon as possible." I yelled.

After settling down, I decided that no, I didn't want to see her. She should come to me on her terms. I wanted to see how she would pretend that she like didn't sleep at my house last night.

I called Maria over and instructed her not to mention anything to Maliya. Maria nodded and left, returning soon later with the sales analysis report.

I was impressed. The analysis was thorough and her conclusions were right but it still had the trances of a beginner.

I asked Maria to extract what was important and return the analysis to Maliya, with instructions to break down the sales per hour.

Maria left to deliver the instructions and she returned with an invitation to a birthday party for Don Alejandro Morales. I usually attend these types of events with Maria, as they're not just birthday parties, but also opportunities to make business connections or even score a one-night stand with women who want to be with billionaires.

"Tell Maliya she'll be joining me tonight for the event," I ordered Maria.

A few minutes later, I was walking down the hallway when I saw Maria and Maliya. She approached me, babbling away, while Maria tried to intervene, attempting to keep things under control. I didn't quite catch what was going on, and to be honest, it's not important.

"Meet me at 8 pm sharp at the address given to you," I instructed Maliya, as I stepped into the elevator

As the doors closed, the message on my earpod had stopped. Ah, yes, that's why I hadn't heard Maliya's babbling.

....

As I stepped out of the car and onto the red carpet, my eyes searched for Maliya. She was waiting for me at the designated spot with my name. As I saw her, I was taken aback by her stunning appearance...

Despite her exhaustion, evident from the eye bags resting beneath her eyes, which she tried to conceal with makeup; but I couldn't deny the fact that she was absolutely stunning.

As we stepped into the Grand Hall, I could tell this was going to be a long night. The room was filled with old acquaintances, business rivals, new entrepreneurs, and some shady figures from the black market. Events like this were always a breeding ground for competition and drama.

My eyes glanced through a sea of faces, until they landed on a significant figure who rarely attended events. I met him a few years ago when he brought his daughter and new wife to a similar gathering. I remembered how his daughter could barely tolerate her stepmother; it was a funny scene.

l couldn't resist walking over to him, curious about what brought him here tonight.

If I knew anything about him, it was that he didn't attend these events for the free champagne and small talk.

He was here for something more, for new connections, innovative ideas, or perhaps a potential business deal.

Just as I was about to approach him, I felt a gentle tug on my shirt. I turned to see Maliya's hand grasping the fabric. What was this about?

"Ignacio, please," she muttered silently.

I was taken aback by the informal address. I didn't know if I was furious or concerned, but one thing was certain, I wasn't sure how to react.

"I mean, Mr. Igancio," she corrected herself.

"You don't have to follow me Maliya. You are not here to babysit me." I replied as made my way towards Mr. Alvarez.

"What a wonderful evening, Mr. Alvarez," I said, extending my hand. "I'm surprised to see you here."

Mr. Alvarez took my hands with a smile. "Ah, Ignacio Ramirez. I didn't know you were acquainted with our host."

"Just a casual acquaintance, Mr. Alvarez," I replied.

"Indeed. And I'm sure you're aware that our host has some...ambitious plans" he gestured towards the man.

I was intrigued. "Oh? Do tell." I exclaimed.

"There's nothing to tell, Mr. Ramirez. All I can say is, we're businessmen." He smirked.

"Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends and colleagues, welcome to my birthday party!" The host raised a glass and the room erupted into polite applause, but I could tell no one was interested in the host's birthday.

Soon I realized Maliya was nowhere to be seen. I wondered what she was up to, I excused myself from Mr. Alvarez and set off to find her.

My eyes met Rodrigo's as I was about to depart. Why was I surprised? This was an opportunity for anyone to show up, even mice.

Rodrigo was already exchanging words with Mr. Alvarez, trying to impress him, no doubt.

But Mr. Alvarez didn't seem interested in talking. He was here to gather information, to steal innovative ideas. I could tell from the way he asked about my plans for Smith & Co.

Atmospheres like this made people forget that, at the end of the day, we were all business rivals.

My grandfather always said "At every casual event, you either gain something or lose something"

I could tell Rodrigo was going to lose something in his bid to impress Mr. Alvarez and spite me.

My eyes landed on Maliya, who was emerging from the ladies' room. A man followed her out, and she kissed his cheek. "We'll talk later, Miguel," she said, as the man hugged her and left.

I walked silently behind her, trying to figure out what I just saw. Did she really have a tryst in the ladies' room during the party?