His Perfect Temptation

Fortune with fury

Maliya's pov

I sighed, rubbing my tired eyes as I stared at the stacks of papers and files on my desk.

It had been days and I was still struggling to finish the analysis.

To make matters worse, it felt like Igancio was intentionally piling on extra work like I wasn't already stressed out already

I couldn't help but feel resentment towards him. Why was I being saddled with all this extra work?

Was it because I was new? And to top it all off, Igancio had informed me that I would be accompanying him to some gathering.

I couldn't believe he had chosen me over Maria, his personal assistant. It didn't make sense.

Why did he choose me? Did he think I was some kind of workhorse, capable of handling an endless workload?

I felt like I was doing two people's work, and it was taking a toll on me. I was exhausted, both physically and mentally.

And now, I had to put on a smile and pretend to be Ignacio's dutiful colleague at this gathering.

I just had to get through this, I told myself. I would finish the analysis, attend the gathering, and then maybe, just maybe, I could finally finish this work.

It was a time like this I wish I was a waitress like Camila, yes this work paid better but at least Camila is having a good night's rest.

...........

I adjusted my elegant black gown, feeling a bit out of place among the wealthy business owners and investors at the auction event.

Ignacio, standing beside me, seemed completely at ease, his eyes drifted across the room with confidence.

The auctioneer, a tall, slender man with a loud voice, took the stage, "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have the rare opportunity to bid on the assets of Smith & Co., a renowned company in the industry. The sale includes the company's building, land, staff, and machinery."

This was when Igancio wanted a chance to expand his company, he had already started eyeing a location near Smith & Co. This was a golden opportunity for him to save months of time and money.

The auctioneer began the bidding, and Igancio confidently placed his bids, ready to secure everything all seemed to be going smoothly until a figure arrived, I had seen the face before, I think Maria mentioned the name once or something, as he walked into the room. The atmosphere changes slightly.

Igancio eyes brimmed like fire ready to burn down the place, I wasn't sure if I knew what going on or maybe Maria was confused I thought she said this fellow was friends with Igancio were even though they were business rivals igancio being more successful and brilliant.

I feel m the only one ignorant of what the hell was going on as everyone started whispering to one another.

The auctioneer intervened, "Gentlemen, let's try to keep the bidding civil. We have a lot to get through tonight."

The bidding continued, with Igancio and Man engaging in a fierce battle of bids.

I watched anxiously, and it seemed others were no longer participating they were busy silently watching the two bid back to back.

If I didn't know better I would say this man aimed to make sure Igancio paid double the amount for the bid, this was more than just an auction; it felt like some sort of revenge.

I think Ignacio noticed this as he deliberately withdrew at the last minute, forcing this man to get the company machinery at an absurd rate.

Ignacio did lose, but I could notice an evil smirk on his face.

The auctioneer declared a recess, and as soon as people stepped out I could hear fragments of conversation here and there, " he has got nerves showing up here." a voice said, "who bids 7.5 billion on old machinery? He has gone insane."

The recess didn't last long, soon everyone was back in, I took a moment to glance around the room, noticing that Igancio's rival, was nowhere to be found. I wondered if he had given up or was simply regrouping.

It was time for the company-building action, igancio rivals still weren't anywhere to be found, soon the auctioneer announced the final bid for the company. Ignacio placed his bid, and to no one's surprise, he won with ease.

As the room burst Into applause, I couldn't help but think about the implications of Igancio's win. I wondered what he planned to do without the machinery, which was arguably the most valuable part of the company's assets.

I turned to Igancio and whispered, "Congratulations, you won. But what about the machinery? You lost the bid on those."

Igancio chuckled and replied, "I don't need that old machinery, Maliya. It's better to invest in new equipment than to buy outdated technology at an inflated price."

I was impressed by Igancio's strategic thinking. He was a true businessman.

As we stepped out of the event, Ignacio turned to me. "Let me give you a ride home. My driver can drop me off at my place and then take you to yours." He said

I gratefully accepted, glancing at my watch and realizing it was already 1 am. The thought of getting home quickly was a relief.

As we settled into the luxurious car, an awkward silence fell between us. I couldn't help but wonder what was on Igancio's mind, why he seemed uninterested in starting a conversation, I was very curious about who that man was, but he just stared out the window into night's darkness.

I couldn't help but sneak glances at him, trying to read his expression. And then, I caught it – a brief, fleeting moment when his eyes flicked towards me, his gaze lingering on my face before it quickly looked away.

Tiny raindrops began to fall and soon it began to pour. Eugene, "the driver", expertly moved the car through the flooded streets. Igancio raised his voice above the sound of the rain. "Eugene, can you please hurry?

Eugene nods "Almost there, sir."

Finally, we pulled up to Igancio's house, it was a very stunning mansion that seemed to glow in the darkness. We both rushed out of the car, dashing towards the entrance to escape the rain.

As we burst through the front door, I couldn't help but gasp in amazement. The interior of the house was breathtaking, the ceilings and lavish furnishings. But my wonder was short-lived, as my eyes fell on a family picture on the wall.

Ignacio had a child. And it seems the lady she met on her interview was his wife.

"Excuse me I have to listen to this voicemail," he said, as he made his way toward a room that seemed to be the kitchen

"I will never give you full custody, Ignacio! Never!".

I overheard, confused I made my way toward Ignacio, my spy instinct suddenly kicked in.