Annalia widened her eyes at Silas as though she was asking for an explanation as she couldn't believe her father had done it. She could also tell that even Donovan was baffled by what he saw. A Delatorre hired by his father will work for their company? Has he lost his mind? Even though Annalia forbids it, once Annalia and Adam become acquainted, a lot may happen to them. She had to object to this agreement because otherwise, many problems would occur.
"Mr. Santiago," Adam said with a tinge of respect for Silas.
"I wanted to introduce you to someone you will be working for. I know you met a few years back." Mr. Santiago said with a hidden meaning in his voice.
"Anna-"
“I need to go,” was all Anna could say as she cut his sentence.
"Where are you going?" Annalia heard Donovan whisper while looking at her solemnly. Anna gritted her teeth as she averted her eyes from Adam, who was now looking at her intently.
"I'm going home."
"All right, then. Let Adam go with you. Today will be his first day of work," Mister Santiago replied cheerfully.
"No need. I have my car ready outside the building," Anna calmly responded, completely ignoring Adam.
"I can drive you home," Adam meddles with his warmth and sexy voice. Fucking no way! Although Anna had planned to utterly ignore him, doing so would have been disrespectful and rude. Despite her heart pounding like a drum, she still manages to speak to him politely.
Anna simply smiled and responded, "I can handle it, Mr. Delatorre."
Donovan interrupts the awkwardness between Annalia and Adam by saying, "No. Let me. I'll take you home. I have urgent matters to discuss with you as well." What Don did just give Anna one ray of hope to escape from Adam.
"All right, Papa, I'll see you home. And please, I don't need a personal bodyguard." Anna turns away from his father and faces Adam, who has an enigmatic expression. She ignored it and walked right past the young man. Annalia could hear her heartbeat even though Anna was already far away from the conference room. She was disturbed by the number of questions she had. What brings him to the Philippines? How did he end up as a bodyguard? Is his family aware of what he is up to? He is Delatorre's son; why would he serve as a bodyguard for the Santiago company?
"Did you know?" Donovan asked as he managed to follow her.
"No," Anna briefly answered.
"I thought you met him earlier," Don asks, wondering.
"So do I."
Anna hurriedly climbed inside her car and turned the engine before her father could catch up with her. Shit! I will never allow this to happen. Having a Delatorre around her will ruin her, especially her plans. What was Father thinking?! He didn't even consider that he would endanger her if Adam learned of her pursuits for his family. Anna needed to talk to his father and change his decision. And no matter how good the reason, if he has a plan that involves Adam, Anna won't like it.
When Anna arrived at her penthouse building, Donovan immediately followed her.
When Anna entered, she exclaimed furiously, "What was he thinking?!" She dumped her bag onto the couch before slumping into her swivel chair.
"You know him. Father won't make such a decision if there isn't a solid plan in place." Donovan said, trying to cool down Anna's temper.
Anna vindicated, "He can just talk to me first." She's getting a headache from this!
Don replies with a hint of skepticism, "Is it really that big a deal for an Adam Delatorre to be your personal bodyguard?"
"What do you mean? Of course, it is a big deal! Don't you understand? What if, while serving me, he discovers some sensitive information? We don't know him! He may disclose something, Donovan. All our plans, my misery, and horrible events that occurred before will be for naught." The stress Annalia was facing today was so overwhelming that she could no longer control her rage.
On the other hand, Don was instantly quiet in response to what Anna stated. Despite the various issues Anna faces—some of which are significantly worse now—she doesn't always blow up like this. Donovan, though, hadn't seen Anna's rage until now. He knew that something was responsible for this—something behind the explosion. It is not simply about ruining her vision and plans.
"I know you very well, Anna, and this is not just about this," Donovan added with an air of wonder and suspicion.
Anna said in a frustrated tone, "What? I don't understand you."
Donovan said matter-of-factly, "Of course, you do. You are just avoiding it, which is why you have no idea what is causing you to behave like this." This caused Anna to scowl in perplexity.
"Also, you were pretty trusting of father, whatever plans he makes even when you don't know what they are ahead of time; let's just wait for him to explain, and you... you need to calm down." What exactly is he saying? I'm not trying to avoid anything in particular.
This irritates Annalia even more. Donovan speaks to her as if he knows her too well to dispute her instincts and emotions. She is frightened. She is worried that her plans might not proceed as planned. Anna is terrified that everything she has fought for will be for nothing: that she will bring a knife to a gunfight.
Donovan has already departed from the penthouse by the time nightfall arrives. Following their brief disagreement, Donovan decided to give her some space to reflect on the proposition made by her father. Despite this, Anna is not fond of the concept, and she is well aware that she will never consent to it.
'Let us simply wait for his explanation.'
Anna suddenly recalled what Donovan had stated just before he left. Perhaps their father does, in fact, have a plan, and perhaps, Adam is a part of it. But regardless of what it is, it is still inexplicable. Anna lets out an audible sigh as she sets her hair blower down. I am going to give him the benefit of the doubt. I have no idea what you're thinking, Papa, but I will offer you a shot at this one anyhow.
Anna was in the midst of a profound contemplation when the doorbell suddenly rang. She frowned as she realized that it was nearly midnight. Who in their right mind would go to her penthouse at this hour? Thinking it was her father, Anna went to the door and didn't mind peeking through the peephole to see who it was. As soon as she opened it, a look of utter disbelief and dread appeared on her face as she recognized the person.
"What...W-what the heck are you doing here?"
"Work," Adam nonchalantly stated as if it were something that should be expected.
"What work?" Anna questioned while her mind was still trying to process what the heck this man was doing here.
"You know what kind of work, Annalia."
The realization that Silas takes this personal guard of Annalia's seriously causes Annalia to slam her eyes tightly shut in furious.
"I'm sorry, you must have got the wrong idea about that work you're talking about. I didn't assent with that bullshit, Mr. Delatorre. So, please, don't bother coming back here," Anna remarked resolutely, her tone carrying a whiff of conviction along with it. Although she wants to give his father the benefit of the doubt, sending Adam here is just the wrong move. Anna was about to close the door when Adam reached out and grabbed Anna's elbow, preventing her from doing so.
"You can't just shut me out again, Anna," Adam made a scathing remark, his eyes growing dimmer and more steely in their demeanor. When Anna felt the heat from Adam's touch on her skin, she covertly stopped breathing. This reignited the spark and rekindled the burning lust deep within her stomach. Anna subconsciously shakes her head to distract herself from the seed of desire sprouting deep within her body. She gave a brave gaze at Adam as she shrugged off his hand, holding onto her elbow.
"Again? When did I ever shut you out?"
"Should I even go ahead and say that to you?"
"Okay, let's talk about shutting someone out, Adam. You left without saying anything." As soon as Anna had finished saying that, she muttered a curse under her breath to herself. Fuck! Annalia, are you serious?! You just lost it! After hearing her remarks, it was clear that Adam was taken aback by the revelation. They became silent for a few seconds when Adam spoke again, breaking the stillness.
"I had an urgent matter to fulfill," Adam responded with sincerity, giving the impression that he shared her sorrow at having to leave her three years ago.
"I don't care, Adam. Just leave! It is well past midnight," Anna said while she was struggling to resist the impulse to feel guilty for being rude to him. Shit! What on earth is going on with me?!
"You still owe me, Anna. And I am coming back to get it back from you," Adam smirked and replied with a tone in his voice that suggested there was some hidden context. Three years ago, Annalia would have gladly opened the door for him to find out what she "owed" him at the time. However, as those years went by, Anna also changed. She is not the same Anna whom he met.
"No, Adam. I owe you nothing," Anna looked at him exquisitely and then slammed the door shut. Anna exhaled the air trapped in her throat as she attempted to tighten her knuckles to stop the electric pain she was experiencing in her palms.
Way to go, Anna.
Anna got up extra early every morning so that she could get in a workout at the gym before heading off to work. After putting her AirPods in her ears, she grabbed her duffle bag and walked out of her penthouse. It was five o'clock in the morning when Anna entered the elevator. However, as she is about to enter the parking lot to fetch her car, a LaFerrari pulls up in front of Anna. Annalia let out a hiss as she came dangerously close to being hit by it."What the hell? Hey! Watch where you're going!"Annalia is greeted by the driver, who can be seen smiling proudly through the open window. Furious, Anna kicked the wheel of Adam's LaFerrari and stumped away. He was very close to hitting me!"Ms. Davis, I was ordered to fetch you for the gym!" Adam yells from his car. Annalia ignores him and continues to find her BMW. While Adam keeps pestering her, Anna is trying to find her BMW, but to her annoyance, she cannot find it inside the parking lot."Where is it?" Annalia cursed under her br
As soon as the show was over, Annalia walked straight to the VIP area to relax and cool off. She was ready for the hosts' and the audience's questions. However, when they were answered—particularly the ones that were out of the line—Annalia was forced to provide a safe response even though she was already finding it difficult to express her annoyance. "Are you hungry? I'll order food for you. You didn't eat this morning, did you?" Don enquired with concern. Donovan's offer was declined by Anna, who instead responded by saying that they should phone their father. There is still the matter of her father's plans for her to take Adam on as her personal bodyguard, which they need to discuss. "Where's Dad?" Annalia asked Don. "He should arrive any minute now." Annalia responds with a simple nod of her head before returning to nap. In the meantime, Donovan left the VIP room to get some lunch for Anna. While she was taking a moment to relax, the door abruptly opened, which caused Anna to f
Anna awoke a little later than usual with her clothes already prepared for the day. Donovan most likely instructed one of his female assistants to bring her these clothes when he realized she would be late for another appointment. Anna put on makeup and did her hair at her vanity after she finished showering. Anna only uses a quick curling iron now because there has no time. While Annalia is on the phone with Donovan, she frantically grabs her purse and the key to her car. After opening the door, Annalia was greeted by a stunningly handsome man who was dressed in black slacks, an unbuttoned suit, and a white polo shirt is worn underneath. Even though his hair is a bit messy, he still manages to look good. "What are you doing?" Annalia asks Adam. Adam responds briefly, "Fetching you." "I will drive mys-" Draw him closer to you as much as possible. "Okay," Annalia merely responded after recalling what her father had said. She turned her back on Adam and started walking ahead after
Annalia did nothing but gaze at Adam for a few moments before she realized that Antonio had noticed her preoccupation with something else and abruptly switched the focus of her attention.Anna cleared her throat and muttered "A-ahm" before pulling her hand from Antonio's palm."Well, would you like to join me?" She asks him while doing her best to ignore the icy glare that Adam is sending her."Sure," was Marcel's response. Annalia asked them to walk ahead of her before she did. She attempted to glance at Adam, but it was too late—he had already disappeared. The Delatorre were shown to their table by Donovan, standing right next to her at the time."Ann?""Yes?""What are you doing? Let's go," Don said. The only thing Annalia did was nod her head before she followed them.Fortunately, their father grabbed Marcel and Antonio for a chat, so she wouldn't have to deal with them for the time being. Annalia is tense for no apparent reason—no, she is nervous. And she doesn't know why. Anna
"Cut!" "Annalia, come here," said the director. They have just begun filming their newest movie. This is the first day of production. Annalia is, as is her usual routine, extremely busy with work. "Yes?" "This scene right here. I want you to show as much affection toward the male lead! It seems as though you're unsure whether or not to kiss him," the director scolded. Annalia heaves a sigh and bobs her head in agreement. Since the encounter with Adam, Annalia has had trouble concentrating since the beginning of filming. She used to be very professional in her job, but she feels a little hesitant being intimately close to someone of the other sex at this moment. Annalia responded with a simple "Okay, noted." "Okay! Let's get back in position. Chop-chop!" After a little break, Annalia reappeared at the scene. Her partner, Lorence, gave her a reassuring grin as if he were trying to console Anna. "Hey, it's okay. You don't need to kiss me as much as you have been. Just show some si
Because Adam is a jerk and lacks professionalism, Anna has no choice but to drive herself to the restaurant where she and Antonio will meet. She is unable to wrap her head around how audacious Adam was to behave in such a manner with her. God! After what he's done, he's definitely getting fired.When she enters, a group of bodyguards gathers in front of the restaurant's entrance. Annalia shortly jumped from her car in the parking lot. This restaurant is impressive, and the parking lot does not have to be accessed from the street, which is convenient for high-profile guests like her. As soon as the bodyguards caught sight of Annalia, they made their way toward Anna, ushering and directing her inside the restaurant. Annalia noticed that Antonio was standing there and staring at her with the tiniest smile on his face, although his rugged facial aspect was still very evident.Antonio welcomed Anna by saying, "Hello, Ms. Davis," while extending his arm and opening his palm in a way that s
When they arrived at the nearest hospital, Annalia quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and prepared to leave the car. However, Adam unexpectedly seized her and prevented her from leaving."No. There are still quite a few people inside, and the situation is extremely precarious, given that the offender of the shooting has not been caught," Adam gasped in pain and hissed due to the wound he got."No, Adam. It's okay. We have no choice but to bring you inside so that the bullet lodged in your arm can be extracted," Anna harped on him. But Adam did nothing more than shake his head and groan at the pain in his arm."Have you given Don a call?""Yes. Don is on his way," Annalia responded with a worried tone. Adam merely nods before leaning his head back on the car seat. Because Adam's face was visibly pale, which caused him to suddenly lose consciousness, Anna rushed over to him."Hey, hey. Look at me. Adam, wake up. I need you to stay with me. I'll leave the car and help you find your way int
"What...what are you doing here?" Adam is taken aback upon first sighting Annalia in front of his home. He then immediately wears his sando shirt, looking at Anna in surprise. How did she get to know his address in the first place? "I believe I heard you were released from the hospital on your own accord. So, I came over to see if... if everything is going well for you," while Annalia spoke, her attention was drawn to the arm sling Adam wore. "Don't worry, I was the one who went through your document to find your address since Don...won't tell me." She continues clenching her knuckles to stop the electric vibration in her palms. The realization that her presence here may cause Adam to become irate has caused her anxiety and fear. It took him some time to react while Anna's gaze remained focused on the arm sling that Adam was wearing. The young man makes her feel too ashamed to stare at him, so she avoids doing so. Fuck! She is now feeling both regret and a sense of realization. Don h