"So, you're telling me they sent an assistant to represent their company? And your special power didn't work on her?" Mr. Robinson Rodrigo fumed.
"Dad, I'm just as confused as you are," Matthew replied. "It has always worked on everyone I used it on. I don't understand why she was different."
"First of all," Robinson barked, "we need to call Madam De La Cruz and schedule another meeting. But this time, you're going to meet them personally—not some stupid assistant!"
"Okay, but what about my special ability? Do you think it's gone?" Matthew asked, clearly unsettled.
"Well, there's only one way to find out," Robinson replied. "Try it on someone else."
Just then, Lucas strolled into the office, whistling cheerfully.
"Hey, dude! How was the meeting?" he asked loudly, nudging Matthew. Taking a glance at their father's stern expression, Lucas added, "Oh no... it didn't go well, huh?"
He grabbed a chair near Matthew, sat down, and persisted. "Come on, Matthew. Tell me what went wrong. Wasn't Miss Cassandra hot? Did you use your charm like I suggested?"
"What charm?" Robinson interrupted.
"His manly charm, of course!" Lucas declared. "I told him to smile and speak softly—it always works with the ladies."
Turning back to Matthew, Lucas grinned. "So, did you use the charm?"
Matthew sighed. Seeing both Lucas and his father looking expectantly at him, he defended himself. "Of course, I didn't! How could I possibly smile and sweet-talk a business partner? You didn't train me that way, Dad."
Robinson sighed and left the room.
"So, what actually happened?" Lucas pressed.
"For starters, I met with their assistant—not Miss Cassandra," Matthew admitted. "But the most alarming part was that my special skill didn't work on her. I tried twice, and it was as if she was immune to it."
"Wow!" Lucas exclaimed. "This girl must be something else. Quick, what's her name? How does she look? I need to picture her in my head."
"Why would you want to do that?" Matthew asked, puzzled.
"I'm just saying, for her to be immune to your ability, she must be incredibly hot. Like, sexy as hell," Lucas smirked. "But seriously, why would they send an assistant? It seems like they don't take this proposal seriously."
Shrugging, he added, "Anyway, we're the smaller company, so they probably don't care. But what are you going to do about your special ability? Do you think it's gone forever?"
"I don't know," Matthew replied, shaking his head. "I guess I'll have to test it on someone else to be sure."
Lucas grinned, rubbing his hands together. "I know the perfect place for that..."
---
Meanwhile, at the De La Cruz residence:
"Cassandra, I told you to attend the meeting personally! Why did you send her?" Madam De La Cruz shouted at her daughter.
"Mom, I had somewhere important to be. I can't be in two places at once, so I asked her to represent me," Cassandra retorted, equally angry. "After all, that's what she's here for."
Some minutes past three in the afternoon, Marissa finished explaining the outcome of the meeting to Madam De La Cruz and Cassandra.
Madam De La Cruz looked at her and said, "It's good you didn't sign the deal. Not that I trust your judgment, but if their offer isn't favorable to us, what would we be signing into?"
Her phone began to ring.
"Ugh, it's the Rodrigos," she groaned before answering. "Hello, Mr. Rodrigo."
"Good afternoon, Madam De La Cruz," Robinson began. "I heard about the meeting between my son and your daughter's assistant. I'm sure there was a misunderstanding on your assistant's part. I assure you, this business deal will benefit both our companies. Can we schedule another meeting? This time, let it be between your daughter and my son as originally planned."
"How am I to be sure the misunderstanding came from my assistant? And how do I know another meeting will make any difference?" she challenged.
"Madam, please, I assure you there won't be any issues this time. Just one more meeting," Robinson pleaded.
Madam De La Cruz sighed. "Fine. My secretary will send you the time and location soon."
"Thank you, Madam De La Cruz. Trust me, you won't regret this."
"I hope not," she replied before ending the call.
Turning to Cassandra, she said, "Let me know when it's convenient for you so my secretary can send the details. And make sure you attend personally this time—not your assistant."
After her mother left, Cassandra glared at Marissa.
"You couldn't handle a simple task, could you? Useless!" she spat before storming out.
Marissa sighed and sank into a chair, wondering if she'd ever be good enough in their eyes. Her phone rang, and she answered quickly.
"Hi, Marissa! Will you come over for dinner tonight?"
"Lauren, you know I'm still at work. What if Madam De La Cruz or Cassandra were here? Or what if I was in a meeting?"
"Duh, Marissa! People still answer calls at work. What if it was a business call?" Lauren teased.
"We have a business line for that," Marissa replied, rolling her eyes.
"Whatever," Lauren retorted. "So, will you come to dinner? There's someone I want you to meet."
"Okay, I'll come. But this better not be one of your matchmaking dinners," Marissa warned.
Lauren giggled. "I hope not either..."