He chuckled, a hint of genuine amusement slipping through. "Yes, ma'am. My father used to say I was as sweet as one, hence the name."
Esme's lips curved into a smirk. "I see. But I also heard that eating too many mangoes could cause... issues."
Alphonso held her gaze, unflinching. "Depends on the person, ma'am."
"Interesting," she murmured, narrowing her eyes. He seemed so... well-practiced. She wondered briefly how much he rehearsed before walking into her office each morning. "Now, Mr. Alphonso, if I'm not mistaken, my secretary used to be someone else—Mr. Joe? Or something along those lines. And yet, here you are. I don't remember hiring you."
He stiffened, just for a fraction of a second, before bowing his head slightly. "I apologize, ma'am. I must have neglected to introduce myself properly. I've been your secretary for the past three months."
