Chapter 2 Uno

Uno

She's only twenty and a fourth year college. She hadn't even finished school, but this is what she was experiencing. Coming out of the high-rise building her parents had worked so hard for.

She glanced at the large white letters displayed in front of it. Soon, it will no more be called the Salvatore Enterprises. Because the new owners will definitely be able to replace that.

She drove away from that forsaken building with a heavy heart.

It was seven in the evening when Vixen arrived at the mansion.. She immediately ran towards her room as soon as she entered the mansion with Manang Rina on her tail. There was a very worried expression on the old woman's face as she followed Vixen to her room.

"What happened, Miss? How was your walk?" Asked the old woman, concerned lacing her voice.

Vixen sat on the edge of her bed after she grabbed her laptop from the table beside it and turned the Wi-Fi connection on. She narrated here everything that happened, as well as about her father's hidden squandering of money causing them to sink into debt.

Even she was shocked at the discovery. She probably didn't expect a good boss to do that either.

"Are you sure this is true, hija?"

"Yes, Manang Rina. And I couldn't find a hole. They laid all the evidence in front of me, where the money went, and it was all in Daddy's name," she replied. The maid was still silent. "Please leave me for a while, Manang. I have to work fast," Vixen instructed here.

"You can have dinner first, hija. You haven't even rested yet," the old woman suggested.

Vixen shook her head, not taking her eyes off her white laptop. "I need to hurry, Manang. I'll go down later once I'm done."

"I'd better just bring you some food," Manang Rina insisted.

"All right, Manang," the girl replied, not wanting to argue anymore and prolong what she wanted.

The next day, bad news easily spread to the workers and their staff at the rancho, as well as to gossips living in nearby households. The news really had wings. What was added to the gossip. What her father did, even their suspicion of the real cause of her parents 'attempted departure and of the sudden accident.

"Probably wanted to escape the debts." Vixen once heard one of the she was on her way to the kitchen that morning. She had no sleep because she had spent the night looking for a buyer on various websites.

She looked at the source and saw three cleaners and a cook gathered downstairs, whispering and gossiping. san.

"In terms of size, I heard it reached a billion. Maybe it wasn't an accident," said Tory, one of the cleaners.

"Oh, maybe they were killed and it was rumored that they would run away," replied Dora, the cook.

"Let's go, we won't be paid properly now," Tria replied.

"Yes, that's weird, Señor. The wife is still a beautiful woman. Tsk, tsk, tsk."

Blood rushed to Vixen's head at what was heard. The density of those who seem to gossip her parents while the size of what they have helped them. But she did not blame them.

She just ignored them and just continued towards the kitchen as if no one had heard. Vixen also did nothing one by one when the workers said goodbye, fearing that she would not be paid properly.

She didn't stop them, because she really had nothing to pay them. She could sell almost all of her property just to pay off debts. Fortunately, she was able to easily find buyers with the help of some of his professional acquaintances.

Vixen immediately sold some of their properties through the internet and arranged the documents. But on the second day she still lacked what she had accumulated.

She tearfully offered the rancho to a very wealthy clan looking for vast tracts of land. She had already taken care of the animals kept on the ranch before the land. She could not sleep that night and cried all night.

What happened comes back to her mind. She glanced at the picture of the parents on his bedside table.

"Why did you do this to us, Dad?" she asked, her body trembling as she cried through the night.

The next day also came the person who wanted to buy the rancho. She accompanied her to tour the land even if you did against her will.

"This land is beautiful and vast," Wanda Anderson said in approval. "But why would you want to sell this land?" its question, clearly noticing the bitterness and sadness in Vixen's eyes while the young woman was giving her the tour.

Wanda Anderson is the brother of the ranch buyer. Shee happened to be in town and staying at the Highland Bali Resort while looking at the vast land that could be bought so she arrived quickly. According to her, her father is half-British and half-Filipino, something that explains her foreigner appearance; beautiful, tall, and slender physique obviously adept at workout. If they weren't riding the horse Vixen would probably be looking up at it.

The beauty of the woman is enviable. She has long chocolate-like hair and puffy green eyes that are also surrounded by long, fluffy eyelashes. It is not whiteness. In fact, it seems to be constantly exposed to the sun. But that didn't detract from its beauty. Vixen shrugged her shoulders, feeling uncomfortable to answer the woman's question.

"Just for some important purposes," answered Vixen. Wanda smiled. It never inquired about it again and said it would pay for the rancho.

As soon as Vixen received the check, she immediately deposited the amount to the company along with the money that she had earned as payment. There was almost no reason for her to sneeze in her room.

This mansion is the only memory left of his parents and he doesn't want to lose it either. Almost all the housemates except Manang Rina have also left even though she has already told them that she can no longer be paid.

"It's okay, hija. I can't leave you alone here. We have long considered your family, especially you," Manang Rina said in a sad voice, as she watched her. They sat on the sofa in the living room. She summoned the remaining comrades to speak.

"But how are your children?" Vixen asked after turning to Armando and Vina, one of those who stayed in the mansion." They are grown up. But you, you have no other partner in life. You need sympathy and we are here for you." Tears started to brim in her eyes.

Vina and Armando also nodded in agreement, offering her a warm smile. They were really kind to her. "Don't worry, señorita. We won't leave you." said Vina, only five years older than her.

"Yes, Miss. Your family has helped us a lot so we won't just leave you like that," added Vina, Armando's wife. She hasn't done anything yet because they are also right so she let them stay.

She also told her not to be called 'señorita.' More than two weeks passed and finally the new owners of the ranch, which was not far from the mansion, arrived. Manang Rina was not there because it was shopping. Vina and Armando, on the other hand, went to the creek not covered by the rancho to fish, and Vixen was sitting on a bench near the garden when she saw a beautiful black car stop in front of the high white gates of the mansion.

She was there and left the book he was reading on the marble table. The new owners were already inside the ranch and there were too many of them. She couldn't help but notice a series of fancy cars coming while reading the book. is in her presentation. So who is this one? Maybe just getting lost maybe and not knowing how to go to the rancho.

Vixen went outside of the tall gates, only to see a man with a large build clothed in a black slim-fit shirt that perfectly showed his muscles and a pair of black jeans get out of the black Aston Martin.

Her mouth almost dropped not because of the expensive car but because of the gorgeous sight before she pulled herself together immediately. She reminded herself that she is not the type of woman who ogles at a complete stranger, no matter how handsome it is.

The handsome man also stopped when he saw him standing in front of the gate. Also looking surprised by her presence. Their eyes met. Vixen could have sworn that her world had suddenly stopped revolving as soon as she gazed at those pair of forest-green eyes. She composed herself as she looked up at the inexplicably gorgeous man in front of her. With his extra height and body size, he became even smaller. He reminds her of the actor who played Thor in Marvel movies. In fact, she looked short because she was only five feet and two inches tall. She didn't even reach for its shoulder.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked politely. For no apparent reason, her heartbeat seemed to speed up as their gaze took longer to correct.

Those piercing green eyes hold all the mysteries that she would be very eager to learn, but not brave enough to unfold them on her own. It was probably a foreigner, also based on its green eyes, stature and sinful handsomeness. It's not whiteness, unlike the other foreigner she sees.

"I think it's me, who is supposed to ask that question," his cold answer to her question. His deep manly voice sounds very pleasing to her ears. But that's not what it said. In an instant, Vixen's emotional attraction for the man disappeared like a moon. She crossed her arms, as if defending herself from his dominating aura.

"And why is that?" she asked challengingly. The man raised one perfect eyebrow. He then narrowed his gaze at her, as if not being pleased with her behavior.

"Well, as I am the new owner of the land, I should ask any stranger what they are doing in my property without my notice," she stated and fixed her with a cold penetrating glare that sent an unwanted shiver in her being.

She was slightly straightened out when she realized that it was probably Ms.'s brother. Wanda Anderson who bought the ranch.

She spoke softly again. Felt a little embarrassed because of the behavior. "I apologize, Mr. Roberts," she said. "But what can I help you with? Those with you are already at the rancho. They arrived here earlier with your sister," she explained.

The man frowned in confusion. "I already know that as I am the one who sent them here," he said.

"Then, why are you here?" Vixen asked in astonishment.

She could not understand what the man meant to her and it even went here. Based on the man's handsome face, it didn't seem like he understood his question either, so Cyan spoke calmly again.

"Mr. Anderson. Do you want me to call Ms. Anderson to inform her that you are here in front of my house?" she asked, completely confused, still trying to sound polite.

"What?" he asked in both surprise and confusion.

Vixen sighed. "I said, do you want me to-"

"I heard you," it interrupted her. His deep voice even though laced with irritation still caused some strange sensation in her stomach. "What I want to know is what are you doing here on my property. And what do you mean by it's your house?" he asked, gesturing at the mansion behind her.

Vixen stared at him and then, smiled. "Oh, I see where we're going now," she chuckled in amusement. "Mr. Anderson, the mansion is not included to the properties that I have sold you," she explained calmly.

The man stared at her again as if a second head had been borne on his shoulder. Then out of nowhere, he smirked, and it almost turned her legs into jelly. Why does she feel this way for this man?

"I think you have done a huge mistake, Ms. Salvatore," he said, his deep baritone voice penetrated every nerve of her skin. "It's clearly written in the title that the mansion includes even the nearby creek on the ranch you sold."

This time, it was her turn to frown at him, although she was suddenly feeling unsure.

"Maybe you're the wrong one, Mr. Anderson. The mansion is not included in the property I sold to you. Especially the creek because it is unmarked territory. It belongs to the government."

The man considered her for a few minutes, studying her facial features. The way he stared at her, her heartbeat quickened again. The weather seemed to be getting hotter.

"Are you sure you read?" he asked. Vixen stared back. She wasn't sure. She knew she had read the titles, as well as all the documents she had signed, but maybe ahe didn't notice if the mansion was really included in the property she sold.

Probably because she was in a hurry to get the money and pay everything to Mr. Lim, and the fact that she wasn't okay yet. Mr. Anderson gave her a satisfied look. Probably that it read the uncertainty in her form. And if it were true, that it was true that she had sold the mansion, where would she go?

There was not enough money left for her to buy land and a house. they were supportive of his remaining months of college. She will graduate in just two months and will be able to find a company to join.

"I want to see the papers," was all she said to him. Mr. Anderson nodded, still not breaking eye contact. He moved towards her, causing her to miss the stand.

"W-What are you doing?" she asked, surprised and getting nervous all of a sudden. But Mr. Anderson only went to the open gates and gave her a look.

"I'm going inside my house," he answered simply.

"What?" she protested, both embarrassed and angered.

"But I haven't seen the documents yet." Mr. Anderson smirked at her, and the effect ofthat smile to her body was astounding.

"You are very much welcome to join meinside, Ms. Salvatore," he said and went inside the gate.

Mr. Anderson smirked at her, and the effect ofthat smile to her body was astounding. "You are very much welcome to join meinside, Ms. Salvatore," he said and went inside the gate.

Vixen watched Mr. Anderson's back in utter bewilderment. She hurriedly followed it and stood a few meters in front of it as if she were blocking the road. As if her small form could do that. Well, she actually thought she could do it.

She looked at him sharply.

"You can't go inside until you have proven that this house is not my property anymore!" she exclaimed angrily.

Mr. Anderson glared back at her. "And what if I did?" he challenged.

Her gaze wavered.

"What if I can prove to you that the mansion is included in the property you sold? Will you leave, then?" he challenged, his eyes cold with deep warning and... regret.

To what? She didn't know, and she does not want to know. She angrily looked up at him as he is so tall.

"Even. It's a mistake, then. I-I'll return your money-" she blinked, realizing belatedly what she just said. "T-The money that I will owe you if you let me still have this house," she cleared.

Vixen also wants to beat herself. Where would she get a few million to replace the mansion if it was included in what he sold?

An overwhelming sadness came over her. Even though she knew in herself that she no longer had the money to pay the man, she still did not want to let go of the mansion. This is the only thing that serves and remains a memory of her parents. It just reminds her of the times she could still be happy. So how could she give it up?

She wanted to cry. She wanted to burst into tears from the fact that she had no more left to treasure.

Why is it that she didn't check carefully what she sold? Now even the mansion that she still owns will be lost. She had so many questions for her deceased parents that will forever be left unanswered.

"Ms. Salvatore." Mr. Anderson called her attention. "My sister will arrive in a minute to show you all the documents," it cracked in her deep thought.

Vixen glanced at him and the man was taken aback by the sadness flooding in her brown eyes, but was quick to vanish.

"Fine," was all she answered.

She stopped trying to speak again when she thought about how the man had told the brother to go right now. She didn't even see it release the cellphone. She opened her mouth to speak when she suddenly saw him tense for a second before glancing towards the direction of the tall gates.

"Señorita?"

Vixen also looked away when she heard the call of Manang Rina who had entered the gate without being aware of it. It carries in both hands the purchases in the market. Its appearance is a mixture of worry and astonishment as they look at their stranger.

Vixen forced a smile.

"Manang Rina," she acknowledged the newcomer. "By the way, this is Mr. Anderson, who bought the rancho," she introduced him, giving the man a warning glare not to tell the old woman anything.

Mr. Anderson only looked at Vixen though, and it made her really nervous, in a very strange way. Manang Rina smiled kindly at the man when Vixen said that.

"How are you, sir?" polite greeting of the elder.

The man smiled down at the woman, a kind and warm smile that surprised Vixen. It was the first time that she saw him actually smile, a kind and genuine smile.

"Very well," he replied.

Vixen immediately jumped into explanation, "Mr. Anderson just came here to get to know who the seller of the property is, Manang Rina," she lied. "He's leaving too," she added, sending the man a meaningful look.

Mr. Anderson raised an eyebrow. "I was actually wondering what the mansion looks like," he said. "Maybe, our hostess will be kind enough to give me and my sister a tour around the place."

In that moment, another luxurious red car pulled a stop in front of the tall gates, calling her and Manang Rina's attention.

Vixen glared at Mr. Anderson hatefully. Obviously it won't allow what he wants to get rid of it. But she didn't want to cause a scandal in front of Manang Rina so she just smiled in response to the old man.

"Oh, he is. I'll just prepare a snack," Manang Rina said goodbye and climbed inside the mansion first.

Vixen waited until she was sure that Manang Rina is out of hearing range.

"Why did you say that? Why didn't you just leave?" she asked angrily.

"Isn't it rude that you are saying that to the owner?" he asked her, sounding amused.

Vixen couldn't answer because she saw Wanda Anderson, the man's sister, approaching. She was wearing a white blouse that was close to her body and tucked in to jeans. The newly arrived woman immediately offered her a kind smile. This woman is really beautiful. And he was really jealous of its grandeur.

"I've heard of the issue, that's why I immediately came over," she said, her soft voice warm and kind.

Vixen couldn't shout anymore. The way Wanda talked to her as if she was very fragile and needed more of the assistance made her feel embarrassed.

"Let's talk inside, then," said Vixen in defeat.

"No, I want to show you the papers now," said Mr. Anderson.

Vixen's blood started to boil up in anger again, but before she said anything, Wanda beats her to it.

"My brother is telling the truth, Ms. Salvatore. The mansion is belong the property you sell." said Wanda and handed her the familiar thick brown expandable envelope.

Vixen did not reach for it, though. It's as if the Earth had finally buried her deep down into the core, burning her alive. Those papers will prove the stupidity she did. She thought carefully about what to do next and say.

"It's a mistake," she finally said after a few seconds of contemplating what she should do.

"If you would read the documents, the paper clearly states-"

"No," she cut to whatever Wanda Anderson wanted to say. "I mean, I have done a mistake. I did not intend to sell the mansion in the first place," she explained and looked up at them, her eyes desperate and pleading.

Wanda was staring at her unsurely, while her brother just watched Wanda without any expression. The woman then glanced at her brother, but what she must have seen must've upset her because her face had suddenly darkened. She looked very displeased while glaring at him.

Astonished, Vixen watched the silent exchange of evil looks between the two. I think the five minutes are over and they still don't speak. With Wanda looking like he was furious Vixen suddenly felt a little scared. She looked at Mr. Anderson. It also looked cold and dark as it stared at the brother, as if they were fighting through the eyes.

Suddenly, Vixen jumped in surprised when she heard a loud animalistic growl. She looked around, looking for where the sound of the angry animal came from. She looked at the two, but they didn't seem to hear the sound. She then, saw Wanda's face morphed into disapproval as if she wasn't pleased with something, before it changed into understanding.

"Now, you know," said Mr. Anderson, causing Vixen to jump again in surprise at the sound of his deep voice.

"What did I know?" She asked, thinking she was the one talking to him. The man looked at her but didn't say anything.

"Do you still want to see the proof, Ms. Salvatore?" asked Wanda smiling, as if she just learned something really interesting.

Vixen frowned at his mood swings before letting out a sigh and nodding. Wanda Anderson handed her the brown envelope again, and this time, she accepted it. Vixen read the titles and it was true that the mansion was included in the ranch she sold, because the rancho still covered the land on which the mansion was being built. She glanced up at them, not knowing what to say.

"I'll leave you and my brother to sort this out," spoke Wanda.

Vixen went to protest, not wanting to be alone with Mr. Anderson again. "B-But-"

"I apologize, Ms. Salvatore. But I still have other matters to attend to. I'm sure you and my brother can sort this out," she said with a kinder and warmer smile.

Vixen doubted it.

Wanda then, sent a meaningful look at her brother before turning to leave. Once the woman pulled out of the driveway, Mr. Anderson faced her fully again.

"Now, Ms. Salvatore. What do you want to do?" he asked, a mysterious secret masked in his words.

Vixen clenched her teeth. She was looking at him resentfully. She knew it was her fault, but she couldn't help but be angry with the man standing in front of her. After a short while of fumbling the corners of her head, she sighed. If she really doesn't want to give up the mansion, she should talk to him properly. She must be the humble one. She tried to calm down again.

"I don't want to give up the mansion. I did not intend to even sell it in the first place," she told him, much calmer this time.