The Slaved Boss

Chapter 1

MIKARLOS DEVIEL AUXTRIVA POV

"Marry my daughter."

I took a sip of wine, keeping a stern expression. "I don't do marriage, old man."

I knew he wasn't really after the marriage. I just wanted him to get straight to the point. I hate people who beat around the bush-I always get straight to business as directly as possible.

"You can have my company," he added, making me frown. "You can even have all my properties if you just take good care of my daughter."

"Let's say we merge companies, but I won't interfere with how you run them," he continued. "It's all yours, young man. But only if you marry my daughter and take really good care of her."

Well, that's new. Marry his daughter and, in return, gain control over their business and properties?

What's in it for him? Isn't this too good to be true?

I don't really care who I marry, and I'm not the type to marry for love. But if it's for business, who am I to refuse?

Thinking about it now, his offer is entirely in my favor. But I can't be too hasty-I know for a fact that he's a businessman and a competitor. There's no way this comes without strings attached.

"Just marrying and taking care of your daughter is all it takes for me to have all your properties?" I repeated, making sure I heard him right.

"Yes," he confirmed. "I'll draft a contract to ensure that all conditions are met. If not, the offer will be terminated, and my daughter will inherit everything I originally intended to give you."

If that's the case, why doesn't he just take care of his own daughter himself? Or hire someone else? Why does it have to be me?

Do I look like a fucking caregiver? I don't even give a sht.

His offer seems risk-free, which makes it even more suspicious.

I glanced at my wristwatch-7:51 PM. I stood up, ready to head upstairs to my penthouse.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Ferrer," I said. "But I'm not interested in whatever it is you're proposing."

He stood up as well. We shook hands, and he handed me his business card, which I accepted just to be polite. I just wanted this conversation to end-I had a long day and needed rest.

"Feel free to contact me if you ever change your mind, Mr. Auxtriva," he said. "I look forward to setting an appointment with you and finalizing everything."

"Alright," I replied, though I had no intention of doing so.

Still, something about his offer made me want to figure out the real catch.

"Klarion," I called my personal assistant through the intercom. "Escort Mr. Ferrer."

Aside from investigating his business, I also hired private investigators to gather information about his daughter-Leurheine Angela Ferrer.

"Is that my future sister-in-law?"

I quickly hid the pictures scattered across my office table and straightened up.

"Shut up, Klarion!"

Klarion isn't just an employee-he's my younger brother. He's here so I can personally teach him the ins and outs of running a business.

"Mom should've named you after a door so you'd at least know how to knock instead of sneaking around like a f*cking creep."

He just chuckled. "She's gorgeous. Let me see again."

I swiftly shoved the photos inside my desk drawer before he could grab them. I don't know why, but I absolutely hate it when people touch my things.

"Pfft, just leave her to me then," he teased. "You don't seem interested anyway."

"That's not why you're here," I reminded him. He was getting sidetracked. "How did it go?"

"Changing the topic, huh?" he smirked. "Nice."

"Speak, Miklarion Ethan," I demanded, turning my swivel chair to face the city skyline outside my window.

He knew I was serious whenever I called him by his full name.

"Well," he cleared his throat. "Contrary to your suspicion, Mr. Ferrer's business is far from bankruptcy. So that's definitely not the reason for his proposal."

"Hmm," so it's not bankruptcy after all. "Then what else could it be?"

"Maybe he just wants his business to expand even more."

"I highly doubt that," I disagreed. "If it were purely for business, he wouldn't be putting his only daughter on the line."

"Mergers don't require marriage. Marriage is only for allies. And we're each other's biggest competitors," I explained further.

"Good point," he admitted.

"But why are you so caught up in this?" he asked curiously. "You could just forget about it. What's with all the investigators?"

I fell silent.

He was right. I was ready to drop it, but the moment I saw her face-that angelic face that invaded every corner of my mind-I suddenly became curious. I wanted to know more.

She was the only woman who had ever captured my attention like this, piquing my interest even before I had met her. All I had were pictures, yet they somehow awakened a part of me I never knew existed.

I shouldn't be lusting after her. Not when she's the daughter of my biggest competitor.

Leurheine Angela Ferrer, what have you done to me?

"We'll be switching positions from now on," I announced with finality.

I stood at the boardroom, facing the board of directors, declaring that my younger brother, Klarion, would temporarily take over the company for as long as I needed him to.

"Huh?" he asked, confused. "What do you mean?"

Yeah, he's clueless, but I've already thought it over, and my decision is final.

"I have some business to take care of, and I need your position as my personal assistant," I informed him.

Even though everyone looked perplexed by what I had just said, I continued.

"This means you'll be handling everything here while I'm away since you'll be the acting CEO in the meantime."

"What?" he exclaimed.

"You'll do just fine," I reassured him.

"I'll leave Summer Perez to assist you," I added, referring to my executive secretary.

"I know... but you won't be around?" He frowned. "So that means I won't be able to boss you around?"

"Psh! Useless."

Oh, how I wanted to beat the sh*t out of him right then and there.

"I'll drop by from time to time-to kick your *ss."

The board laughed, though I wasn't joking. I momentarily forgot we were in a formal meeting.

"Mr. Auxtriva, it seems the two of you didn't discuss this matter beforehand," one of the board members pointed out.

"And honestly, I don't think appointing a tyro to take over the company is a good idea," he objected.

"Why?" I turned to him. "Do you think declaring you instead of my brother would be a better choice?"

He tensed up, unable to respond.

"Now, don't get me wrong, Mr. Garcia," I said calmly. "I chose Klarion as the acting CEO not because he's my brother but because I know he's capable of handling the role."

The others nodded in agreement.

"I know what I'm doing. I've been personally training him for months now. So if you underestimate him, that would also mean you're underestimating me. You're not underestimating me, are you?"

"No, sir," he quickly answered, avoiding my gaze. "I would never underestimate you, Mr. Auxtriva."

"Of course. That's what I thought," I said, gritting my teeth.

---

As soon as the meeting adjourned, Klarion followed me out of the boardroom.

"How long will you be gone?" he asked.

"It depends."

It depends on how long I can keep up this disguise as her personal assistant-long enough to see if I should reconsider her father's proposal.

Long enough to finally make her mine.

But is it really up to me?

Because if I'm being honest, I think I had already decided the moment she started haunting my dreams.

With that thought, I pulled out Mr. Ferrer's business card-the one I've been carrying around these past few days, hesitating whether to call or not.

But now, my decision is final.

I dialed the number, and after a few rings, his secretary picked up.

"Hello. This is Mr. Ferrer's secretary from Ferrer Corporation. How may I help you?"

"This is Mikarlos Deviel Auxtriva. Tell Mr. Ferrer-I'm coming over."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 2

LEURHEINE ANGELA FERRER'S POV

"Manang," I called out to the housekeeper as I descended the stairs. "Where's Dad?"

"Good morning, my dear." She greeted me with a smile before answering my question. "He still hasn't come home."

It's been almost a week. Where could Dad be?

"Is he out of town?" I asked as I took a seat in the dining area.

"I'm not sure either," she replied while placing rice on my plate.

I let out a deep sigh. He's always gone.

"If Dad comes home while I'm not around, please tell him he needs to clear his schedule this Monday," I instructed. "I don't want him leaving again before I can talk to him about the parents' tribute."

I don't want to call him because his secretary is always the one answering, saying he's busy and to call back later or on another day.

I'm his daughter, yet I feel no different from those people who struggle to get an appointment with him.

"I can attend in his place again," she suggested. "That's what your father always instructs whenever there's an important event at your school that he can't attend."

"Manang, thank you for the offer," I gave her a small smile. "But this is the last one because I'm graduating from college. So for the last time, I want it to be him."

"Besides, vacation starts next week," I added. "Don't worry about me. Just spend time with your family. One month isn't even enough for that, and I don't want you using a day of it just for me."

"But-" she started, but I cut her off.

"Manang, I insist," I said firmly. "I'll be fine."

"Alright," she finally agreed. "I'll inform your father as soon as he gets home, my dear."

I saw how her eyes glistened with emotion, probably out of sympathy.

I averted my gaze and quickly ate my food. I was going to be late for our thesis defense. I was already in my uniform since it was required for the presentation.

Halfway through my meal, I felt my phone vibrate in my coat pocket.

Someone was calling-Aubrey, my best friend.

I answered the call while continuing to eat since I didn't want to be even later. I was starving since I skipped dinner last night to work on my part of the thesis.

"Where are you, you slowpoke?" she asked impatiently.

"I'msh shtill eating," I mumbled while chewing.

"Ugh," she groaned in disgust. "Are you a starving peasant? Swallow your food before talking to me."

I swallowed before responding. "Is it my fault you called while I was eating?"

"The whole panel is here already, and we're about to start, but you're nowhere in sight."

"Tell them to wait."

"Tss, you really act differently when you own the school, huh?"

I just laughed, though I wasn't actually amused. Then, she ended the call.

I only ever wanted a simple life-one where my family was happy and whole.

Ever since Mom died, Dad buried himself in work, probably to avoid thinking about what happened.

But what about me? I was struggling too.

"I'm heading out, Manang," I said to the housekeeper standing nearby as I walked toward the door. "Take care of everything here."

"Alright," she replied. "Take care as well."

I just nodded and went straight to the garage to get into the car.

"Please hurry, Mang Remy," I urged my driver. "I'm already late."

I know my limits when it comes to the privileges I have in life. I only ask people to adjust for me when I truly need it.

"Finally, the princess has arrived," Aubrey teased the moment I entered the room where our defense was being held.

"Yes, my loyal servant," I shot back playfully, making Seiji, our other friend who was also presenting with us, laugh.

There were supposed to be four people per group, and it just so happened that we were a group of four friends. Our last member, Ken, was busy distributing our thesis papers to the panel.

One of the panelists spoke. "Since you're all here now, you may begin."

I started sweating.

Speaking in front of people has always been my weakness, especially in serious discussions. I've gained confidence over the years, but I'm still not at the level where I feel completely at ease in situations like this.

We positioned ourselves in front, with Aubrey standing in the center holding the projector remote, as we had agreed that she would go first.

But before she could even begin, Seiji interrupted.

"The rule says we can start now, not that we must, right? So that means we can start later too? Time out first," he joked, though his nervousness was evident in his voice.

The panelists looked surprised and shook their heads in disbelief. Seiji was always like this-on the verge of getting us in trouble.

Aubrey shot him a sharp glare, making him shut his mouth and casually whistle as he backed off. Ken and I exchanged glances, both trying to suppress our laughter.

We both knew that Seiji had liked Aubrey since our first year in college. But from the looks of it, she had zero interest in him. In fact, she seemed to despise him, probably because of his constant teasing-which Aubrey hated.

"Good morning, everyone," Aubrey finally started. "I am Aubrey Centenera. Allow me to introduce the group, starting with Ms. Leurheine Angela Ferrer, Mr. Alquinn Fabro, and Mr. Seiji Ramos."

She introduced us one by one.

"Welcome to the thesis defense on Navigating the Digital Frontier: Strategies for Business Adaptation to Technological Advancements."

That was our thesis title-something closely related to our BS in Entrepreneurship course. Since all four of us were heirs to our respective family businesses, it made sense for us to pursue this field.

After some time, I felt like I was about to faint from nervousness. Aubrey was almost done, which meant it was my turn next. I was assigned to present the literature review.

I composed myself as Aubrey wrapped up. I never let my nervousness show because doing so would only make me more anxious.

"Good morning, once again," I greeted.

"I'm Leurheine Angela Ferrer," I introduced myself, even though they obviously knew who I was. "At this point, I will be providing an overview of some previously published works related to our topic..."

I acted confident, but in reality, my knees were trembling.

I went through the published works one by one, and when I was done, I braced myself for the possible questions-just like the ones they had asked Aubrey earlier.

But to my surprise, the panel remained silent.

Although I felt relieved, it also seemed unfair to my groupmates. So, I decided to ask instead.

"Do you have any questions?"

They just exchanged glances and shook their heads. I didn't push the issue.

"Alright, allow me to call on Mr. Fabro to continue," I said before quietly stepping aside to join Aubrey and Seiji.

Aubrey gave me a thumbs-up, and Seiji patted my shoulder as I reached them. It didn't feel right, but they seemed fine with it.

LEURHEINE ANGELA FERRER'S POV

"Yay!" Aubrey cheered as we sat on the bench. "Good job, everyone."

Ken sat beside me, while Aubrey and Seiji sat across from us. We were now at the back of our building. After our defense, we went straight to the cafeteria to buy snacks and decided to hang out here.

This spot was a great place to chill since there were large trees providing shade, so we often came here to cool off.

"Where are we going?" Seiji asked. "It's still early."

It was only ten in the morning, and it seemed like he wanted to go out.

"You seriously have the nerve to ask that?" Aubrey immediately retorted. "You practically turned our presentation into a joke show."

"If the panelists hadn't found your jokes funny, you would've gotten a failing grade."

Here they go again. Ken and I could only shake our heads as they bickered.

"Hey." Ken nudged me, making me turn to him. "You did good in there."

I snorted. "I didn't."

"You did."

"I didn't!" I said irritably. "It was just another case of special treatment. They didn't even bother asking me questions."

"They didn't ask because you explained everything clearly. So stop sulking." He chuckled before poking my side.

"Hey!" Aubrey suddenly called out, arms crossed. "We look away for one second, and you two are already flirting?"

"We are not!" I protested. "I don't flirt with friends."

I glanced at Ken, but he avoided my gaze and stayed silent.

So, I turned to Seiji, who was innocently munching on his chips.

"Right, Seiji?"

He quickly glanced at Aubrey, his face turning red.

"A-ah, y-yeah. Of course." He answered awkwardly.

I laughed and nudged Ken playfully, but he didn't even look at me. His attention was completely on his food.

What's up with him?

Aubrey and her big mouth. She made things awkward.

"Ma'am Leurheine," a familiar voice suddenly interrupted.

I turned in surprise to see my driver appearing out of nowhere.

"Oh, Mang Remy," I acknowledged his presence.

"Your father is home," he informed me. "He asked you to come home as well-your guest has been waiting for quite some time."

To Be Continued...

Chapter 3

MIKARLOS DEVIEL AUXTRIVA'S POV

"Good morning, Sir."

Summer greeted me as she followed closely while I walked past the office cubicles toward my office.

"Me?" Klarion scoffed. "You're not going to greet me?"

Pathetic.

"Why would I?" she fired back.

I listened to their exchange from behind as I entered my office.

"Because I'll be the acting CEO soon," he said, arrogance dripping from his voice, like a child showing off a new toy.

"Oh, the acting CEO," she mocked. "I'll try to be more respectful next time, then."

Summer always acts like that around Klarion, completely disregarding the fact that he's still the CEO's brother. She knows respect isn't just given-it's earned, no matter who you are or what position you hold. That's one of the many things I admire about her. Maybe that's why she's stayed by my side for so long.

"Oh, real-"

"That's enough," I cut him off and turned to Summer. "What's on my schedule today?"

"You were supposed to meet Mr. Ferrer earlier this morning," she reminded me.

"At his house," she added, giving me a pointed look.

Klarion also turned to me, squinting as if I'd committed a serious crime. It was probably because this was the first time I'd set up a meeting in a private space.

I had barely sat down in my chair when I realized-she was right. I was supposed to meet with him. But I had overslept.

"Wow," Klarion clapped mockingly. "Marking your territory already?"

I ignored him and stormed out of the office. It was already 10 AM when we were supposed to meet at 8.

I sprinted toward the elevator, rushed through the lobby, and ran straight to my car, speeding toward the Ferrer mansion.

Wait a minute.

Why am I rushing, anyway? It's not like I'm afraid of losing the deal.

"Who?" Ken's voice broke through the conversation.

We all turned to him, even Mang Remy. His tone carried a hint of irritation. He'd been in a bad mood all morning.

"Hey, Ken," Seiji teased. "You're the first one to ask, huh?"

I was just as surprised.

But I had the same question. I couldn't remember expecting any visitors. Only these three ever came to see me.

Now that we're all here, then who could it be?

My thoughts were interrupted when Mang Remy's phone rang. He answered immediately.

"Sir?" Who's Sir? My dad?

"Yes, Sir. I'm already on my way to pick her up. We'll be home soon."

A few moments later, he ended the call and turned to me.

"Let's go, Ma'am. Your visitor is waiting."

I had no choice but to stand up and follow him.

"I'll go ahead, guys," I told them.

"Yeah, yeah," Aubrey waved me off. "Must be someone very important if your uncle had to call Mang Remy himself."

"VIP."

"That's what I just said, Seiji," she snapped. "Do you always have to repeat things?"

I rolled my eyes and turned to Ken, ignoring their bickering.

I was caught off guard when I saw the way he was looking at me. His eyes held something-something unspoken.

What does that mean?

Judging by his expression, it seemed like he wanted to stop me from going home. But at the same time, he was holding himself back from saying anything.

I shrugged off the thought and hurried after Mang Remy, who was already a few steps ahead.

"Do you know who it is, Mang Remy?" I asked as we approached the car.

"They didn't say, so I have no idea either, Ma'am."

He walked around to the driver's seat and opened the door.

"Hmm."

I sighed, opening the backseat door and getting in. He quickly started the car, driving us home in silence.

I stared out the window, lost in thought.

Ken's reaction was bothering me.

And now, I was even more curious about this so-called visitor

When we arrived, Manang greeted me at the main door, smiling widely.

She took my bag-the one carrying my thesis papers-and gently held my elbow, guiding me inside.

What's going on?

"Manang," I called. "Could you not smile like that again? It's creepy."

She shot a glare at Mang Remy when she noticed him trying to hold back his laughter. I didn't mean to sound rude, but I said what I said.

When we reached the living room, Manang suddenly pulled Mang Remy away, leading him somewhere else.

I frowned, watching them go. But before I could question it, my dad's voice called out to me.

I turned toward the sound.

And then, I saw him.

Sitting across from my father was a man I had never seen in my entire life.

Is this the visitor they were talking about? I don't even know him.

I walked over to where they were seated and leaned down to kiss my dad on the cheek.

"Rhein," he called. "I would like you to meet Mikar"

"Mikael," the man immediately corrected him.

I stopped admiring how strikingly handsome he looked because of his attitude. How rude.

Dad frowned, glancing back and forth between us. After regaining his composure, he spoke again.

"He's here for mar-"

"Work," the man interrupted once more. "I'm here for work."

He shot my dad a firm look, and my dad returned it with equal intensity.

Can somebody tell me what's going on?

"Ah, yes. Something like that," Dad muttered. "But as your hus-"

"Personal assistant," the man interrupted him yet again.

Personal assistant? He doesn't look like one.

He sat elegantly across from us in a black corporate suit. From where I was sitting, I could see his wristwatch-it looked expensive. Is he really here to be my personal assistant?

I left my friends just to meet... a very important personal assistant?

"Dad, are you kidding me?" I couldn't hold back my annoyance. "I don't need a personal assistant."

"Well, I need a boss," Mikael retorted. "...to enslave."

I barely heard his last words since he muttered them under his breath.

"I'm sorry, Mikael," I said politely. "But I don't need a PA-I can handle myself. You can go home."

"This is home now."

What?

"My job actually starts today."

"Argh!"

I flopped onto my bed while talking to Aubrey on the phone. I had just finished telling her everything that happened.

"He's still here."

It was already nighttime, but Manang told me that Mikael was still around. He seemed really serious about being my personal assistant, especially after claiming that this house was now his home.

Dad didn't say anything about it earlier. He didn't even ask him to leave. He just let him stay.

What's so special about that guy?

[Is he handsome?]

"Bri," I said in disbelief. "Are you serious? I'm already stressed out, and you're asking if he's handsome?"

[Come on, I was just asking.] she reasoned.

[So, is he?]

I let out an exasperated sigh at her persistence.

"I don't care if he's handsome," I snapped. "What I want is for him to leave!"

[So, he is handsome.]

"Can we not, Bri?" I said, already exhausted. "Why don't you just help me figure out how to kick him out of this house?"

[Make things difficult for him, then.]

"And how exactly am I supposed to do that?"

[Isn't he your personal assistant?]

"Yeah, so?"

[Then make him do household chores or something.]

I frowned. "Huh?"

"Why would I do that? I don't even know how to do those things," I said, feeling frustrated.

[You just have to start, then let him finish everything.]

Oh. Okay. I could at least try that. If it means getting rid of him, I might as well ask Manang to teach me how to do household chores.

[Keep doing it until he gets exhausted and gives up. Problem solved.] she added.

"That actually sounds like a great plan, Bri," I praised her idea. "I just hope he gets tired quickly and leaves as soon as possible."

"I don't feel comfortable having him here, especially since it's vacation time, and Dad will be away often," I added.

During vacations, all the household staff get a month-long leave to return to their provinces. That's happening next week.

Five days to go.

I only have five days to make things difficult for him. Hopefully, I succeed. Because if I don't, it'll just be the two of us left in this house-and I can't even begin to imagine that.

[Oh, that's right.]

"Exactly."

[Don't worry, I'll summon our two Pokémon.] she said, referring to our two other friends.

[We'll visit you often-just in case he tries something. Or we can just go out instead.]

"You better keep that promise."

[Of course.]

I felt relieved.

Just then, my phone notified me of an incoming call.

"Hold on, Bri. Someone else is calling. Let me answer this real quick."

[Alright, I have something to do anyway. Talk to you later. Bye.]

"Okay, bye." I ended the call and answered the other one.

"Ken?"

[Hey.]

"You called-" I didn't even get to finish my sentence before someone suddenly snatched my phone away.

To Be Continued...