Saturday Night, 2300 Hours
The luxurious Rolls-Royce humd softly as it glided through the late-night streets of Makati, leaving the brightly lit Sy residence behind. Matthew settled comfortably into the plush leather seat, exhaling deeply, grateful for the familiar quiet after hours of polite conversations and strategic socializing. Angel sat across from him, tapping gently on her tablet, a faint smile lingering at the corners of her lips.
Matthew caught her subtle expression and raised an eyebrow curiously. "Sothing amusing, Angel?"
Angel looked up slowly, clearly debating whether or not to share her thoughts. Her professional mask softened slightly, giving way to a more genuine warmth. "Not exactly amusing, sir. But…I have to say, tonight's events were quite interesting."
Matthew chuckled softly, recognizing the playful edge in her voice. "Interesting, hm? That sounds suspiciously like you're holding back."
Angel placed her tablet carefully beside her, leaning forward slightly as she tilted her head. Her voice took on a teasing tone. "Oh, I wouldn't dare, sir. But since you asked…"
Matthew waved a hand gently, encouraging her with a slight smile. "Go on. Say what's on your mind."
Angel's eyes sparkled with amusent. "Well, sir, it seems Mr. Sy really went out of his way to help you find so romantic companionship tonight."
Matthew laughed quietly, shaking his head as the image of Isabella Santos flashed through his mind. "Ah, that. Yes, Terence was certainly determined."
Angel raised an eyebrow, suppressing her smile but clearly entertained. "Determined is putting it mildly. If I recall correctly, he even insisted on introducing her to you directly."
Matthew sighed dramatically, pretending frustration, though he was clearly amused himself. "He practically dragged her over. It was almost impossible to politely refuse."
Angel's expression softened into genuine curiosity. "She seed lovely though, sir. Intelligent, elegant, and genuinely interested. You weren't tempted at all?"
Matthew considered this for a brief mont, then shrugged lightly. "She's definitely impressive, Angel. And in different circumstances, maybe things would be different. But tonight wasn't the right ti or place for sothing like that."
Angel smiled knowingly, subtly enjoying the rare chance to tease him gently. "Ah, the famous Matthew Borja caution strikes again. Ever the strategic thinker—even when it cos to relationships."
Matthew chuckled warmly, taking her playful teasing in stride. "Well, caution has served well so far, hasn't it?"
Angel laughed softly, nodding in amused agreent. "It has, sir. Though sotis caution can also an missed opportunities."
He raised a playful eyebrow at her. "Are you implying I missed an opportunity with Ms. Santos tonight?"
She leaned back comfortably, still smiling. "Oh, I wouldn't dare suggest sothing like that directly. But I do wonder if, perhaps, your standards might be a tiny bit too high?"
Matthew laughed lightly, clearly enjoying her gentle teasing. "High standards are essential, Angel. If I were any less cautious, you'd probably be helping manage a dozen unnecessary complications right now."
Angel laughed quietly, shaking her head in mock despair. "Fair enough, sir. I certainly don't need more paperwork. But sotis you have to take a little risk, don't you think?"
He paused thoughtfully, smiling at her gentle yet genuine curiosity. "Perhaps. But risks need to be calculated, Angel. Even in relationships."
Angel raised her hands in mock surrender, clearly amused. "Alright, sir. You've convinced . Calculated risk it is."
They both laughed softly, the warmth between them comfortable and genuine. Matthew relaxed visibly, the tension of the evening completely fading in Angel's easy company.
The car moved quietly onward, city lights flickering past the tinted windows, casting soft, shifting patterns across their faces. After a brief comfortable silence, Angel spoke again, her tone softer, more reflective.
"You know, sir, jokes aside, I genuinely hope you find soone soday who ets those impossibly high standards of yours."
Matthew glanced at her, slightly surprised but touched by her sincerity. "Thank you, Angel. That actually ans a lot coming from you."
Angel's smile softened even further, her voice gentle and sincere. "I an it. You're always looking after everyone else—your company, your employees, even your investors. But sotis, soone should be looking after you."
Matthew's expression softened, appreciating the genuine kindness behind her words. "That's very thoughtful of you, Angel. But luckily, I've got you around to keep balanced."
Angel chuckled softly, returning to her usual playful tone. "Well, I do my best, sir. Though clearly, I haven't succeeded entirely yet."
Matthew laughed warmly, genuinely enjoying their playful exchange. "On the contrary. Tonight you saved at least twice, expertly interrupting uncomfortable conversations by bringing drinks exactly when I needed them."
She raised an amused eyebrow, her tone mock-serious. "Only twice? I must be slipping."
He laughed heartily, shaking his head. "Alright, maybe three or four tis. You're getting a raise."
She grinned brightly, feigning delight. "Finally! I was beginning to worry all my careful planning and espionage was going unnoticed."
Matthew laughed again, feeling genuinely relaxed for the first ti in days. "Trust , nothing escapes my notice. Especially your subtle thods."
Angel smiled warmly, clearly pleased by his genuine acknowledgnt. "I'll keep that in mind for future parties. Perhaps next ti, I'll just subtly divert matchmaking attempts entirely."
He raised an amused eyebrow. "Are you saying you deliberately allowed Terence to introduce Isabella to test my diplomatic skills?"
Angel laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Not intentionally, sir. But it certainly made the evening more entertaining."
He chuckled, appreciating her honesty and humor. "I'll have to keep a closer eye on you from now on."
She smiled playfully. "Always a wise decision, sir."
As the car approached the towering Sentinel BioTech headquarters, their conversation gradually softened, returning comfortably to professional matters. The ease of their exchange lingered pleasantly in the quiet air.
The vehicle pulled gently into the private underground parking facility, coming smoothly to a stop. Angel gathered her tablet and belongings, preparing to step out.
Matthew paused briefly before leaving the car, his expression genuine and appreciative. "Angel, seriously—thank you. For tonight, for the support, for everything. It doesn't go unnoticed."
Angel t his gaze warmly, genuine sincerity clear in her eyes. "You're welco, sir. It's always a pleasure."
He smiled slightly, nodding once. "Alright. Now let's both get so rest."
"Goodnight, sir," Angel replied softly, smiling warmly as she stepped out into the parking garage. Matthew followed a mont later, quietly grateful for the warmth and genuine friendship they had cultivated, despite the demanding nature of their professional relationship.
As they entered the building, he found himself silently amused, realizing how rare it was to have soone capable of balancing professionalism with genuine camaraderie. Angel's easy humor had gently reminded him not to take himself too seriously—and that even powerful billionaires sotis needed soone to tease them lightly, just to stay human.
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