'The Billionaire's Secret

Chapter One

Nena sometimes wonders how she survived at Salvadores Law Firm. She had an education, graduating with a degree in Marketing, but she patiently worked as the firm's receptionist for five years. Imagine, five years! Perhaps she excelled too much that they couldn't bear to remove her from that position.

Aside from being reliable at work, Nena is genuinely pleasant to look at. Anyone passing through the receptionist area wouldn't hesitate to approach her for inquiries. She also had a way of talking to clients that assured them they were getting the right information from her.

She stood at a firm height of 5'6 with Marilyn Monroe curves. She wasn't the slim type, especially with rounded thighs, but her body's curves were just right, so Nena had no issues with that. Being a receptionist, she took good care of herself. Her black bob-cut hair was always neat, with well-groomed bangs, red lips, and perfectly shaped eyebrows.

A smile was ready on her lips whenever she spotted someone entering the firm. But when Attorney Clint Guillermo caught her eye, she just squinted at him.

It was hard to smile in the presence of this man-his gorgeousness wouldn't let any woman relax. It could make anyone panic to the point of screaming. And she was one of them.

She didn't like the appeal of long-haired guys with a bad-boy image. Yet, she couldn't understand why she couldn't take her eyes off the man when she felt his presence.

Perhaps it was because he always smiled? He had thick eyebrows, and his eyes had an intense, Arabic-like feature when he stared. Her heart skipped a beat when those eyes focused on her. Nena couldn't fathom how intense his gaze could be, even though he often smiled at them.

Clint wasn't the stereotypical serious and brooding lawyer. Besides being smiling, he was also good at greetings.

He walked in wearing a formal cream-colored suit, carrying a black briefcase with his sleek hair tied in a low ponytail. They hadn't seen him at the firm for a while because he had a grand vacation in the US. As his eyes landed on their area, he tugged a lopsided grin-sexy and exuding a confident, carefree vibe.

And damn, it felt like he also tugged down her panties.

So what if he was already thirty-nine? With his handsome looks and the way he took care of his body, he didn't seem to be battling with aging. If they stood side by side, no one would notice that he was only twenty-eight, and there was a significant age gap.

He walked with confidence. It was intimidating because he was a big man. Clint had a domineering height and a strong muscular built; it looked like he really took care of himself at the gym. But here he was, working as a lawyer. Perhaps he just wanted to prove that he wasn't only about his physique but also about his intellect. And maybe his arsenal was quite extensive, given his notorious reputation with women.

How many women working in their firm had fallen victim to him...

Just thinking about it made her envious.

He looked really good at it. He seemed powerful, the kind that wrestled in bed, with long-lasting stamina, so it was likely he could go on for hours... Too bad she wasn't his type...

But hey, that wasn't the only thing big about him. His bank account was probably substantial due to his excessive generosity. In her five years at Salvadores Law Firm, Clint had given various things to them, especially after his out-of-town trips.

"Good morning," the man greeted them, accompanied by Tanya, who was with Nena at the reception. Tanya played with the ring on her finger, which had keys and a car remote.

"Good morning, Attorney!" they both greeted him almost simultaneously.

"I've got something for you both from my trip," he said, flashing a relaxed smile and placing his hand on the desk. "I'll give it later. I need to report to the office right away, so..." he shrugged.

Then his eyes shifted back to Nena. The man's eyes flashed a new smile, passing over her with a gaze that reached her chest because of the height of the receptionist desk.

His eyes lingered there. Was he staring? Or did he suddenly think of something?

His eyes were so intense...

Then his gaze slowly returned to her eyes.

It felt like his gaze lasted forever. Nena felt exposed to the sun, and any moment, sweat would trickle down due to the intensity of his gaze. Her stomach was even stirring from this tension!

She had been waiting for him to say something to her since earlier, but he just grinned before turning away and leaving their spot with Tanya to head to the elevator. When she saw him get on the elevator, she breathed a sigh of relief. Tanya noticed her release of breath earlier.

She laughed. "My God, does Attorney really have that effect on you?" she teased while arranging the log books on the rack behind them.

Nena just let her hand glide over the desk. "I was just surprised that he's back now-"

She paused when she felt the keys placed on the desk. "Oops," she grabbed them. "Attorney left this."

"Let's just put it here. He'll surely come back for it later," Tanya suggested, reaching out for the keys and car remote.

Nena turned away briefly from the desk to watch Tanya as she arranged the log books. She was just waiting for the opportunity to help her with the organizing.

"And done," Nena continued her earlier thoughts out of boredom, "he came here so early. Imagine, we're still setting things up here, and he's already heading to the office."

"Chief is already here too," Tanya said. "So it makes sense for Attorney to report today."

She pouted. "Why so sudden, though? Wasn't he supposed to be in the US for three months?"

Nena laughed. "Well, it seems like you're really not thrilled about Attorney coming back here." She glanced at him briefly. "Watch out, you might lose your inspiration."

"Joker," she chuckled. "He's not an inspiration to me; my mind just gets dirty when I see him."

She playfully assisted Tanya by carrying some log books to help dust off the dirt accumulated inside a magazine rack.

"You're really something," Tanya laughed. "Can you imagine how big he is?"

"Oh, yes," she joined in Tanya's teasing. Tanya had no reservations because she already had a husband. "I feel like my virginity won't survive, so I don't bother acting cute with Attorney Clint. You know, he might not fit, and then..." she didn't finish her sentence, bursting into laughter.

Tanya giggled. "And then?"

"That's it!" she said, still laughing. "Boom, wrecked!"

They burst into laughter.

Tanya glanced at the desk for a moment. "You're crazy, you really are-" Then she looked back. "Attorney!" she exclaimed in surprise.

Nena froze in her place. There were many lawyers working in that firm, but judging by Tanya's surprised expression, she thought she shouldn't look to find out who he was greeting.

"I came back because I left my keys," he said, impatiently tapping his fingers on the desk.

Seven. That was Attorney Clint's voice-smooth and deep.

Damn. Did he hear anything she said?

Tanya quickly handed him the keys left earlier by the man. "Thank you," was his short reply before hurrying away.

Tanya elbowed her. "My God! I didn't notice he was there!"

She still couldn't move. "My God, do you think he heard what I was saying?"

She saw the uncertainty in Tanya's eyes. Tanya even looked at Clint's departure on the elevator before returning her gaze to her.

"Hey, Tanya!" she bugged her. "How did he look just now?"

"He seemed in a hurry. Maybe he didn't hear anything. We're not that loud, right?"

She still breathed quickly. Nena felt like she was on the edge of death due to extreme embarrassment. But maybe Attorney Clint didn't hear anything. She blinked for a moment before nodding.

"Let's stop with the vulgar topics, Tanya. I'm the one getting into trouble here."

"You're crazy. You're the one who started talking about it," Tanya continued cleaning.

"Because you asked me to tell the story!"

---

Clint headed to the office of Attorney Mike Salvadores, the Chief Legal Officer of Salvadores Law Firm. As he entered the room, the gentleman, who kept all his hair white even though he was only in his mid-fifties, stood up. He adjusted his eyeglasses before accepting Clint's offered handshake.

"Take a seat," he said, gesturing to the visitor's chair.

"I dropped by to let you know I'm back and ready to take the case you emailed me about," Clint said, taking a seat.

"I'm glad you're back after such short notice, Atty. Guillermo," he said, placing one hand on the desk and the other on the armrest of his chair. "I don't really expect you'll be back this early."

"I'm getting bored in Las Vegas anyway, so I figured why not just come back here and get a job done?" he said with a small smile.

"If you still remember the Robles case from 2017 that you handled, well, it's being reopened. They want you to be their lawyer. They won't take anyone else that I suggest. They said they'd go to another law firm if you refuse," he mentioned, taking a seat. "You know that the Robles family is a big client for us."

"That's noted from your email, Chief," Clint said, relaxing in the visitor's chair. "What I want to know now are the details."

"I'll have Jeanie compile the files," he mentioned to the secretary before shooing her away. "Just wait. I'll send it to your desk."

"Looks like you've got your hands full too," he chuckled. "Not interested to hear my adventures?"

Clint noticed the grin, but he could see the seriousness in the gentleman's eyes. It meant he didn't have time now for small talk.

"Save that for some other time, Attorney," he waved dismissively. "Let me get my things sorted in here. Out you go."

Standing up, he said, "Okay, Chief. Tell Jeanie to hurry. She knows that I'm an impatient man."

His tone carried meaning.

Attorney Mike just groaned, focusing on his computer. Clicking something, he leaned back in his swivel chair, reading what was on the monitor.

Nena remained standing at the waiting shed, despite the late hour. It was eight in the evening, and she waited for the rain to stop before crossing. Why did she forget to bring an umbrella now?

Even if she had one, due to their strained relationship, she often lost her umbrella. In the end, she still ended up without one.

Looking up at the dark sky, she envied Tanya, always picked up by her husband's motorcycle. Meanwhile, she had to brave the rain, cross the street, and walk to the nearby FX terminal. She sighed, wondering what time she'd get home if she didn't catch a ride soon.

"Ah, whatever," Nena whispered to herself, braving the heavy rain while hugging her bag.

Feeling the splashes on her stockings and the water soaking her flat shoes, she couldn't help but walk blindly through the street. The raindrops were cold on her uniform and hair.

Suddenly, she was startled by bright lights and a loud honk. She almost jumped at the blaring sound. Stopping in her tracks, she couldn't even shout in surprise.

Reality hit when the car door opened, and a man's figure approached her, grabbing her arm. Despite the loud honking from behind, the driver seemed indifferent. He guided her to the shotgun seat, opened the door, and gestured for her to get in.

Nena hesitated, quickly looking at the man, who was still looking down. Recognizing him in the headlights' glow, she was surprised to find Clint. He nudged her, and she finally bent her legs to get inside.

The man circled around and got into the car. Nena hugged her wet bag, feeling guilty for getting him wet too.

He was now wearing an open-buttoned polo, his wet chest visible through the fabric. Raindrops slid from his neck to his chest, making her feel flushed. The fabric of his shirt seemed almost transparent. His nipple was now visible, and she couldn't help but bite her lower lip.

With his sleeves rolled up, his muscles flexed as he operated the stick shift, making Nena swallow hard.

She pressed her legs tightly.

"Why are you braving the rain?" he asked clearly.

"It's eight, Attorney," she quickly replied. "I've been waiting in the rain for an hour. I was just about to cross and walk to the FX terminal."

He nodded, turning his car. It seemed he planned to take her there.

"You might be out of your way, Attorney," she glanced briefly out the window.

"It's an injustice to let only the rain make you wet, isn't it?" he murmured.

"You too, Attorney," she teased. "You might take a detour. I'm not that girl," she laughed to lighten the mood.

After all, Attorney Clint was that cool. He joked with everyone, treating everyone equally, regardless of their position. Maybe it was the effect of his legal background, instilling a sense of fairness and justice in him.

She knew he asked a serious question, so she awkwardly turned it into a joke. She preferred to keep the assistance lighthearted; otherwise, things might get complicated. She didn't want to take advantage of Clint's sudden help. After all, she still had a clear mind. Even if she had a bit of a crush on the lawyer, she didn't want to be just a convenience. She wasn't raised that way by her parents.

Like ordinary women, all she sought in a relationship was something serious, not the casual flings or numerous escapades Clint seemed accustomed to. If she were to have a boyfriend, she wanted it to be a one-time deal, someone she could marry.

Unexpectedly, he chuckled lowly-lowly and sexily.

"I just turned my car, and now you're lecturing me."

"Well, you did turn your car to pick me up for the FX terminal."

The man grinned. "I gave you a ride because I haven't given you my pasalubong yet. I went on a break earlier, and you weren't at your post."

"Tanya did mention that, Attorney. I was in the CR," she replied, looking out the window, unsure why excitement filled her chest. "You could have just left it with Tanya, Sir."

"I give stuff personally, Miss Nena," he breathed out.

That was true, based on her experiences whenever Clint gave them gifts.

He drove his car through the main entrance gate of the FX terminal. Once inside, he glanced at the window. On his side, he could see the line of FX and passengers, so Nena looked in that direction too.

Clint turned to her. "It's already eight, right? You might get home even later."

There were many people in line, and only a few FX were left. Due to the sudden rain, commuters were struggling without umbrellas.

She faced the door to open it. The man was surprised.

"Okay, Attorney, I'm fine here. Thank you-"

"Are you serious?" he chuckled softly, making her look at him.

"Why?"

"I can drive you home."

Damn, that smile looked friendly. But she knew that smile. It's a trap! Wait, was Attorney Clint Guillermo trying to flirt with her again?

She narrowed her eyes. "Why are you being so nice to me now? We rarely talk in the firm."

"Why?" he shrugged and pulled back his car. "Has anyone told you that I wasn't kind?"

No one had. He was, in fact, a gentleman. The only bad record he had was being a playboy. It was the talk among the women in the firm. There were cold treatments among female staff or lawyers when one found out the other was the new bedmate of Clint.

Since they were in the receptionist area with Tanya, they were always updated on office gossip. They couldn't act unprofessional inside the office, so they resorted to passive-aggressive remarks when leaving the office.

Based on the gossip, it seemed the women didn't blame Clint for his choices.

Perhaps they accepted his preferences in relationships.

"You, Attorney," she teased. "Not that I mind, but maybe tomorrow, your chicks in the firm will be mad at me."

He laughed louder. He was already driving his car back on the road.

"And you're afraid?"

"Oh, come on, Attorney," she smiled while adjusting her seat.

He stole a glance at her, observed her state, and remarked, "Don't drown yourself in there. You can drape your blazer over the dashboard. So it can dry a bit. You wouldn't want to catch a cold."

She looked at him, the man focused on the road. A small smile teased her lips. Next, what would he ask her to take off, hm?

Nena bowed her head. She was becoming mischievous. This can't be!

"I'm fine, thank you," she said. "I might get colder if I take it off."

"You tell me what direction to take, okay?" he changed the topic, seeming disappointed.

"Okay, Attorney."

"And," he paused as the car stopped at a red light, "get my gift. It's in the back seat. Can you reach it?"

She glanced at the back seat. There was his briefcase, his suit blazer carelessly folded, and two paper bags.

"Which one, Attorney?"

He also glanced at the back seat. Both of them peered into the space between their seats, causing their faces to be close. He scanned the back seat.

"That red paper bag," he said, focusing his eyes on it.

Surprised by the closeness of his voice, she turned to him. His instinct was lightning speed.

He quickly caught her gaze.

Oh, it seemed God had no mercy on her today.

First, Clint practically heard her dirty thoughts while talking to Tanya. She was caught in a heavy rain, making it uncertain when she'd get home. And now, she was face to face with him at such a close distance.

It was as if God's to-do-list today was to give her a massive set of heart attacks.

The intent gaze from Clint was challenging yet oddly pleasant. It delved deep within her, urging her to reveal her entire soul through surrender. She shyly averted her eyes, placing her bag near the door. Turning around, she knelt on the seat, reaching for a red paper bag in the back seat.

Clint observed closely, his eyes tracing every curve as she positioned herself. Nena arched her back, and Clint's eyes followed her movements. As she reached for the paper bag, lifting one leg, Clint's gaze lingered on her thigh. When he realized his mistake, he averted his eyes.

She descended slowly, adjusting her posture. Clint stole a glance, noticing her straightening her pencil skirt. Nena placed the paper bag on the dashboard before hugging her bag again.

"Aren't you going to look?" Clint asked, eyes focused ahead, hands ready on the steering wheel, grip tightening.

"After I get home, Attorney," she smiled.

Better to wait until she's home to avoid revealing her excitement about the gift. Nena leaned against the window, focusing on the traffic ahead, pondering the contents of the paper bag.

Chocolates? Keychain? Refrigerator magnets? Those were typical gifts from people returning from other countries, right?