Login to ManoBook
icon 0
icon TOP UP
rightIcon
icon Reading History
rightIcon
icon Sign out
rightIcon
icon Get the APP
rightIcon
The Slaved Boss

The Slaved Boss

Rhea Marie

5.0
Comment(s)
29
View
36
Chapters

"Marry my daughter." I shifted my gaze from my glass of wine and stared at him in disbelief. Those were the last words I expected to hear from his mouth. I was no stranger to marriage proposals from my business associates. Many had tried to push their daughters toward me, hoping to gain something in return. And each time, I rejected them without hesitation. But this time was different. This was Lucas Angelo Ferrer-my fiercest rival in the business world. So why would he suddenly walk into my office with such a proposal? What was he really after?

Chapter 1 The marriage

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...

Continue Reading

Other books by Rhea Marie

More
Dine With The Vampire

Dine With The Vampire

Fantasy

5.0

"Wait! Can't you let me stay for just one more month? I swear I'll find a way to pay!" Prim pleaded with her landlord. "Your grace period is over! You've been behind on rent for four months now. I won't wait until it becomes five! I'd rather rent the place to someone else than keep losing money waiting for you!" "But I really do have the money! I just had a streak of bad luck-" "I don't care whether you can pay or not! I already found a new tenant to replace you. Now, get out! I won't give you another chance, no matter how much you beg! Or do you want me to demand full payment of your debt right this moment?!" Prim's POV Hours had passed since I was thrown out of my apartment. I still had some money left, just enough for food for a few days. But I had nowhere else to go. My feet led me to the park-the only place that gave me a sense of relief. "What am I supposed to do now?" I sighed. My thoughts were interrupted by a rustling sound coming from the dense trees nearby. Then, out of nowhere, a man was thrown to the ground right in front of me. "A-Are you okay?" I stood up in alarm. His clothes were stained with blood, and his body was covered in wounds and scratches. I knew it was dangerous to approach him, but I couldn't just leave him like that. Besides, I was already here. Ignoring him wouldn't be right. "Argh... Stay away!" He pushed me back, making me fall onto the grass. I caught a glimpse of his fangs and glowing red eyes. "Y-You're a vampire?" I blurted out. "Get out of here if you want to live!" he snapped, standing up as if he wasn't injured. "This isn't a place you should be wandering around at this hour." I hadn't realized how late it was-I had been too lost in thought. "Geez, so grumpy," I mumbled with a pout. "I was just trying to help, and you're the one being rude!" "Just shut up and-" Before he could finish, a second vampire suddenly leaped from the treetops, attacking me. I screamed, thinking I was done for-but before the creature could sink its fangs into me, the injured vampire intercepted the attack, taking the hit instead. "ARGHHH!!" he cried out in pain. Panicked, I hid behind a tree, watching as they fought. The battle was intense, but after a few moments, he managed to defeat the other vampire, reducing it to ashes. But right after, he collapsed onto the grass. I rushed over in a panic. "Mr. Vampire-" "Go home..." he muttered with his eyes closed. "Are you sure you're okay?" I asked, worried. Of course, I wasn't just concerned about him-I had nowhere to go tonight, but admitting that felt embarrassing. "I-I'm just too lazy to go home yet..." I lied. "Who was that vampire you fought?" I changed the subject. "You know I'm a vampire, yet you don't seem scared," he said, staring at me intently. His gaze made me uncomfortable. "W-Why should I be afraid of you?" I avoided his eyes. "You just saved my life, and judging by your clothes, you're obviously upper-class. Unless... you're actually interested in my cheap blood?" He chuckled, covering his forehead with his hand before closing his eyes again. "Who would be interested in a kid like you?" he muttered. "Kid?" I huffed. "I bet you're only a few years older than me. You can't just call me a kid!" "Did you already forget that I'm a vampire? Of course, you're a kid in my eyes. I've been alive for decades, long before you were even born." "Fair point," I admitted. "But if we're talking human years, you don't look that old." "I'm not going to argue with you. Just go home and sleep." I pouted at him. Though this wasn't the first time I had seen vampires fighting, it was still hard to get used to. And honestly, this was my first real conversation with one. Upper-class vampires usually kept to themselves, interacting only with their social equals or fellow vampires. It was rare for them to talk to humans like he did with me. The World of Vampires and Humans Humans and vampires coexist peacefully in this era, but conflicts and crimes still happen. Society has grown accustomed to their presence, as this is the Vampire Era-a time when humanity has fully acknowledged their existence. You can see them walking down the streets, leaping across rooftops, working in convenience stores, or even running major corporations. Some are celebrities, politicians, or just ordinary citizens living their lives. The government and the vampire council have formed an alliance, enforcing laws that both species must follow. Though some still see vampires as monsters, they, too, are bound by rules-including strict bans against harming mortals. The Vampire Police ensures that any violators face proper punishment. Of course, not everyone agrees with this system, but most have accepted these changes. Back to the Present I was about to return to the bench when I heard a phone ringing. "Uh... someone's calling you," I said, but the vampire didn't react. "Are you asleep?" I hesitated. Sho

Illegitimate Child Of The Alaister Family

Illegitimate Child Of The Alaister Family

Romance

5.0

I grinned widely as I revealed my winning cards, and my friends immediately voiced their complaints. "Sorry, guys. This one's mine!" I scooped up the bets from the table. "Come on, May-may! You always win!" "Are you cheating?" I flipped Fillan off for his comment. "You're just salty because you lost. Loser!" I taunted. "One more round, May!" Elmo challenged. "Nah, it's late," I said, glancing at my broken watch, which I only wore for style. "The dead aren't going anywhere! This place never closes anyway!" I glanced toward the house where our friend's coffin lay. Sam had been stabbed in the lung by his enemies. "You can help keep watch over Sam, too. It's tough staying up all night. Why don't you take his spot instead?" I smacked Elmo on the head. "How about I put you next to Sam instead?!" "Stay a little longer, May! Free snacks!" Fillan gestured toward the coffee and bread. I narrowed my eyes. They looked good. "Fine, I'll eat, then I'm leaving." "Stayyyy!" --- I ate the sandwich I took from Sam's wake as I walked through the dim alleyways toward home. "Out late again, May?" called out Tatay Gurong, drinking outside his house. "I was at Sam's." "That boyfriend of yours? Haven't seen him around lately." "He's dead," I replied casually, passing by. "Oh? What a waste." Hearing about deaths was normal here. A week without a killing was rare. This place was full of thugs, and honestly, I wouldn't even be surprised if someone got murdered in front of me. I was confident no one could intimidate me here-until I saw the man standing in front of my rented room. I instantly looked for a hiding spot. My sandwich slipped from my hand as I ducked behind a nearby post. Just as I was about to peek, a dog barked at me. My eyes widened in horror-it had definitely caught the man's attention. "Shut up, Choco!" I hissed at the dog. "You know me, damn it!" "Maria Zia Salazar?" I shrieked in shock at the man's voice. "Is that you?" "Look, dude, I swear, even though I was Sam's girlfriend, I had nothing to do with his debts. I don't have any money!" I pleaded, pulling out my pockets, which were full of candy. The man, dressed in a tuxedo, looked at my pockets, then at me, confused. "Even if you kidnap me, you'll get nothing. So just don't, okay?" I begged. He cleared his throat and stood straight. "Ms. Maria Zia Salazar Alaister." I froze at the mention of my full name. "I'm here to take you." I raised an eyebrow and laughed. "You've got the wrong person, dude." I walked past him. Before I could reach my rented room, two men blocked my way. "This is a direct order from your father, Giovanni Alaister," the man behind me said. I glared at him and turned around. "And what if I refuse?" I challenged. "We will use force," he said, pointing a gun at me. I met his gaze, my expression darkening. What does Giovanni want with me this time?!

My Three Stepbrothers

My Three Stepbrothers

Romance

5.0

I woke up to loud knocking and someone repeatedly shouting my name. I was sure it was Aling Lourdes, the owner of this rental place. Aling Lourdes shouted, "I stood up and immediately opened the door for her." "Well, Maki, it seems like you're forgetting something?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "Aling Lourdes, I don't have any money right now. Can I—" I couldn't finish my sentence because she interrupted. "If you can't pay, you should leave now. Nothing is free, and if you don't, I'll report you to the barangay," she said before leaving. I took a deep breath and decided to leave this place. •3 hours ago• I was outside Aling Lourdes' apartment, still thinking about where I should go when my phone suddenly rang. I answered it. "Hello?" "Maki? How are you, my child?" I couldn't respond when I heard my dad's voice. "What do you want?" I asked coldly. "Look at you, your attitude never changes," Dad said. "If you don't have anything good to say, I'll hang up now," I said irritably. "Maki, why don't you come live here so you can see how beautiful it is?" Dad suggested. "In your dreams," I started to say, but then I remembered I needed a place to stay. "Just send me the address," I said curtly and ended the call. My phone vibrated, and I saw the address he sent. I smirked a little and called a taxi. •Fast Forward• I was now in front of his mansion, and someone greeted me and told me to follow them. I stopped walking when I got inside. The place was huge and beautiful. I was startled when someone spoke behind me. "So, it's you?" the person said, looking angry. "M-me?" I stammered, pointing at myself. "Who else, stupid?" the person said before turning away. "HEY, YOU'RE SO ARROGANT! I'LL STRANGLE YOU!" I shouted, moving closer. "Sure, if you can, brat," the person said mockingly. I was about to hit him with my bag when someone laughed loudly.

You'll also like

Chapters
Read Now
Download Book