Jenny is dumbfounded to hear that new information, "Really! How did you know?"

"Actually, there was a rumor about James being a rich kid during our college time, but it's not proven. Anyway, three years ago, I met a friend in college, Marina. She lived abroad now and told me that James is the son of some business tycoon," Mari relays.

"Marina?" Jenny asked, there was a question mark on her face.

"Yeah! You don't know her," Mari retorted.

Jenny skeptically asked more, "How did your friend know that about James?"

"She told me that she once saw her CEO personally greet James," Mari answered.

** Three years ago, at a five-star hotel, a man in his 50s hurriedly walked towards the lobby. His name is George Han, CEO of Sky Hotel. He wore a gray tailored suit to conceal his bulging stomach. Unfortunately, because of his height, his weight was more noticeable. Nevertheless, the aura of being the highest-ranking employee is imminent.

Several men in suits followed him from behind. At one glance, one will know that George is the leader among them. Yet, he stands at the entrance, fixing his suit, and seemingly waiting for someone higher than him.

Soon, three luxurious black cars parked at the entrance. Several Men in black suits started to come out. They meticulously check the area before one of the men opens the black sedan in the middle.

Then, a tall and handsome man emerged. His charm is accentuated by the blue suit and white shirt that fit him well. He looked around and saw George and his assistant walking towards him.

"Welcome to our hotel, Mr. Ferrer!" George said as he shook his hand with both hands.

"Mr. Han!" James acknowledged his presence and continued to walk. His domineering aura could be felt even from afar.

As George walked beside James, employees in the lobby at that time wouldn't dare to look directly at James, but they couldn't not look either. It's like seeing the king walk.

George's short limbs made him take two steps at a time to catch up with James.

*****

"Honestly, I somehow knew that he came from a rich family. He had this very intimidating atmosphere around him during college. And his skin is very smooth for a guy," Jenny states. 

She suddenly shifts to talk about Mari's friend, "But how come I didn't know this friend of yours?"

Mari sighed, "Marina was from another school," her simple answer made Jenny immediately understand why she didn't know her. But Mari continued to fill in Jenny before she asked her more, " As you know, many of us had a crush on James during college. Probably, only you didn't. Anyway, back then, I created a fan club in honor of him. He was so popular that even other schools joined the club. Of course! I am the President because I am the founder.  And being James's schoolmate means I'm the closest to him!" Mari explains.

"Ah...I see! But really?! Club for James?" Jenny teased as she became more interested in the fact that Mari had created a club for James before, rather than him coming from an affluent family.

"You wouldn't understand us! You were so in love with Maru that time," Mari reiterates, "But for us, James is like a gift from heaven. He is smart, very masculine— that chest!— and he is super charismatic. His deep voice made me so weak," she dreamily said.

Jenny laughs at the sight of Mari, "Does your boyfriend know that his girlfriend is fantasizing about another man?" she jokes.

Mari came back to reality as she answered, "Well, I can tell him! But for his sake, I'd rather not,"

Jenny squinted her eyes at Mari, "How is not telling him for his sake? Please enlighten me!" she sarcastically said.

Mari sighed.

"It's a cliche to say that James is perfect— because I know no one is! But he is the only one I knew who was close to being one! I couldn't even make him my standard, or I'd be single for life. And if Andrew knows about James, I am— rather— sure he will try to be him. And that will irritate me more because he can't be him. His ego will be hurt, and we'll end up breaking up. I like Andrew just the way he is. I don't want to break up with him!" Mari explains in detail.

"Oh, Mari! I haven't seen you like a guy so much! Maybe it's time for me to meet this Andrew guy," Jenny teased to make Mari forget about James.

But when Mari is about to give her a response, Jenny's phone rings. Jenny has different phones for business calls and personal calls. Everyone can get their hands on her business number. After all, it was the number she had on her business cards. But what surprised her was the call was from her private number, which only a few people knew about.

Ring! Ring! Ring!

Jenny looked at the caller, and it was an unknown number. She looked at Mari and signaled her to be quiet before she picked up the call, "Hello!" she said apprehensively.

"Is this Ms. Jenny Han?" a female voice inquires.

"Yes, I am! May I know who is calling?"

"I am Martha Valdez, calling on behalf of The Auberge, and we would like to set a meeting with you this afternoon," she invites.

Jenny's eyes widened, and turn to look at Mari.

"This afternoon?"Jenny repeats.

"Yes! Are you not available today, Ms. Han?" Martha asked.

Jenny abruptly said, "No! No! I'm free today!" And with a smile, she asked, " What time will I need to be there?"

Mari could see how excited Jenny was, mouthedly asked, "Who?"

But Jenny didn't answer her yet and focused only on the caller.

"Can you make it at 2 o'clock ?" Martha asked.

"Sure! I'll be there!" Jenny agreed.

"We will be expecting you later then. Good day! Ms. Han," Martha hung up.

Jenny was in a daze as she pressed the end call button on her phone.

As soon as the call ended, Mari immediately asked, "Who called?"

Jenny said in disbelief, "It's The Auberge!"

"The Auberge? As in the most successful chain of hotels in the country!" Mari repeated just to make sure that she didn't hear wrongly.

Jenny nodded.