Tanaga noticed Ashley walking behind the employees, tiptoeing like a thief. His forehead twitched, and his face turned sour once again. Ashley had no idea that she was the current subject of the conversation.
Tanaga had no choice but to retrace his steps and stop where Ashley would have to pass. He waited until she was close enough to hear him without having to speak too loudly.
"Ashley, can you please explain to me why you walked behind the employees instead of following me?" Tanaga’s question made it clear he was irritated. It didn’t miss the ears of his employees either. They were curious about the girl and what was going on.
Ashley was about to respond with an excuse. Then she thought about the employees standing around who were listening. She needed to come up with something quick; improvise so Tanaga would not get angry again.
"Sir Jones, I’m so sorry. I thought only important people like you, or your wife, would be able to walk through the middle of the employees as they bowed. I’m sorry," Ashley said. As she spoke, she glanced around the room uncomfortably, comparing her simple outfit with the expensive suits and high-heeled shoes the female employees wore. The men wore matching jackets and ties, their shoes well-polished.
Tanaga knew that Ashley was making an excuse, but he let her off the hook. He smiled a little at what she had said. Her words had sparked other thoughts in his mind.
"Come here; I’m afraid you might end up getting lost later," Tanaga said as he grabbed her arm. He led her towards his private elevator, pulling her so quickly she nearly had to run to keep up.
Tanaga’s curious employees watched. Especially the Director of his HR department, who looked on intently with raised eyebrows. She had worked in Tanaga’s company for some time now, and she had never been in his elevator. She had never seen CEO Jones smile at any woman in the office, including her.
His private elevator had become famous among the employees. The cab was air-conditioned and perfumed with see-through walls. Only maintenance workers had the privilege of using it. Tanaga never allowed anyone else to use it. Even VIP clients had to take the public elevators, which were congested and smelled of sweat.
Aware that the elevator is off-limits to practically everyone, their shock was not unwarranted as they watched Tanaga lead Ashley into it.
The baffled workers were clamoring as they watched them go up. Tanaga’s cousin, Kai, was the president of the THJ entertainment company. He had tried to follow Tanaga onto his elevator a few times, but it hadn’t been allowed even once. He had tried coaxing him, coming up with strategies that would make Tanaga let him ride it with him. But their poker-faced CEO had no qualms about kicking him out, even though he was family.
Watching through the clear walls of the cab, many noticed that Tanaga didn’t let go of Ashley’s arm. It appeared to be an intimate act coming from their strictly business boss. The speculations began to fly. Several had seen Ashley and Tanaga argue earlier. It was certainly turning into an eventful day and was too much for them to take in. The rumor mill would be hard at work trying to discover the details of their relationship.
===
Tanaga was quiet in the lift. Though he said nothing, his serious expression felt like a scolding. To the onlookers down below, this added validity to their theory that the two were fighting.
"Do you remember what I said to you before, Ashley?"
"I understand. Wherever you go, I’ll be your pretty tail stuck behind you. I’m to be the unwavering shadow always following you. No problem, Sir. Understood. But...why?" Ashley couldn’t keep herself from questioning him and arguing with him, which frustrated Tanaga. The back and forth exchanges continued in this manner the entire time they were on the elevator. The expression on Tanaga’s face made him an open book, easily read by everyone through the transparent walls. It was like being in a fishbowl, with no escape from speculating eyes.
Ding!
Tanaga and Ashley were surprised to find a few people waiting for them when the doors finally opened. "Good afternoon Mr. Jones. We’re from the Immigration Office." One of the members of the group explained. "We received information that the woman with you entered the country illegally. Can we go somewhere and talk about this?"
The trio from the Immigration Office spoke Niponggo, which Ashley barely understood. But she recognized the word for immigration and thought it was likely they were from the immigration office. She turned her eyes to Tanaga, hoping to understand more by watching his reaction.
To her surprise, there was nothing. Tanaga was calm as he faced the immigration officers. Tanaga called one of his secretaries without responding to the immigration officers’ questions.
"Take them to the conference room to wait. We’ll follow later." That was all he said before he put his arm around Ashley’s shoulder and whispered, "Just follow along. Don’t ask questions."
To the immigration officials and Tanaga’s secretary, it appeared like he was kissing Ashley’s ear. One of the gawkers’ face went red as she watched the two.
What other option did Ashley have but to follow Tanaga’s lead? There was a strong possibility that she had entered the country illegally, given the events that had unfolded. If that was the case, and they could prove it, she would be deported. At this point, she didn’t know if she would be happy or upset if she were sent home.
I may get to say goodbye to the ten million, she thought. [Oh my, it seems like Ashley’s dignity is gone. Haha.] The thought of ten million per child made Ashley sigh in exasperation. What a loss that would be!
Tanaga waited for Ashley to come into his office as he called for one of his secretaries.
"Sir, here are the papers you asked me to prepare. And here are the copies I’ll be giving them. Shall I go and meet with them, Sir?" Secretary #1 asked.
"Yes, go ahead."
Once she walked out of the room, Tanaga turned to face Ashley. "Listen carefully; let me answer all their questions. Just nod and answer ’Yes.’ Do you understand?"
Reading Tanaga’s face, she realized she had guessed right. This was about her papers. Her visa might be fake. If it was an unlawful entry, what fate awaited her? Would she be deported, or would Tanaga pull off a miracle for her?