I'm The King of Business & Technology in the Modern World

Saturday Night, 2300 Hours

The luxurious Rolls-Royce hummed 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. "Something 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 amusement. "Well, sir, it seems Mr. Sy really went out of his way to help you find some 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 seemed lovely though, sir. Intelligent, elegant, and genuinely interested. You weren't tempted at all?"

Matthew considered this for a brief moment, then shrugged lightly. "She's definitely impressive, Angel. And in different circumstances, maybe things would be different. But tonight wasn't the right time or place for something 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 comes to relationships."

Matthew chuckled warmly, taking her playful teasing in stride. "Well, caution has served me well so far, hasn't it?"

Angel laughed softly, nodding in amused agreement. "It has, sir. Though sometimes caution can also mean 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 something 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 me 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 sometimes 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 me. 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 someone someday who meets those impossibly high standards of yours."

Matthew glanced at her, slightly surprised but touched by her sincerity. "Thank you, Angel. That actually means a lot coming from you."

Angel's smile softened even further, her voice gentle and sincere. "I mean it. You're always looking after everyone else—your company, your employees, even your investors. But sometimes, someone 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 me 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 me at least twice, expertly interrupting uncomfortable conversations by bringing me 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 times. 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 time in days. "Trust me, nothing escapes my notice. Especially your subtle methods."

Angel smiled warmly, clearly pleased by his genuine acknowledgment. "I'll keep that in mind for future parties. Perhaps next time, 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 met his gaze warmly, genuine sincerity clear in her eyes. "You're welcome, sir. It's always a pleasure."

He smiled slightly, nodding once. "Alright. Now let's both get some rest."

"Goodnight, sir," Angel replied softly, smiling warmly as she stepped out into the parking garage. Matthew followed a moment 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 someone 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 sometimes needed someone to tease them lightly, just to stay human.