The Grand Mistress

When the group stepped out of the room, they were totally packed. Several shopping bags were prepared for them and Lucas went to settle the bill.

Although Feather's shopping was cut short, she was somehow happy to see how much new jewelry she had and the fact that Hawk was the one who was paying for it. Knowing that she and Hawk were going to eat after, she told Ami to leave. Hesitantly her assistant did as told and left the store.

After that, Feather thought of having some small chats with Hawk while Lucas was settling the bill but she found the man talking to a certain saleslady in front of a jewelry piece. Curious, she went and checked what Hawk was discussing with her.

"This is the mariposa verde President Hawk," The saleslady introduced the piece to him. They all thought the L Conglomerate's president was done shopping but as soon as they left the room, he went to check on the mariposa verde displayed near the reception with thorough interest. "Our store takes pride in this jewel as it is an important piece,"

Hawk looked at the jewel and understood why the mystery women earlier took time to check on it. What got him interested was that, when the lady earlier saw the subject jewel piece, she smiled so ever beautifully. It was obvious she fell in love with the piece at first sight.

When Hawk didn't say the word and only immersed himself on scrutinizing the piece, the sales lady continued her narration, "This piece was made by the late founder of our store, Mr. Lance Verde, a world renown jewel artist. He made it for his wife. His wife died few years ago and he followed a year after and so their children valued this piece so much,"

"How much?" Hawk inquired.

"I'm sorry President Hawk, but this piece is not for sale," The saleslady explained. "This piece became a symbol of our store and definitely is priceless,"

"I want to have it," Hawk demanded. His voice was calm but since he was Hawk Monsanto, the sales lady was having a hard time already refusing his request.

"But...I'm really sorry President Hawk. This piece as you can see was only meant as the center of attraction of our store. It's not meant for sale. I really apologize,"

"Call the manager," Hawk instructed and immediately the sales lady went to call the manager who was then busy supervising the payment of Lucas. 

Feather who was watching the whole commotion got curious as to the jewelry that caught Hawk's interest. When she gave it a look, her brow's creased. The jewelry looked very simple and although it somehow had a unique design, she didn't think it deserved all the trouble.

"President Hawk, don't worry about it. I had bought enough jewelry already, I don't need more," Feather said, assuming very well that the mariposa verde was for her.  "Also I don't really think that looks—"

"Yes President Hawk?" Her assuming words got off when the manager came to attend to Hawk. "I was told you wanted this piece. On behalf of the whole store, please accept my apology. This particular piece was very valuable to the children of the late Mr. Verde, please understand that we cannot just sell it to you. How about I show you some other jewelry that you might like?"

"I want to know the market price of this one," Hawk wasn't swayed by all the apologies he heard and would like to see how he can have it. If the manager would not do it for him, then he'll find another way.

"Previously this was valued at seventy million dollars," The manager answered and hearing it, Feather's jaw dropped.

'Seventy million dollars? That expensive?' Immediately her heart raced in her chest and her incredulity made her lose her mind for a moment. 

When she recovered from shock, her heart warmed up. Surely, the mariposa verde was for her and seeing how Hawk was insisting to buy it for her, she was so flattered. She blushed immediately and took pride in it, especially that everyone in the store could feel the tension of Hawk when he was refused.

  "However, as I said, it is not for sale. If you really wanted it, how about I raise your interest to the board and have them decide on it?" The manager continued.

Since the mariposa verde is a very important piece of their store it just cannot be sold right away when someone demands it. The children of the late artist who were currently the board of directors of their stores needed some concession whether to sell it or not. That's why the manager suggested raising it on the board. In short, Hawk cannot just buy it outright.

"Lucas," Hawk called his assistant's attention. Lucas, who was then busy with the payment, ran to his side immediately. He had seen Hawk's expression and since he was very much familiar with it, he knew he was about to break loose.

"What do you need?" He asked on the spot.

"Make the Verde Jewelries Incorporated sell me this piece," Hawk instructed. "I won't leave this store without it!"

Lucas' face fell. Hawk Monsanto's interest over that woman was beyond control already. He knew it was for her because he had seen her earlier adoring the mariposa verde. However he did not once think his boss, the great Hawk Monsanto would go as far as making a chaos in a big company just for something the girl had interest in. For God's sake the girl didn't even say she wanted it! She did look at it though but it doesn mean when you look on something, you like it already! 

"President Hawk, are you—"

"Now Lucas!" He insisted before Lucas could push some sense on him. His grey demanding eyes showed his desperation and knowing him fully, Lucas understood there was no more way out of his folly but rather give him what he wanted. Helpless, he exited the store and dialed some numbers.

"Damn you Hawk Monsanto!" He cussed secretly.