Sanctity of Betrayal

After noting down Mirna's details, Patricia turns her attention to her bulletin board. It is plastered with a variety of tasks and sticky notes, each one written in a concise and organized fashion. She takes a step back to observe the board and ensure everything is in order. 

Next, Patricia grabs her phone and snaps a picture of her sculpted work with her middle finger from different angles while grinning. Satisfied with the photos, she quickly sends them to the cathedral, eager to showcase her progress and get approval.

"What a blessed Early Saturday! Isn't it?" Patricia sigh, feeling exhausted but happy on what she's doing; it's like it's has been her passion but to fixate on it is exhausting to her.

Patricia takes a moment to admire her work. She zooms in on her phone to get a closer look at the engraved letters on the marble, taking in every detail. She snaps pictures from different angles, making sure to capture the beauty and precision of the lettering.

After taking a few photos, she reviews them carefully. She wants to ensure that she has captured the essence and craftsmanship of her work, so she can show the cathedral the full extent of her skills.

Patricia smiles to herself, feeling a sense of satisfaction and pride in her work. She can't help but feel that these letters are truly a masterpiece.

As Mirna shared her details again, she couldn't contain her excitement. "How much would the Mama Mary sculpture cost? Could we try negotiating a 10% reduction in price? Oh, and if it's possible, I'd be delighted to buy two if the cost can be halved! I really like your work and I'd love to purchase the Mama Mary sculpture, but the price seems a bit high."

Patricia responded professionally and confidently, asking about the potential customer's budget in a polite and straightforward manner. "I understand your concerns, but my work is known for its quality and artistry. How much would you be willing to pay for it?"

Mirna responded with a touch of disappointment in her tone. "Well, I've seen similar sculptures in Quiapo that are much cheaper. Can you give me a bit of a discount? Maybe 10% off?"

Patricia respond yet professional and firm, "I understand that you've seen similar sculptures in Quiapo at lower prices especially if it's cemented and silicon molded, but I'm afraid I can't go that low. My rates are already quite reasonable for the quality of my work. But I could meet you in the middle and offer a 5% discount. How does that sound?"

Mirna pressed on with her request, hoping to get a better deal. "That still seems a bit steep. Can you see it in your heart to give me a better deal if I buy two? Perhaps half price for both?"

Patricia remains firm but polite, as she reiterates the value of her work, while still offering a slight discount as a compromise.

"I appreciate your offer, but I'm afraid that offering half price for two pieces would be too low for the quality of my work. However, I could offer a 15% discount if you buy two pieces."

Patricia then proposed a flexible payment option to Mirna. "I understand your budget constraints. Perhaps we could arrange for the payments to be split in two parts - half upfront when you place the order, and the other half upon delivery once I complete the sculptures. Is this arrangement acceptable to you?"

As Patricia offered the payment in 2 installments, Mirna pushed for a bigger discount. "That's a tempting offer, but is there any way you could possibly offer a bit more of a discount? Maybe if I pay in 2 installments, you could consider 15-20% off the total price?"

Patricia maintains a calm and firm expression as she communicates her final offer. Her tone is clear and determined, emphasizing that this is the best she can do. She adds a slight smile to her face, hoping to convey that she is still being fair and open to the negotiation.

"I understand your desire for a larger discount, but 20% would be too much of a reduction for me. However, I am willing to be flexible with the payment terms. I can offer a 10% discount on the total price if you agree to pay in two installments, half upfront and half upon delivery. That way, you can still get a good deal while I still get a fair price for my work."

Mirna responds with a determined look on her face, having sensed her advantage in the situation. Without hesitation, she says firmly but politely, "I understand your offer, but I think I could manage to get a better deal with others. Let me think about it, and I will get back to you in due time."

As Mirna begins to walk away, Patricia quickly collects herself and realizes that she will lose her client if she doesn't act fast. She hurries after her and finally catches up to her before she leaves.

"Wait! I've reconsidered my offer," Patricia quickly says, "I can agree to the 10% discount you requested. It's a deal."

Mirna smiles widely, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. She feels triumphant that she has successfully negotiated a better deal than she initially expected.

The expression on her face is a mix of delight and a sense of accomplishment, as if she has just won a battle in her own mind. She exclaims cheerfully, "That's more like it!"

Patricia might feel a little uneasy when someone starts negotiating with her and worries about not being able to receive fair value for her work. However, Patricia understands that negotiation is a normal part of doing business and knows that it takes two parties coming together to find a mutually beneficial agreement.

With that in mind, she would try to keep her head. She would remain professional and focus on finding a solution that is fair for both parties. Overall, Patricia might feel a little bit uncertain, but her professionalism and desire to find a resolution that everyone is satisfied with would guide her approach.

Patricia acquiesced to Mirna's request, noting down the specifics of the statues she had agreed to create: a Santo Nino and the 6 inch and 2 ft mama marry. She made sure to record all the necessary details, such as the size and any additional requirements that had been discussed.

This way, she could ensure that her creations would meet Mirna's expectations and bring her satisfaction.

The grand chandelier hung from the ceiling illuminates the area with its soft golden glow, casting a warm ambiance on the dark-paneled walls. Every detail, from the intricate moldings to the golden embellishments, speaks of luxury and opulence.

The plush seating, consisting of a spacious sofa and a comfortable ottoman, invites relaxation with its plush cushions and warm colors.

An inviting fireplace becomes the room's centerpiece, its marble mantle echoing the ornate design around.

Patricia's maid carries a rolling tray with a selection of fine wines and whiskey. She moves around the room, offering a drink to the guest of Ramon Salgado. The guest appreciates the exceptional selection, raising their glasses in approval.

Ramon pulled his queen in the chessboard and says, "I have queen! That means? We have queen! We should start s*xtorition here as well! We hire her!" Florencio said back.

"Listen, I think big not small, drugs in manila will be here in our barangay! Let's do that it's expensive we also get more profit."

Ramon is calmly waiting for Florencio's next move in their chess game while simultaneously dialing his son's number. He speaks into the phone, his voice a mix of concern and care.

"Hey, Paulo! How's law school treating you? Everything going well?" 

As Ramon listens to his son's response, he can hear the irritation in Paolo's voice and gets a hint that he is out celebrating his birthday with his fraternity buddies. Ramon tries to remain sympathetic but also adds some lighthearted scolding.

"Wait... Hold on, you're celebrating your birthday with your friends instead of studying! Paulo, you better not slack off too much, you still have exams coming up," Ramon says, his tone slightly chiding yet with a hint of a smile in his voice.

Paolo responds with a mixture of irritation and defensiveness, "Dad, it's my birthday, give me a break! Can't you give me one day to just have fun? I'm working hard most of the time anyway."

"I understand that it's your birthday, but I expect you to uphold the standards you have set for yourself. Law school is not a place to slack off, especially with exams coming up. I want you to be the best, and that means maintaining your focus and discipline even on days meant for celebration. It's not just about having fun; it's about prioritizing your future success."

Paolo ends his call with Ramon, leaving his father feeling frustrated and angry. In a moment of disappointment, Paolo tries to reach out to Patricia, but she doesn't answer. He is aware of Patricia's meticulous attention to her phone and messages, as she typically makes sure to read and respond to everything. However, knowing that Patricia has had a "cold war" with him, Paolo may realize that Patricia is intentionally ignoring his calls and messages.

In a mix of frustration and curiosity, Paolo wonders why Patricia isn't responding, considering her usual responsiveness.

He might feel confused, wondering if she is upset with him or if something else is going on. But knowing their strained relationship, he suspects that Patricia's cold war with him may be the reason behind her silence.

"Dam it!" He curses.