INNOCENCE (First Book) *Completed*

Episode 5: Trade-Off

After Arjun's negotiation with the Renaissance Residence, Arjun called Veronica immediately.

Arjun: Hello my dear friend. The most beautiful Queen Veronica.

Veronica: What's the update Arjun?

Arjun: It's all set already!

Veronica was relieved at what she heard.

Veronica: Kudos to you!

Arjun: What is this for Veronica?

Veronica: It's a long story if we tackle it over the phone. We have lots of time to talk to it for your company's upcoming anniversary.

Arjun: I can't wait to hear it! I'll see you soon!

Veronica: Goodbye Arjun.

Ronaldo wondered what he had heard while Veronica was talking on the phone.

Ronaldo: What about that?

Veronica: It's about the house next to us.

Ronaldo: So, what about it?

Veronica: It's not your business Ronaldo. I think you need now to go to the City Hall.

Ronaldo: You need to go with me, I want you to be one of the organizers for the event next month.

Veronica: You mean, the National Women's month?

Veronica approached her husband to help him fix his necktie.

Ronaldo: Yes, to create a discussion on significant issues that affect women's active, effective, and productive participation in nation-building and global progress. We'll invite other women senators and other city mayors in Metro Manila.

Veronica: That would be perfect! But I have to stay here, Dolores still here.

Ronaldo: So, what's next for Dolores? After what happened to her, during the catastrophic opening of D'Exhibit, she's no use to our brotherhood.

Veronica: Lord Mafius is the top decision-maker. Let's just wait for his decision.

Little did they know, Dolores was just at the door hiding and listening to what they were talking about.

************************************

While Daisy is waiting for Mr. Arjun Escordia, the House Owner of the Renaissance Residence calls her.

House Owner: I'm sorry Miss Daisy White, the property is sold to someone else.

Daisy: Who?

House Owner: The owner of Escor Corp. Mr. Arjun Escordia.

The conference room door opened and Daisy saw Arjun Escordia entered.

Insert ➡ Dramatic suspense sound effect! ♬♬♬

Arjun: I'm sorry if I kept you waiting Miss Daisy White.

Daisy immediately dropped the call from the Renaissance Residence.

Daisy: Mr. Arjun Escordia, I can't believe that a potential investor like me, waited for almost an hour. Hensley Global never did this to me. I'm so very disappointed.

Arjun approached Daisy and kissed her right hand.

Arjun: It's great to see you again Miss Daisy White. I just fixed something important. I admit, it was my mistake and I hate myself because I kept you waiting.

Daisy: I understand. As long as it's not a waste of time and money Mr. Escordia, it's very acceptable.

Arjun: That's what I like you, you're not just a beautiful lady. You really have a substance. I can't imagine that a 23-year-old woman knows how to handle her security. As I kept you waiting, what can I serve you, Miss Daisy White?

Daisy laughed suddenly at Arjun's question.

Daisy: You're so cute Mr. Escordia. You really know how to impress an investor. To be honest, as you were the one who told me to stay in San Ildefonso City after investing in your company, I just want to ask maybe you can recommend a property for me to stay? You know what happened to Councilor Philip Dy last night, so I decided not to take his property anymore.

Arjun: Hhhmmmm. I can help you with that. But of course with an exchange that you would really invest with my company instead of the Hensley Global.

Daisy: That's awesome!

Arjun: Come with me, I'll tour you around my company first.

During the tour, their last stop was Arjun's office.

While they were inside, Daisy requested for the company's financial statements.

Daisy: This office looks great.

Arjun: Thank you.

Daisy: By the way, as your investor, may I ask for the financial statements of the company? Of course, I need to see the profit margins, the cashflow, and more.

Arjun: Sure! Just give me a moment.

Arjun's hand is very fast while logging in to his device. But Daisy's eyes were quicker and sharper and she got Arjun's login credentials.

As such, she already had a way of thinking about how she would handle Arjun's business once she can access it and make the company bankrupt.

Within a few minutes, Arjun has given Daisy her business financial request card.

After their business meeting, a trade-off was done.

***********************************

At 5:00 pm

Ronaldo meets Arjun at a luxurious restaurant.

Arjun: Ronaldo, what do I owe the pleasure?

Ronaldo: I heard you and Veronica talking about Renaissance property.

Arjun: She asked me to buy it, isn't it an issue?

Ronaldo: I just want you to realize that this group shouldn't be ruled by her! Learn to say no sometimes. Or maybe you forgot that we have Lord Mafius, the leader.

Then, Ronaldo left Arjun immediately.

The truth is, Ronaldo wants Daisy to take over the Renaissance property.

When Ronaldo gets into his car, he is shocked to find Dolores in the car.

Dolores: Kindly drop me off at my house.

Ronaldo: Dolores, how did you get in here?

Dolores: I have my ways. I can't believe that you have no gratitude, Ronaldo. I hardly convinced my father that you should be a part of their party and get involved in politics. You had me once, you loved me so hard. But you're just a user! I used my influence for you to win when you ran for Vice Mayor!

Ronaldo: Influence? So, that's why you killed Alfred Afable's wife for me to win? You gave me no fight! I won as the winner by default!

Dolores: Excuse me? May I just remind you that we both planned the murder of Jacintha Afable.

Ronaldo: Really? For us to finish this, what the hell do you want?

Dolores: I need a check! A HUGE one! Otherwise, since I was exposed already as a mistress, I will also expose you, that I was your real mistress before and not Magda Soliman. For sure, Veronica will die again if she finds out how you played her well!

Ronaldo: You think I'm scared of you? Why not ask Veronica about what happened to you last night? I saw my wife with Jerome, 3 days before the opening of D'Exhibit. Now, leave!

Dolores somehow thinks of what Ronaldo said that Veronica might be responsible for what had happened to her. She also remembers what Veronica told her that night. "This night is yours and will be an unforgettable night."

Dolores: No wonder, why your mansion is too big, to fit your huge horns!

Dolores got out of Ronaldo's car and left right away.

*** Insert ➡ Dramatic suspense sound effect! ♬♬♬

************************************

***Insert song starting from interlude/instrumental: "For You" Angus and Julia Stone

Two days later,

At San Ildefonso beach where its beauty is the same as Boracay and its size of waves the same as Siargao, Daisy is wearing a bathrobe but wearing a two-piece inside while she watches the place.

She recalled the news of Magda Soliman's burnt corpse being found in an abandoned house, how Dolores exposed her as Ronaldo's mysterious mistress and how she had been framed for a deadly terrorist attack.

This is why she wants to make sure that she will be the reason of SCORPIA's downfall. She'll first target the scorpion's feet, followed by two pincers and lastly its head.

Daisy: My father once said, if someone made a mistake and hurt you, never take revenge, just leave it to the righteous anger of God. But this is a different story. My father and I died at the hands of SCORPIA; a brotherhood where no Gods exists. So, I will take revenge and I will pay them back where no God exists as well. In other words, no one will be forgiven.

These are Daisy's words on her mind while she watches the beautiful beach and listening to the sound of waves.

For a moment, Genesis approached her while he's wearing just swimming trunks only. His sexy body shows off.

Gen: You're thinking so deep like how deep the ocean is, right?

Daisy took a deep breath while smiling. She saw Gen requesting a shake hands again. This time, his hands are clean.

Daisy immediately became excited and shook hands with her old friend she once liked when she was still Magda.

Daisy: I don't know what to say, I just can't believe how beautiful this beach is.

Gen: I heard the news from my Dad, I think, we should celebrate it. Can I invite you for dinner tonight?

Daisy: That's perfect! I'll see you tonight.

She also took off her bathrobe and ran out to the sea for swimming while wearing two-piece.

While Genesis can't stop staring at Daisy's sexiness and flawlessness.

************************************

At 8:00 PM in Salvatierra Residence.

Food is now ready in the pool area for dinner. The style seems very romantic. The area light is dim and there are candles on the table.

When there was a doorbell on the door, Veronica was so excited to open it, because she knew it's Genesis. What she didn't know was that her son has a girl companion and none other than Daisy White.

When she opened the door, she couldn't help but feel disappointed when she saw Daisy White with her son. Instead, she just smiled at it.

Gen: Good Evening, Mom.

Veronica: Hello, my son.

Gen kissed her Mom's cheek on the right side.

Gen: This is Daisy White. The one, I'm telling you.

Daisy: It's nice to see you again Miss Salvatierra.

Veronica: Let's go, your father is waiting.

Gen: Sorry if we arrived late. I heard you invited Tito Arjun?

Veronica: Yes and he's very excited to see you. Your father invited him here.

When they reached the pool area. Daisy saw how wonderful the dinner was set up and that she appreciated it. She also saw Ronaldo and Arjun Escordia waiting for them.

Ronaldo: Welcome to our mansion, Miss Daisy White.

Daisy: Thank you, Mayor Salvatierra.

Arjun: Hello Miss Daisy White, have a seat.

Daisy: Thank you so much.

As soon as Daisy sat down,

Daisy: Wow! I really like the set up of this dinner. It's very romantic.

Ronaldo: It's my wife's idea, she was once a Wedding Coordinator and she really has a talent when it comes to this.

Daisy: That's great! Miss Salvatierra, you're so lucky enough to have Mayor Ronaldo Salvatierra as your husband. He is so proud of you.

Veronica smiled at what she had heard from Daisy.

Veronica: Thank you, Daisy, I'll take that as a compliment. By the way, where do you stay now? I heard that you turned down the property of Councilor Philip Dy!

A question from Veronica with full of conviction and confidence.

Daisy: Unfortunately, that's right and as of yesterday, I'm officially the owner of Renaissance Residence.

Gen: That's why we're here tonight to celebrate it!

Ronaldo: Wow! Congratulations! Finally, we have now a new neighbor!

They all applauded except for Veronica who couldn't believe what she had heard. She managed to smile even how disappointed she is. But the look of her eyes is different each time she looked at Arjun.

Arjun: In addition, Miss Daisy White is the new investor of my company.

Gen: Another congratulations again for her! Let's make a toast!

All: Cheers!

They drink their glass of wine altogether after toast.

Ronaldo and Genesis requested for this special dinner and Veronica was unaware that the outcome of this special occasion was about Daisy's Renaissance Residence as the new owner.

Arjun discloses to Ronaldo that he had traded with Daisy White. Meaning, Daisy acquired Renaissance property in exchange for investing in Escor Corp instead of Hensley Global.

The weather runs so fast for Veronica where Daisy White had just recently arrived in town but she immediately entered her home already.

As the three are talking in the pool area and having fun, Veronica wanted to clarify something so she asked Arjun to follow her to the kitchen room for a talk.

Veronica: What the hell is this Arjun? I can't believe that a trade-off was done between you and that woman!

Arjun: Veronica, I'm a businessman and I want to spend my money wisely. Now, tell me, are you afraid of that Daisy White?

Veronica: Why should I?

Arjun: Exactly! Hensley Global is now on top! I need her as my investor, regardless if I have lots of money. My friends recommended her to me because she knows how to run the nature of business or industry I have. She is a potential investor that will make my company as number 1! I may have lots of money today Veronica but my career is falling down!

Veronica: There is wrong with that woman Arjun!

Arjun: I don't see it! I met her already many times Veronica. Maybe you're just jealous like what Mayor Ronaldo told me. Also, what do you know about business Veronica?

Arjun drinks the glass of wine and says once more;

Arjun: Nothing!

After that, he left Veronica alone and returned to the pool area.

*** Insert ➡ Dramatic suspense sound effect! ♬♬♬

************************************

Insert song: "Feel like Falling" by Digital Daggers

While Daisy is having fun with the surprised dinner together with Salvatierra family and with the CEO Arjun Escordia, these are the words running on her mind;

Daisy: According to Michael Porter, Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it's about deliberately choosing to be different. For me, the trade-off is not a form of business but a form of revenge.

Daisy remembered how trade-off was done during the meeting between her and Arjun.

***Flashback***

Daisy: Hensley Global is dying to have me to invest in their company. You knew Arjun, that I have invested in some companies already and they became very successful, a success that they never expected and it was all because of me. That's why Hensley Global is not afraid to take a risk by offering me 60 percent return money of investment. That's an offer I couldn't deny unless if you have your own strategy.

Arjun: So, what can I do to convince you? I cannot afford to give you what Hensley Global offering you.

Daisy: Simple, I want a trade-off.

Arjun: Like?

Daisy: I want the Renaissance property in exchange for investing in your company.

Arjun: Well, then let's do it!

Daisy: That's great!

Then the trade-off was done. Arjun gave up the Renaissance property and give it to Daisy for the sake of business to grow. In this instance, he no longer cares about the agreement he had with Veronica.

***End of Flashback***

Daisy: That's how trade-off was done, through manipulation.

That's what Daisy told to herself after the toast.

All: Cheers!

Meanwhile, in the kitchen room, Veronica is observing Daisy White while having a great bonding moment with her family.

She knew for herself that there is something wrong with this woman. She also feels that aside from her, Daisy White has something to do with Dolores' embarrassment.

As a result, she called her private investigator.

Veronica: I want you to do a thorough investigation of the new lady in town Daisy White. Not just her security but also her personal life. I feel it that there is something wrong with this creature.

What might Veronica's evil plans be for Daisy White? What did Veronica have to do with Dolores's shame and why did she do it to her best friend? What will Dolores do against Veronica? And what are Daisy's plans to disrupt Arjun's company?

Getting intense? All of these questions will be answered to the next episodes!

⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇⬇