In Between

September 7, 2028 “You have a meeting set at 9 tomorrow, for the new investors. You have no scheduled meeting from 12 – 3 pm, then the annual budget review meeting is set at 3:15 po. The Castaneda Group of companies are still trying to meet you Miss, should I schedule them at 1pm since you have a gap in your schedule that time?” I sighed and tapped my fingers at the mug I’m holding. “Castaneda Group of companies, huh? Is this still about their partnership proposal? If so, then please tell Mr. Castaneda that Vallejos Corp is a standalone corporation and has no plans whatsoever in partnering up with other companies. I thought I already made that clear with them” “Noted Miss, anyway, here are the mails addressed directly to you, inabot lang kanina ng messenger” She placed the envelopes on the right side of my desk, and I can already see a fancy looking one from the pile. I raised a brow at binaba ko ang mug na hawak ko para kunin ang envelope. “Katherine O. Vallejo” was printed on the back in gold and cursive font. The envelope itself looks classy, the texture was velvety and color is emerald green. I opened it, and as expected, it was from my High School alma Mater. It was an invitation for the upcoming 10 years reunion of our batch. The invitation comes with a second piece of paper. Seems like I’m also invited to be one of the speakers of the night and I’m also a nominee for our batch’s golden achievers. Up until now, they got us fighting for validation huh? I smiled at the thought, after all, who doesn’t love some healthy competition? Knowing everyone from our batch, the planning of this reunion will be filled with fun, and DRAMA, lots of drama. “Do you need anything else miss?” I was peeled away from my thoughts when I heard my assistant, Mia, spoke. “Sorry, I forgot you’re still here. Wala na kong kailangan. You can go ahead Ms. Quizon” She vowed slightly “Ikaw rin Miss Kath, I’ll go ahead na po, Ingat kayo pauwi” I smiled at her as she left. **** September 8, 2028, 4:23 PM The board meeting was quickly ended as the board presented a new budget proposal instead of approving the one they have discussed before. I squinted and massaged the temples of my head as I break away from my desktop monitor. I pressed the intercom “Mia, pagtimpla mo ako ng coffee, please. Thank you” I didn’t wait for her answer at alam ko naman na alam nya na rin ang gagawin. She’s been my secretary for 3 years now, and I admit, she probably knows me more that I know myself. After a few minutes, pumasok sya sa office with the coffee I requested. She gently placed it on the table. “Anything else, miss?” She asked while smiling I was about to dismiss her when I remembered something. “You just got your degree in BS Economics, right?” I allowed her to study while working for me, working student. I really don’t need an executive assistant din naman before, so she was not swamped with work while studying. “Yes po, just graduated last June” She said with hint of pride in her voice, as she should be, being a working student is not easy. “Okay, come here” I motioned her to come forward and look at the open document in my pc. “Fresh eyes could give me better inputs, what can you say about what you’re seeing?” I saw hesitation in her eyes as she glanced over me. “Miss Quizon, you graduated with Latin Honors as well, is that right?” She gulped before answering “Yes po” “So I assume na naiintdihan mo yung nasa harapan mo ngayon?” “yes po, familiar po” “Okay, so what can you say about it?” She faced the screen once more, but a minute passed and she remained silent. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, I stood up from my chair and I had her sit on in instead. She was surprised with what I did. “Miss?” “Mia, I am not asking you as my assistant. I’m asking the Mia Quizon with a degree in Economics.” She nodded and sighed. “If eto lang po ang i-aapprove ng board na budget for our upcoming projects, then we have to do some cost-cutting, or totally scrap some projects na nasa pipeline. It just won’t do” “But it is clearly stated there na kakayanin naman pondohan ng budget na yan ang lahat ng projects in pipeline.” “Yes, but again, we don’t settle for substandard materials.” “So what else can we do para pumayag sila sa original proposed budget for our 2029 projects?” “Miss, I understand that the board’s interest is with the company, at sa revenue and growth neto, but as the owner and CEO, aren’t you the one who gets to decide in the end?” I smirked “I know that already Mia, and lahat ng sinabi mo, naisip ko na. Look at it again VS the originally approved proposed budget” Muli syang humarap sa monitor at inaral ang report na nasa harap niya. “What I want you to help me understand is why they’re lowering the budget Mia. The budget they have pre-approved before. The decrease in the proposed budget is atleast 18% and it would greatly affect our future projects.” I bent down a little so that we’re on the same level. “There’s clearly something or someone who made them change their mind, and this something is someone is of great influence para mapapayag ang board ko na kontrahin ang proposed budget ko for next year’s projects.” She gasped at humarap sakin, I gave her a smile at lumakad paikot sa kabilang side ng mesa. Inabot ko ang mug at uminom mula dito. I wrapped my hands on the mug after drinking from it and gave Mia a meaningful look. “I don’t know why but I feel like someone’s trying to sabotage me, and you, Mia, will help me unmask whoever it is na gusting sumira sa reputasyon ng kompanya ko.” She’s now staring at me, wide-eyed. “So, what do you think of a promotion?” I tilted my head, placed the mug back on the table and offered my hand for a handshake.