Chapter 8
1085 Words
After my meal, I went straight to the library cuz my daughter is waiting for me. I know that she will ask me about Montenegro's sudden investment.
Without knocking I open the door and see Claire looking at the window.
"I don't know why Montenegro Empire invested in our hotel expansion," I said as I start our conversation. Cuz I know that what she wanted to ask.
"Then why do you accepted it?" she looks at me and seated on the sofa.
"Because we need it. Your uncles don't want to support that project that means we lost 40% budget. I don't know why and how does Montenegro Empire knew about that. One day Duke's secretary calls Marie and said that they wanted to invest I grab it so the project will push through." she just looks away and breathes deeply.
"I already told you about this project and we settled that you will be the one to handle this one. You won't change your mind don't you?."
"What if I'll change my mind? What's gonna happen?."
"Then I will be the one to handle that expansion and you need to think of another project. Election for the next CEO will happen before the end of this year. You need to have a successful project so you can have the stockholders vote. I only have 25% stocks plus 5% that you have. Your uncles are holding 40% and we both know that they will not vote for you."
"How sure are you that all of the stockholders will vote for me."
"They became a stockholder because of money. If the hotel expansion will be successful it will bring more income to the company. So are you going to change your mind?."
"I need to back and forth from Australia to Japan that gonna be a lot of hustle. But don't worry I didn't change my mind I'm just curious."
"You will be staying in the Philippines so it won't be too much hustle for you if you will go to japan. Some of the stockholders live in there you need to go along with them."
"Wait, What? We didn't talk about where am I going to stay. Did you decide without asking me? I don't want to stay in the Philippines and you know why." Claire stands up and I can see pain and anger in her face. I don't want want to be away with her but this is our last resort she needs to be the CEO and we need to secure at least 55% stock in the company.
"Be the CEO and you can go back to King."
"Do you think we can be together again? No we won't, we are already done years ago and that's because of you." and she started to cry. I know how much pain I caused her but I just wanted to secure her future. When Papang died I'm the one who manages our company cuz my siblings is not concerned about our employees all they want is money. If Claire is going to be the next CEO I can buy stocks under the table. I need to secure at least 55% so when my secret blew Claire can still have this company.
" I told you I'm going to correct what I have done. Please trust me with this, be the CEO and you can be with King again. I know you still wanted to be with him." she still crying while her head down.
"By the way, Duke knew about my lies."
"What? How? When?"
"I talked to him after the meeting. He said he knew it a week after the dinner. I knew that he will know that what I have said is not true. He will not be a Montenegro for anything. But he didn't tell it to King cuz he is protecting his child."
"Protect? To whom?"
"To your Uncle. He knew how dirty they can be. Being in a relationship with you may cause harm to King. When problem blooms between me at your uncle you will help me and King will help you."
"Why do parents used to decide in their child life? As if their prediction about our decision in life is always accurate. I don't know what I'm going to feel about everything you have said, mom. Is there anything that I still needed to know? I'm already exhausted why do we need to have a complicated life?"
"You can go now. Remember to be the CEO and I will take care of the rest." after that she stormed out of the library. Why does having a conversation with Claire always been hard?
After the conversation, Claire went to her room and cried her heart out. Mixed emotions and it's eating her up again. That's why she drinks the wine that she left when she ate her dinner and call her best friend Alyanna. Just after a few rings, she picks it up.
" How are you?"
"Never been good. You don't have work? Where are you?"
"How did you know? Currently in the Philippines. Why? are you going to visit me?" I can see her face smirking even if we are just talking via phone call.
"Yes I do"
"Do I heard it right? My very best friend is going to visit me? Here in the Philippines." she started to laugh. grrrr, my crazy friend.
"Do I look like I'm joking?"
"Yes, you are. Come on, you don't want to be with the same country as King. That's why we always meet in different parts of Asia except for the Philippines."
"It's not a drill I'm going back there. We have hotel expansion and I'm the one who will lead."
"Are you sure? Are you gonna be fine?" I feel how concerned she is.
"I don't have any choice. I need to do my job. I'm telling you early so you can't accept outside the country project. I need you."
"I'm so touched and I know you do. I'm so excited to see you again. Give me the details of your flight I'm going to pick you up at the airline."
"I will update you the moment my secretary booked me. You soon sissy I miss you."
"So do I. Stop drinking and take asleep. I can hear you swallowing your alcohol."
"I will. Bye"
"Bye for now sissy. See you"
I'm still not ready to see King but I know I can't avoid him forever.
- Writer
