Aurora Borealis

Chapter 39 - Snakes and Ladders

>> • TOHRU • <<

By the time I went back home after a series of long hour flight, the pile of workload waiting in the office doubled than the last. Despite not having the mood, I scanned every single one of it.

The office is as dim as ever, the lining employees kept on going back and forth to the fax machine and to the vending machine. The cushion where I sit feels comfortable but not soothing to the tensed muscles to be lax. I used to wonder how grown-ups can handle this work environment, it's like we're all pulling a huge boulder chained to our limbs on a daily basis.

I don't think I have the courage to face anyone right now. Jamila keeps on apologizing even though she has done nothing wrong, but I know her mind remains unfazed. Still, the guilt devours me from inside because I thought I can help, but I really can't.

The door swung open and my secretary barged in. "Mr. Salvatorre, you have a guest waiting outside."

"But I don't have an appointment with the others, right?" sagot ko.

Before the secretary could speak, a familiar face appeared behind her. It startled her, but the guy casually trailed his way on the couch with his hands on his slack pockets.

Talon Abaddon. Unlike when we last met, a triumphant smug was hung from the corners of his lips.

"What brings you here?" I asked.

Jamila's words played on my head like a broken casette player. Maybe it was where his confidence to come here comes from.

Setting personal matters aside, I darted a curious glance as to why a son of a prominent business tycoon bothered to come all the way here.

Our staff has already turned down the video which garnered hundreds of thousand reactions. A letter came to me from the Abaddon Inc. the other day that they'd choose releasing an official public statement rather than taking legal actions.

"Long time no see, Mr. Salvatorre." nakangising saad nito at sumenyas sa secretary. "Can you please excuse us for a moment?"

"But—"

"It's fine, Ms. Donovan." sagot ko. Nakayuko siyang lumabas sa pintuan.

"I have a serious business with you, Mr. Salvatorre." his emphasis on my surname hints something provocating. Walang sabi-sabing ipinatong nito sa mesa ang isang papeles.

Proposal...for merger?

"I'm here to discuss business, not that business the last time." ani nito at lumapit sa tabi ko habang binabasa ko ang nilalaman ng proposal. He propped his elbow on my swivel chair. "I've decided to offer you a deal, regarding the withdrawal of your stockholders. A deal you won't be able to refuse to..."

"Merger." I muttered. "Why would you be interested in sealing a deal with us?"

Realization hit me, and it also made me realize that I just threw a stupid question at him.

"The strong wouldn't be identified as one just by showcasing its raw strength and potential. The validation lies on how capable is that raw strength to subdue its enemies and the ones below them." he sauntered as his eyes wandered on the arranged cabinets filled with taped labels on it. "It might be vague why I would suddenly talk about something irrelevant about the proposal."