Zaldivar Series #1: Weaving Lies and Chaos

Kabanata 16

My conversation with my father made me remember everything. Our company, my mother, and everything that fucked up in our lives. Solely because of the Zaldivars. 

Our company and one of the many companies of the Zaldivars, which is Zaldivar's Real Estate, was once a competitor.

Although from the very beginning even when our company's still in the top, I have no interest in managing it. As well as my father's underground organization. Though I am well informed on everything that's happening.

"Are you sure it is a best choice to let Abacus buy the ten percent share in our company?" Mom asked in one of our dinners. She's in front of me. Habang si Dad ang nasa kabisera. 

That's when it all started.

Selling ten percent of my father's share will leave him with forty percent share in our company.

"There's no problem in that. Making a Zaldivar invest might be good for our company."

Our company is currently experiencing difficulties although not totally a crisis that it still managed to compete with Zaldivar's Real Estate.

My mother was so against it, saying they are our competitors but Dad still pushed through on selling his shares. It was after a series of arguments between them. It was a miracle no one's shouting though, just statements opposing the other. 

Dad seems calm even though eagerness is visible in him, like he already wanted to raise his voice but forcing himself not to. Because we both know my mother's heart is not that strong to take my father's shoutings. Her doctor says she's getting better as well as her heart though stress and extreme activities are still not advisable.

I'm on my mother's side this time. I agree with her. Zaldivar is a competitor no matter what. But Dad, well Mom just let him in the end after Dad carefully explained everything. 

But a few months after, that's when maybe, Dad realized what he did is definitely not a good strategy. 

There's a board meeting after losing some of the company's major clients because of failure in some transactions. 

My mother rushed into our company after hearing the news and I of course followed her. I can't just let her! I don't know what my father and board members are talking about in the conference room but surely it won't do anything good for my mother's health.

And I was too late that Mom went in already without further ado even before I got a chance to go near her and stop her. 

I got a chance to slightly open the door but not totally that the people inside can see me. 

Agad na bumungad sa akin ang palitan ng mga salita ng mga taong nasa loob. Akmang papasok na rin ako nang may humaklit sa aking braso. 

I turned and glared at the one who held my arm, stopping me from going in. Flavio, one of my father's trusted men in the underground. Most trusted, I supposed. Because he managed to give advice in our company and he's a shareholder too but owned just a few percent shares, I think. 

He shook his head on me. "Don't go inside." 

My forehead furrowed. "What's wr—"

"You'll start your boutique after your graduation. They seem determined on ruining your family. It's not good for you to be seen by them," he muttered as his hand landed on my wrist, slightly gripping it. 

I hardly pressed my lips as I turned to the conference room again. I'm still holding the handle of the door. Bahagya pa ring nakabukas ang pinto, sapat lang iyon upang makita ko ang mga taong nasa loob.