CODE'S ADDICTION

Chapter 11

Trissalia Pearl

“Ms. Shilton, I think it's time for us to talk about the expansion of the firm. We may be the top 1 engineering firm in the country but we can't stand on the ground forever since the competition out there is tight.”

“I agree! We have to open the gate and let bigger projects enter our home. It's time for us to travel international,” says by another voice.

Loud utters of agreement placed the room. I intertwined my hands, palms facing down and rested my chin on it. They are right, mas dumarami ang competitors ngayon at isa ring magandang strategy na buksan namin ang firm para sa panibagong oportunidad.

“Thank you for your concern but as you can see, that is the reason why my brother is out of town. Even though it's timely for us to expand, there are risks that we need to look for.”

These hungry wolves only wants to eat but don't care about the repercussions. Hindi nila iniisip kung malalason ba sila o hindi.

“Ms. Shilton is right. We have to put effort into research before making a business decision. Due dilligence is a must.” Napatingin ako kay Karlston Yu nang magsalita ito. Sa kanilang lahat ay siya ang pinakabatang investor ngunit masasabi kong matalino rin. I've been acquainted with him and all I can say is that he's capable.

“Right, speaking of that. Since it was your brother who keeps on declining the business proposal of Ynares Tower, maybe you can make decision for us, Ms. Shilton?” The older man suggested that made me remember the conversation I had last time with my husband. Nabanggit niya rin sa akin ang tungkol sa proposal nila sa firm namin.

“Ynares Tower is one of the biggest corporation around the globe and having them as our partner is a big step for us. Palay na nga ang mismong lumapit at tuka na lang ang gagawin natin. So, I don't understand why your brother declined them!” Muling umingay sa loob ng conference room dahil sa sinabi ni Michelle Sandobar, she has 10% shares in the company so I just couldn't ignore her call. Sandali kaming nagkatinginan ni Karlston. I sighed.

“I'm listening, dear board. However, as an acting CEO, I still need to discuss this further to my brother but fret not, I'll give an answer by the end of the week.”

The meeting ended with how it should be. Nagpaiwan nga lang ako sa loob ng conference room para mag-isip. I want to know the reason why my brother keeps on declining Ynares Tower and it's not helping, 'cause it also bother me why does he hate my husband. Do they know each other?

“Penny for your thoughts?”

Mahina akong napapiksi nang marinig ko ang boses ni Karlston sa tabi ko. He's grinning at me.

“What do you want, Mr. Yu?”

Mahina itong natawa bago umiling. “Drop the formalities, Salia. Just call me like how you used to call me.” He winks that made me baffle.

Call him like before?

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh, come on, Salia. Para naman akong another niyan! Atty. Dwanson says you're fine and the pact is dying to see you, again!” he says agitatedly.

My forehead creased as my head spin on the words I can barely understand. Who is fine? What pact is he talking about?

Karlston's smile faded like he realized something. “You still don't know me?”

Napahilot ako sa aking sentido at hindi makapaniwalang hinarap siya.

“Yes—I mean, no!” I frustratingly sigh. “Look, Mr. Yu, kilala nga kita but only as part of this firm. I don't know you personally, the kind of name I used to call you, or pact you are saying. And do, please, enlighten me what does Lincoln have to do with this?”

The fuck with that Dwanson and his unstoppable mouth. Kung ano-ano na naman ang pinagsasasabi niya.

It was like his high hopes vanished in a span of seconds and unknowingly, it made uncomfortable.

“I'm sorry...it's just...” His words left hanging when I stand up and tapped his shoulder. Maliit akong ngumiti kahit wala namang dahilan.

“It's fine, Karlston. Whatever you have in mind, it's all gonna be alright.” Karlston finally smiled at me, showing his cute dimples on his side cheeks.

“Thanks, Salia.”

As much as I want to ask him how did he know my nickname I just let it go. It's just a nickname and it doesn't bother me at all.

I was about to walk over the door when he speaks up, again.

“I'm glad you look livelier these past few days, Salia.”

I didn't answer back but my mind was at rest. He's right, I feel so much life lately. I'm experiencing things that I've never felt before. New, bothering yet beautiful things and I owe my husband with this. Code is an angel-devil in disguise.

“Ma'am, sure po ba kayong may something pa behind sa report ni Ms. Perez?” Sandali akong napasulyap kay Janina ng magsalita ito.

“Of course, sa tingin mo ba purong katangahan lang ang nangyayari rito?” I shot back.

Marami aking napansin sa reports and documents na ipinasa sa akin ni Janina at lahat ng iyon ay hindi nagtutugma.

“H-hindi po kaya magalit si sir JK niyan, ma'am?”

Napahinto ako sa pagbabasa at walang emosyon ko siyang tinignan.

“This is family's company, Janina. Wala akong pakialam kung magalit ang kuya sa akin. I will solve this matter with or without his authorization. Now, get out.”

As per command, Janina left the room without saying any word. Napapaisip na napasandal ako sa swivel chair.

The last four months have been tough for the firm. Ang sinasabi nila ay top pa rin ang firm kumpara sa ibang engineering firms pero kung titignan ang financial statement ay ibang-iba ito. Sa loob ng apat na buwan ay bumaba ang percentage sa progress ng kompanya kumpara sa nakalipas na dalawang buwan. Aside from that, hindi tumutugma ang reports sa inventory at cash flow. Mas tumaas din ng 2% ang liability kaysa sa asset.

Hmm, what kind of sorcery is happening here?

If I'm going to deduce this, nangyari ang lahat ng ito mula nang dumating si Amelia Perez bilang CFO ng firm.
Umayos ako ng upo para pindutin ang intercom at papasukin si Janina.
Kumpara kanina na mukhang natatakot ito sa akin ay bumalik na ang masiglang ngiti niya.

“Yes, ma'am?”

“Call the Ynares Tower and make an appointment. Also, prepare the team for the business proposal. Tell them to work overtime.”

“P-po?”

Napataas ang kilay ko sa boses niyang may pagtutol.

“You heard me, Janina. Don't make me repeat it,” I said sarcastically as I continue to flip the pages.

“Si sir JK po, h-hindi po kaya—”

She jolted when I slammed the folder. I glared at her.

“I will certainly tell JK about this, Janina. Ako ang boss mo ngayon kaya ako ang susundin mo because if not, better kiss your job goodbye!”

Naiinis ako. Naiinis ako dahil sa kapabayaan ng kapatid ko at lalo na sa sekretarya niyang halos ayaw makinig sa akin. At mas nanggagalaiti ako dahil kung hindi ko magawan ng paraan ang problemang ito ay maaaring ma-bankrupt ang firm.

Damn this, now I need to track down that Amelia Perez and make sure to get the deal with my husband.