Ravaged Soul (Demetriou Legacy #2)

Chapter 20

Ravaged Soul
Kabanata 20: Little

I feel so nervous as I looked at the board members, they're all listening to my dad talk. The seriousness in dad's voice as he explain what's about to happen is equally intimidating me. Some directors are even glancing my way as they listen.

Each chair in the conference table are occupied. My Theíos are complete, as well. Dad was standing in front and I am sitting on his right side.

I leaned on my chair and lightly massage my temple. It's 10 in the morning and I woke up at 4. Hindi na ako nakatulog ulit because I couldn't stop thinking about today. Napaangat ako ng tingin kay Tito Polo when he lightly tapped the table to get my attention.

'All good?' He mouthed. I simply nodded.

"This would be temporary until I get back. Although it is indefinite. I will focus on the building of the office in the Philippines as you all know and all of my responsibilities here would be continued by Miss Gaia Demetriou, the future CEO including my next endeavors," Dad said.

One board member cleared her throat, "And how sure are you that she can do all the responsibilities of a CEO? She just started training and you can't just leave a big company to her without someone to supervise."

My forehead creased as I look at the lady, Mrs Samaras, the wife of the late board member Sir Halev Samara, dad's bestfriend.

Medyo tumagal ang titig ko sa kanya. I've been here for almost a year, working. I'm sure she knows about that. I have knowledge of how each departments run, I am not very good at it yet but I am working hard to be the best.

I cleared my throat to get everyone's attention, "I know you have doubts about me taking over my father's position as your CEO for the last 30 years and like you I am very much aware of how effective he is as a leader. Through the years, he has proven how much he deserved to be his father's successor and this hotel wouldn't be as big as it is now if it weren't for his good leadership and loyal commitment," I looked around and watch the faces of the people that are in this comference room. I stood up and went near my dad.

"My grandfather," I looked at Papou, "Euandròs, my great grandfather, Adrastòs and my great-great grandfather, Constatine Demetriou the founder. Each of their generation proved how men can be in a business world, especially in a business this big. Now we have come to a new generation, my generation, I am not saying everything will change but there will be changes. My dad chose me to be his successor because I believe that I have proven to him how much dedication, love and commitment I have for this hotel, not because I am his only child. Now, you may think that this will just automatically fall on my lap because I am the heiress, yes that is true but he can also choose not to make me his successor if he sees that I am not capable. He cares for this business."

I looked at dad, mariin siyang nakatitig at nakikinig sa sinasabi ko. Binaling ko ang tingin kay mommy na malapad ang ngiti habang nakatingin sa akin.

"I have years ahead of me to prove to each and everyone of you that I deserve this... and I will."

The room went silent for a minute. Nakatingin lahat ng taong nandoon sakin. I felt like they're weighing my words. I pursed my lips and stood tall. My father said that if you're nervous, don't let the room feel like you are... kahit ang totoo pa'y oo naman.

Mrs Samaras cleared her throat, "Very well, then."

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"Dear, I am so proud of you," Mom smiled as she caress my cheek. I held her hands and smiled back.

We are now in Dad's office at halos isang oras na rin ang nakalipas mula noong meeting kanina. Papou went home after the meeting.