Chase's POV
"Mr. Perez, totoo ba ang paunti-unting pagbagsak ng kompanya niyo?" One reporter asked following Elandro.
He faced the reporter and smiled, "There's nothing wrong with Perez Estate Company. Business is progressing, those are just false rumors."
"Pero Mr. Perez marami ng trabahante niyo ang nakausap namin na tinggal niyo. Ano nga ba ang dahilan dito? Maca-cancel ba ang 45th anniversary ng Perez Estate Company sa susunod na Sabado?"
"Those employees were legally terminated due to their misconduct and yes, we will be celebrating the 45th anniversary of Perez Estate Company. So look forward to it," he answered confidently.
Well, he isn't Elandro Perez for nothing. Pinatay ko ang TV at tinitigan ang mga papel sa harap ko. Perez Estate Company is nothing but a fragile small industry against Rodriguez Empire. My telephone suddenly rang, I'm guessing this is Dad.
"CHASE, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"
"Chill Dad. Hindi naman masyadong halatang galit ka no?" I chuckled slightly distancing the phone to my ears. He sure has a loudmouth.
"I know you are behind this Perez's problem. What did you do?"
"Come on dad, friendships are just bullcrap in business. You are well aware of that aren't you?" I answered.
Well, I only pulled some strings to recruit their finest employees, but the rumors about bankruptcy are not my fault. Must be an inside job, Elena is failing miserably, isn't she? Miss little perfect is finally failing, ha?
"Chas—" I hang up the phone and hummed happily.
So it just takes three days to bring Perez down, lol. What are you going to do now, May? You're a bit nosy and have a soft spot for Perez Estate Company. I know you'll do something, and I'm excited to see what it is.
Luke's POV
"I was expecting that kid will do something pero 'di ko akalaing sa pangatlong araw niya na namamahala sa kompanya nila ay mahihila niya pababa ang Perez Estate Company. Nagkataon pa talaga na hindi pa nation nahahanap sino ang nagnanakaw ng funds," he stated while letting out an exasperated sigh.
Napahigpit ang hawak ko sa ballpen ko sa narinig ko. I hate to admit it, but Rodriguez may be on the same level as Elena in the business world, and while it irritates me, there is nothing I can do about it.
Sandaling natahimik si Tito Elandro bago muling magsalita, "Kailangan ata natin ipostpone ang anniversary—"
"There's no need to do that Mr. Perez, if you do that parang tinanggap niyo na din na mas magaling ang Rodriguez at talo ang Perez sa laban na 'to," a small but authoritative voice uttered.
Nakita ko ang pagkagulat sa ekspresyon ni Tito Elandro kahit ako nagulat.
"What do you think we should do, Ms. Gonzales? It is beyond our abilities to compete with Chase. Elena is not here and she's the only one who could stop Chase. Kilala ko ang batang 'yon and he won't stop until he gets what he wants," walang alinlangang pagsagot ni Tito Elandro.
"Tito, I think Ms. Gonzales is right. Elena wouldn't be happy about this too," pagdadag ko.
"The Perez Estate Company has been on top for years," panimula muli ni May. Her eyes show determination. "And the company would not readily back down in the Rodriguez Empire's challenge. You need to show them who is on top and what Perez is made of. I believe in the supremacy of the Perez."
What is driving you to protect this company, May? You are just an employee here, you can always find a different workplace if you want. Even Chase wants her. Tito Elandro stared at May in awe, it's as if he was lost of words.
He blinked multiple times before speaking, "You remind me of my daughter, May."
Napatitig ako kay May. You're right Tito. She indeed reminds me of Elena too.
May cleared her throat, "So, Mr. Perez, why did you call for me? Is there something wrong with my work?"
"No, you are a very excellent employee but you see Ms. Gonzales this is not about you being an employee. It's about you, being May Gonzales."
Anong gusto iparating ni Tito Elandro? Hindi man lang niya ako sinabihan tungkol dito. What is he intending to do?
"This is about Chase Rodriguez, isn't it?" May asked, unfazed.
Chase? Anong kinalaman ni May kay Chase at sa kompanya? Don't tell me...
"Tito, are you accusing May? Are you trying to say na si May ang dahilan ng pagbagsak ng kompanya? I assure you, Tito, May is not a traitor and she's not doing anything to threaten Perez Estate Company," mabilis kong pagtatanggol kay May.
What am I saying? I looked at May and saw her expressionless eyes. Just by looking at her, there's this part of me that wants to protect her. Protect this fragile yet strong girl.
"I know son, I know. You don't have to be so flustered and worrywart there Luke. I'm just going to ask Ms. Gonzales a favor," Tito Elandro laughed.
May ipinatong siya sa desk. Invitation card?
"Chase Rodriguez wants you in his company," Tito Elandro announced with a straight face. "Although if you chose to accept this, it's regrettable to lose an amazing employee like you, but this is my only choice to stop that kid."
What? This is absurd! "Tito, I can't agree on that term. Are you trying to say that—"
"You're quite howdy today aren't you Luke? Chase might be a pain in the head but he is a good kid, you don't have to worry too much," he laughed looking at me before shifting his attention to May. "I am not forcing you if you don't want to, Miss Gonzales. We still respect your decision and this is just my bandaid solution until my daughter comes back."
That Rodriguez is far from being a good kid. I can't let May be involved here!
"May, you can go back. You don't have to be needlessly involved in—"
"Mr. Javier, you cannot let your emotion run wild and gets the best of you. The company's reputation is at stake here. It does not matter whatever course you have to take just to win. If I can be of use against that Rodriguez then I will do my duty for the sake of this company. Amongst all, Perez Estate should be your top priority. That is what being a Perez means," May commented cutting me off.
I am rendered speechless. It's as if I'm seeing Elenain her. How long will you confuse me May? Just when will you be satisfied in confusing the hell out of me. I tightly gripped my fist. My heart beating wild, this is wrong. I shouldn't feel this way. Elena, forgive me for feeling this way. I don't even understand myself anymore.
"Now I understand," napalingon ako kay Tito Elandro, what does he mean?
"Ms. Gonzales," hinawakan niya ang invitation card at inilagay sa kamay ni May. "I trust you will do what's best for the company."
Hindi nagsalita si May and just nodded her head. Tito Elandro gently smiled at her.
"You can take your rest, Ms. Gonzales."
May went out with the invitation in her hand. I buried myself on the couch. What the hell is wrong with me.
"You're quite protective of Ms. Gonzales aren't you?"
Napabangon akomsa narinig ko. Parang may laman ang sinasabu niya. No. I don't want Tito Elandro misunderstanding me.
"I love Elena, Tito," I defensively stated.
"I know son. I know very well. And I completely understand," Tito Elandro gave me a knowing smile
BINABASA MO ANG
Crossover | ✓
ChickLitFollowing a traffic accident, two women find themselves deeply entwined in each other's polar opposite lives. May Gonzales, fed up with her endless string of failed relationships, wakes up convinced she's someone else. Meanwhile, Elena Perez, younge...
