Surrender Your Heart (Hidden Agenda)

Chapter 26

"Why? You should've informed me." sumbat ko kay Nico. Iyon kasi ang ipinagtataka ko. Sana'y sinabi niya ito sa akin prior to the board meaning.

"Sino ba ang wala sa meeting kanina? Hinahanap rin kita kanina sa office ngunit wala ka." 

"I was calling you but you haven't answer my calls." katwiran ko.

"You don't expect me to answer your call while I'm on the meeting, right?" sagot nito sabay taas ng mga kilay.

 Tama nga naman siya. Kailanman ay hindi siya sumasagot ng tawag kapag nasa meeting.

"I-I'm sorry." tugon ko sabay yuko.

"Makinig kang mabuti sa akin, Cess. Isa sa may malaking shares ngayon sa kumpanya ay si Mr. Perry Andrada."

 Nag-angat ako ng tingin. I was a bit shocked.

"What happened?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ko.

"It's a long story. He was able to buy some shares to the other shareholders. But there's nothing to worry about. I am still the CEO and a major shareholder."

"Kung ganoon bakit ang anak ni Mr. Andrada ang naroroon sa office mo?" usisa ko. Naguguluhan pa rin ako.

"So, you know him already?" tanong nito sabay ngisi.

"Y-yes. We were schoolmates way back in College." palusot ko. Of course, I can't tell him he's my ex.

"Oh! Interesting. Pero bakit parang--"

"I don't wanna talk about him, Nic. I hate that person. I can't work with him." putol ko.

"You have to, Cess." seryosong sagot nito.

"I really can't, Nic."

"Yes you can. For SFM, please. This is just temporary. His father asked the board including me to let his son experience the role of a CEO by allowing him to use my office temporarily. It's just like teaching him how to be an effective CEO with my supervision. He wants him to be fully prepared in taking over their Hotel Chain Business." pangungumbinsi nito.

"I don't buy that, Nic. Why in SFM? He could do that in their own company. And I'm quite sure he took MBA. He doesn't need a personal experience. He's smart anyway." katwiran ko.

"I really don't know. Why do I have this feeling that you know Pierre Andrada very well?" sagot nito.

 Natigilan ako. Mukhang nakahalata na siya. Hindi ako makasagot. And I prefer not answer.

"Listen, Cess. I know this is crazy. Pumayag ako sa kadahilanang nagbanta si Mr. Perry Andrada na magpupull-out ng shares kapag hindi ko siya pinagbigyan. Since, I don't want that to happen pumayag ako dahil na rin sa pakiusap ng board. Alam mo naman siguro ang reputasyon ni Mr. Perry Andrada pagdating sa business. Mataas ang tingin sa kanya ng board. Isang malaking karangalan ang maging parte siya sa kumpanya bilang shareholder. Nagdudulot iyon ng kapanatagan sa iba. Wala naman sigurong masama ang pagbigyan siya sa kahilingan niya. Pagdating sa decision making ay ako pa rin ang masusunod. Ikukunsulta pa rin sa akin ni Pierre ang anumang hakbang na gagawin. As what I've said, I'm still the CEO. And to tell you honestly, makakatulong siya sa akin. Magkakaroon ako ng oras para makapagpahinga kapag naririto sa office. Alam mong palagi akong puyat dahil sa bunso namin. Ang pananatili sa pent house ay malaking bagay sa akin. Makakabawi ako ng tulog kung walang masyadong trabaho." mahabang paliwanag niya.

"Then, take me with you. Since you are my real boss." pangungulit ko.

"I'm sorry, Cess but he needs you more than I do."

"But Nic..." tutol ko. 

"Do this as a favor. Please. Kasama ka sa pagpapahiram ko sa office ko."