Tied To You

L

Montenegro Industries

"Sorry if we took too long, dad insisted on getting Elie." Ava said as she greeted her brother and Karlie. Alvin Montenegro made his way to the dining room with Elie in his hands and sat at the foot of the table as he always does whenever he eats.

"Dad, I can get Elie for you so you can eat properly." Evan said as his father shook his head disapprovingly.

"It's okay Evan, she's not causing me any trouble. You go eat, your mother made this especially for all of us to enjoy." Evan was in complete surprise by his father's answer. He never expected it, just like every Montenegro past and present, you just never know what they are up to. They're mysterious. And so, he watched his father feed Elie as a huge smile formed on his father's face. Evan knew very well that the smile on his face was very genuine and real cause his father doesn't often smile and when he does smile it's something worth capturing.

"So sorry for ruining the moment." Ava innocently said raising the peace sign as she placed her phone back in between her legs. "I know there's no phones on the table, but I really had to capture this moment. It's rare to see you smile dad so I had to do it. Again, I'm sorry for breaking the rules dad." Ava uttered in innocence as she placed her phone back in between her legs.

"It's okay Ava. While you're at it please send me that photo." Her father said with glee as he sipped his orange juice. Ava nodded and took out her phone once more as she quickly sent the photo to her dad and resumed eating. "By the way Ava, after this brunch you are coming with me to the office. We're going to continue your training, that way by the time you get married I can give you the company." He added. Elena and Evan looked at Alvin with shock.

"We never discussed this Vin! How do you think your father will feel once he finds out about this?!" The calm expression of Elena Montenegro changed into a surprised one. No one wanted to know how Raul Montenegro, head of the Montenegro heirlooms, would react in such way. "And what will Evan's role be in the company, you do know he has to support his family somehow." Elena retorted to her husband who was still calm in his demeanor as he continued eating.

"Elena, don't worry about my father. The only thing you need to worry about right now is Ava's wedding and the well being of Elie. As for you Evan.." he stated looking at his son. "...you'll be managing the holdings for Montenegro Industries as we undergo a new fiscal year and changes in the stock market. I'm putting your accounting skills to use. I'm giving you a chance to make use of your degree." This slightly calmed Elena.

"Karlie, once Ava has full control of the company you'll be her personal assistant. Elena will train you on Monday. Also, I will hire a nanny service to help take care of Elie while you guys are at work and once you give birth, you'll be needing an extra set of hands." Karlie agreed. She thought this would be a good opportunity to gain experience but also give her a sense of pride that she can provide for her growing family.

"Well honey, you never fail to amaze me. This meal was amazing." After long conversations about sports, books, babies. Everyone was very full after consuming numerous eggs, French toast, bacon, and a wide variety of tropical fruits.

"Thanks so much for the brunch honey. As much as I want to stay and converse more, Ava and I have to go to the office at 1pm to meet with Michael to discuss business mergers and to start Ava's training." Alvin Montenegro said to his wife as he got up from the table handed Elie back to her father. Once Elie was out of his arms he planted a small kiss to his wife's forehead while Ava bid her mother and the rest of the family goodbye. The two Montenegro's headed out of the dinning room where the family driver was waiting for them in the foyer.

"Ava how is the Solis boy?" Alvin asked his daughter.

"He's doing great, he's been busy working on his father's run for Mayor. Last time I talked to him he seemed very tired." Ava answered.

Her father laughed, "that's not the Solis boy I was referring too! I am referring to my soon-to-be son-in-law Michael. How is he?" Ava's face turned red with embarrassment.

Trying to keep a straight face, Ava replied, "Umm...he's good. Last time we spoke he mentioned that we will be seeing him at the office today." Her reply was very different.

"Ava you need to start talking to Michael. You're going to get married soon and I don't want things to be awkward between the two of you. Get to know him. Who knows you might just fall in love with him." Her father said with a bit of hope. Ava didn't say a word but rather just smiled at him.

"Sir we have arrived." The driver said as he pulled up to the main entrance of Montenegro Industries. Two guards at the entrance of the company opened the door for the two Montenegro's. "Welcome Sir Alvin and Miss Ava." The guards greeted as they were assisting them out of the family car. Inside, the front desk operator greeted the two, "Magandang tanghali Miss Ava at Sir Alvin." She smiled graciously at the two who smiled back at her as they made their way to the employee service elevator. The ride to the top floor was very crowded as people would enter and exit the elevator. A loud "ting" rang through the elevator signifying the two had reached the very top floor.

On the top floor lies the offices of all the executives and chiefs of office. The top floor reeked of testosterone. The only ladies that were on the top floor were all the assistants but almost all of them were women expect for Raul Montenegro's personal assistant who was sitting right outside his office typing intently onto his laptop. His face looked eerily familiar and at a closer glance she realized who she saw, it was a male version of Karlie, her brother's girlfriend. As she walked alongside her father to his office Ava noticed that her father was the only one who didn't have an assistant waiting for him at the door. You would think a CEO would need extra assistance being the busiest person but her father didn't have one and it surprised Ava a lot because with the busy schedule her father has she would've expected him to have an assistant.

"Dad, just curious...why do you not have an assistant like everyone else?" Ava curiously asked her father who was settling himself into his office.

"I do have an assistant but she isn't treated like a servant. She works in the advertising department three floors down, that's why you don't see her. She emails me my schedule everyday at 9:00am whether I am at home or not." He stated.

"Once I give you my position and complete all the necessary training you can decide how you want to put Karlie to use. You can have a station outside your office like everyone else or you can have her work from home so she can take care of Elie. The choice will be yours you can change the entire building to fit your needs." Her father added.

It all became surreal to Ava, knowing that in a mere few months she is going to get married and Montenegro Industries will be hers. At the shy age of 18, a lot was happening for her.