Thaddeus knocked three times upon entering the chairman's office. Hindi maipagkakaila na mas malaki at magarbo ang opisina nito kesa sa kanya. The interior itself has been carefully designed for a specific taste.
He could also smell a familiar scent lingering around the corner.
Same old man.
Bahagyang inayos niya ang kanyang kurbata nang lumingon ito sa kanyang direksyon. His face has changed over the years. A fine lines has become visible on his forehead
but his eyes, still hold the same authority.
Thaddeus locked his eyes on him as he paced forwards. His broad shoulders swayed gracefully with each step until he was able to see face to face his grandfather---Luciano.
"I see, you had some unexpected guest earlier on your first day as the president. Do I need to re-schedule my appointment with you?" He uttered mockingly as he lounged to his swivel chair.
"You still have the guts, grandpa." Sagot nito sa baritonong boses na siyang ikinatuwa ng matanda.
"Well, I'm the old man. What can I say!" He pointed the vacant seat in front of his desk, "Seat. This won't take a while."
Feeling obliged, Thaddeus took his seat.
"Let's back to business. I know you didn't call me just to congratulate me." He frowned.
Lumapad ang ngiti ni Luciano dahil sa inasal ng apo. Ngunit agad naman niyang binalik ang malamig na ekspresyon para tapatan ang seryosong mukha ng kausap.
He let out a sly smile,"Are you taking care with our brand ambassadress? What is her name again? Alex? Alexa?"
Thaddeus wrinkled his forehead in confusion, "It's Aleah Rossi. And yes, I already took care of her contract and at the moment, we are trying to find someone else who can replace her."
Diretso lang ang tingin ni Luciano sa apo, "Uhuh, tell me more about it."
Hindi pa rin nagbabago ang ekspresyon ni Thaddeus, his eyes remained cold for a second but he snapped at himself, "We were able to sift some potential candidates and the board seems impress with Ms. Yu."
"Stop the search. I have someone in mind." Luciano nonchalantly said as he snapped his fingers.
"And that is?" Nanliit ang mga mata nitong nakatingin kay Luciano, trying to figure out what is in his mind.
"Aleah Rossi." He plainly replied.
"What? She's no longer qualified to be our brand ambassadress. I already terminated her contract." Matigas na tugon ni Thaddeus.
What is he up to?
"Then, make another contract." Ani Luciano sa kanyang apo.
Is he trying to test me?
"You know that she's no longer good to our brand, right? That's why I terminated her contract."
"I trust you with your decision, Thaddeus. But there's something more crucial with our brand ambassadress." A smirk formed at his lips before he continued, "Do you remember, Mr. Romano?"
Tumaas ang isang kilay ni Thaddeus, "Yes, a potential investor."
Bahagyang tumango si Luciano, "You know that for years, we are trying to lured him to invest in our company but the thing is, he hasn't respond to our invitation yet."
His eyes intently looked at his grandfather's expression but it showed nothing but only a glimpse of seriousness.
"I see. But why, Aleah? It has nothing to do with her." He uttered in confusion.
"Well, it has. Mr. Romano has personally invited us in Greece to talk about business and his daughter wants us to bring Aleah. I think, this would be a perfect chance to make him say yes."
Thaddeus slowly digest the informations.
"But I can't make it. The meeting will be held in three days and I have to go somewhere. So, I will left everything including my expectations to your hand, Thaddeus. You better not failed me." Patuloy ni Luciano nang makitang nag-iisip ito. Malaki ang tiwala niya sa kanyang apo na mapapasagot nito si Mr. Romano.
Makalipas ang ilang segundo at napangiti si Thaddeus. He lift his head on him and said, "You're trying to put responsibility on me. So, if things will not happen based on your plan, your name will not be tainted. Good move."
Nagpakawala ng mahinang tawa si Luciano dahil sa ipinahayag nito. Hindi maipagkakaila na matalino ito, he never failed to amaze him that is why he entrusted him to persuade Mr. Romano.
Mr. Romano has been known as one of the most powerful investor in the globe. He also has a wide connection with the business industry. Ngunit, hindi magiging madali na hikayatin ito. He is a man that value quality over quantity.
"Being wise if that's what you mean." Natatawang sagot nito, "You can go now and make me proud."
Tumango si Thaddeus bago tumayo at lumabas ng opisina. He fished out his phone and dialled a number.
"It's me, Thad."
["Hey, what do you need?"] Sagot nito sa kabilang linya.
"I need to do a charity work. I would like to donate half million to any charity cause you have right now and make sure Aleah Rossi will be credited for that."
["You what? Aleah Rossi? The one with the scandal?"]
"Quit talking. Make sure she will be recognized for the charity work. I'll fix the cheque right now."
["Okay dude, I'll send you the details."]
Thaddeus ended the call and stormed off to his office. Umupo ito sa kanyang swivel chair bago pinindot ang intercom na konektado sa kanyang sekretarya, "Cancel all my appointment tomorrow and the next two days."
**
