Bold and Fearless (MEAN GIRLS SERIES #1)

Simula

Simula

"I'll take full responsibility for what happened in Batangas alone, Kuya Samuel. Please, stay out of this. Ayokong madamay kayo ni Tito sa problema ng kumpanya," ilang beses kong kumbinsi sa pinsan.

"Hindi pwede Gianna. This will be too hard for you alone," matigas na di pagsang-ayon ni Kuya Samuel.

"You know me, Kuya. I've already decided. I even called for a press conference tomorrow," I said with finality.

Though anxiety about tomorrow's events gnawed at me, a strong voice within urged me to be brave and refuse to give up. Courage runs in our blood—something I must have inherited from my late father.

Napapikit ako sa problemang hinaharap ngayon. A fleeting glimpse of yesterday comforted me. I smiled at the memory. I pitied my younger self and realized how mean and selfish I was back then. While others fought hard for their lives, I was wallowing in grief over lost love—almost to the point of wanting to end everything. My heart ached unbearably, and I was consumed by anger. How foolish of me to think it was the darkest moment of my life. Compared to today's challenges, my past struggles seemed embarrassingly trivial. Nakakahiyang aminin na ang babaw ng mga pinoproblema ko noon, sa sobrang hiya, gusto ko ng kalimutan.

"After the presscon Kuya, uuwi ako ng Batangas. I'll try to talk to the family of the victims and settle—"

He groaned, di na ako pinatapos. 

"It's not safety there Gianna, marami ang galit sa kompanya, di alam kung sino ang pagbubuntungan nila ng galit. Baka mapahamak ka pa," he said a bit irritated with my plan.

"Then I'll face their anger Kuya. I'll correct the mistakes of Mommy at sa pagpapabaya ng kompanya."

"I can't believe Tita Ana was fooled just like that. Dad's men are investigating. The company is really struggling, we have no choice but to downsize."

I stayed silent, listening to his frustrations. My father passed away last year. While I was mourning for him for his death, pinagkaitan naman si Mommy sa pagluluksa niya kay Dad.

He left us a big responsibility and since I am still studying, it left Mommy no choice but to take-over the company. For the first time in my life, I felt sorry for her. She never had a chance to mourn with me dahil halos kinain na lahat ng oras niya sa pagtatrabaho. I saw her growing more frustrated and impatient every time problems arose. She often cried in Dad's library, clutching papers, but never complained.

Dad had been working on a major project, widely covered in the press, in partnership with industry giants. his sudden death really shocked everyone including me His sudden death shocked everyone, especially me. Nag-aaway pa kami isang buwan bago siya mamatay, pinapakiusapan na umuwi ako para sa wedding anniversary nila ni Mommy.

It was the biggest regret. If I had known, I would have visited him more often. If I had known, I would have answered every time he called, even if it was to scold me.

"It's still not right Kuya kasi biglaan at it's no one's fault. She trusted too easily and didn't know she'd be scammed."

"I know Gia. Then I'll put some of my men to guard you during the press conference. Isama mo na rin sila sa pag-uwi mo sa probinsya"

"Kuya—"

"Please, Gia. Allow me to help. Give Dad and me at least some peace of mind while you're there." His tone left no room for argument.

I reluctantly agreed. Tama si Kuya, marami ang galit sa kumpanya. We don't know what they're capable of. Hearing the shocking news in Batangas, mataas ang posibilidad na makakapanakit ang mga nawalan at naagrabyado. And now since I'm the President, I'll be the first one on their target.