Fated to Love You: BOOK 3 || Social Serye [FINALE]

Episode 8: The First Strike (Part 4)

Penthouse Board Room.

"Ikaw..."

Hindi parin lubusang maintindihan ni Cathy kung paanong narito si Mr. Santillan sa meeting. At mas lalo pa itong pinalala ng impormasyong magkasabwat pala ang dalawang ehekutibong magkasama. Walang kahit sinong nakahula noon. Kahit mismong si Xander na matagal na nakasama si Señora Amelia'y marahil na wala ring kaalam-alam sa koneksyon ng dalawa na ngayo'y nagsanib pwersa sa paglaban sa kanila.

"... Kayo?"

"Be careful with that woman. If she could tear down a strong company like mine, she would bring this entire empire down, too," patuloy lang ni Mr. Santillan na hindi binigyang pansin ang kanyang gulat na katanungan.

"Mr. Santillan," pagkilala naman ng Deputy Chairman sa lalaki. "We're in the middle of a meeting. If you have a scheduled appointment—"

"Aren't you discussing to decide Mr. Del Viñedo's fate as CEO?"

"Yes, we are."

"Then I have a word or two to say. So, if you'll indulge me just a little, then this might help you decide."

Matapos bigyang bara ang lider ng pulong ay sa kanya na humarap ang matandang lalaki. Wala ni anumang bahid ng kalumayan sa mga mata nito. Bawat hakbang ng ginoo paabanse ay naguudyok sa mga paa niyang umatras. Mabuti na lamang at mahigpit ang pagkakakapit niya sa likod ng itinalagang upuan. Kahit papaano'y napaglalaban niya ang natural na nais ng kanyang katawan na tumakbo.

"Worst CEO to ever take the helm of the Del Viñedo Empire..." Simulang muli ni Mr. Santillan sa paksa, "... Isn't that what the news say about him?"

Nagumpisa itong maglakad tungo sa pader kung saa'y nakapaskil doon ang mga lumang litrato ng Del Viñedo Factory. Limampung taon narin ang tanda nito, isa ito sa mga kauna-unahang naitaguyod na operasyon ng namayapang Adriano. Saglit itong pinagmasdan ni Mr. Santillan bago ito humarap muli sa mga miyembro.

"I experienced the golden years of the Del Viñedo Group myself," dagdag ng lalaki. "Fifty years ago, under the competent guidance of my late friend Adriano, this company saw the best of its years."

"... Ibang-iba ang panahon noon. Adriano was a great leader. He pursued the firm's best interest at heart and never let his personal life get in the way of progress. Well... I mean... granted, nothing in his life was a hindrance. Ramona was as knowledgeable and competent. Their son Ramil was an able successor too for a short time. And that Del Viñedo-Aragon partnership? One of the best arrangements for the company. Helena was a powerhouse on her own and the investors were thrilled! So, it was unfortunate, really... Really, very unfortunate to have lost it all."

"... Now this... Alexander, I don't know. He's not particularly bright with his choices. His business sense is questionable, and his personal life? Well... do I even have to state the obvious? Every decision he makes either ruins the company or ruins himself. Mistake after mistake, there's no end! I know, I experienced this pandemonium myself. How do you deal with a leader like that?"

Humalukipkip pa ang matandang bisita't saka bumuntong-hininga't iling. Sa di kalayuang pwesto nama'y sarkastiko nalang na napapangiti ang kaalyado nitong si Señora Amelia.

"Mali ba ako?" Tanong na ni Mr. Santillan sa kapulungan. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but am I not speaking the truth?"

Hindi na tuloy siya makapagpigil. Harap-harapan na nitong tinitira ang asawa sa gitna ng mga nasasakupan nitong empleyado't mga partner sa trabaho. Kumbaga sa teritoryo'y nanghihimasok ito't nanghahamon.