At precisely four o'clock, the sun cast a warm, golden glow across the city. Missis Natalie sat patiently on the plush chair by the glass window; anxiously awaited the call from her trusted man to finalize the fate of Miguel and Marcus. Her fingers tapped impatiently on the polished surface of the desk, eyes fixed on her phone.
Finally, the screen lit up. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she answered the call. "Yes?"
"Ma'am, it's Davis. Boss wants you to prepare the huge payment for the heads of the two. We've got them." Davis' voice was cold and detached, the weight of his words chilling to the bone.
"Excellent. Where is your Boss? I'd like to speak with him; I have a task for him," Mrs. Natalie responded, an insidious smile creeping onto her face.
"I’m listening," came the reply from the other end.
"You've done well, Conte. Now, you can avenge your father. Miguel's head is yours. But Marcus... he's a rival to Edward for Simon's position," Mrs. Natalie's eyes gleamed with malice.
A mocking laugh echoed through the line, "What do you want us to do?"
"Keep him hidden," Mrs. Natalie commanded, her voice unwavering. She didn't want Marcus to attend the 50th annual celebration of the company the next day, potentially overshadowing Edward. She knew Don Arthur would favor Edward given the chance. She continued, "After the celebration, eliminate him. Stage it as a car accident to avoid suspicion."
"And if his family starts looking for him? His father is a renowned lawyer. Are you sure your plan won't fail?" Conte's voice dripped with sarcasm.
"I'm paying you to do a job, Conte. I've got my end covered. I know what I'm doing, I can handle them. Just remember our agreement!" Mrs. Natalie responded coldly.
"Your money is ready. Just don't forget the full extent of the plan. Once everything is done, lie low with your group. I'll call you when needed." With a sharp tone, she ruggedly added, ending the call.
As she hung up, Mrs. Natalie felt a chill creep up her spine, a cold reminder of the dark path she had chosen. The 50th annual celebration of the company was meant to be a night of joy and triumph, but for her, it was the beginning of a dangerous game, where the stakes were higher than ever.
In the twisted game of power and ambition, alliances were formed and loyalties tested. As the night of the celebration approached, Mrs. Natalie knew that the true battle was just beginning, and she was ready to do whatever it took to come out on top.
Waiting for Edward, Mrs. Natalie leaned back on the comfy sofa of her son’s office. Though, it’s weekend, but her son is still busy working for the preparation of the big event the next day. Earlier, Edward has already informed her that it would be a longer time for him to come back at his office, because he would have a lunch meeting outside the company with the potential clients and investors.
Looking out through the glass window where the shadowing lights seemingly mocking her, she proclaimed; “There’s no turning back!”
Little while longer, Missis Natalie’s deep thoughts and gazing into emptiness was disturb by Edward’s greetings.
“Mom!” Edward called as he threw light kiss on her mom’s right cheek. “What brings you here?” he suddenly asked.
“Of course, to give you a hand. To give you my full support.” Missis Natalie asserted. Noticing Edward’s silent response, she sulked and added, “why? can’t I come here? You’re not yet the CEO, yet you already forbid your mom to come and see you.”
“Of course, that’s not what I mean mom, it’s just that my lunch meeting turned out to be wasted.” Turning his back and forcedly sitting, Edward explained. Looking at his mom’s eyes, he fumed and stressed, “These useless investors have already committed to Miguel, that though he’s still nowhere to be found, yet they steadfastly remained their support for him!”
With a sigh, Missis Natalie sat beside him. Tapping his shoulder, she persuaded and said, “Son, don’t worry, Miguel is not your competitor here. As long as your dad got your back, then I’m sure you can win over Jason and Marcus.”
Edward silently turned sideways and looked at his mom into the eye.
“Just focus working on a proposal for a long-term partnership strategy that could position us as industry leaders. Through this, I believe that you can secure not only the Board, but also your Grandpa's recognition and endorsement for the CEO role.” Mrs. Natalie affirmed.
Turning his head straight, Edward nodded persuasively.
***
Early Monday morning, as the Villaren’s couple first arrived and sat around the brunch table, Alexander received a message from his son. The words on the screen hit him like a breeze of wind on a serene morning.
1 SMS received:
"Dad, please cover for me if Grandpa asks. There's been a glitch in the construction project at GreyHills West. I need to be there. Don't worry, I'll catch up with the company celebration later, Dad."
Alexander's brow furrowed as he read the message.
"Why?" Mrs. Sabrina asked her husband, noticing his sudden silence as he held his phone.
"Nothing," shaking his head, Alexander replied, his voice strained as he patted his wife's shoulder and rose from his seat. Stepping away from the dining table, he dialed his son's number, but the incessant ringing on the other end only deepened the lines on his forehead. He halted, abandoning the attempt to reach his son, and instead dialed J&V Construction Firm, the architectural, construction, and interior designing company established by his son, Marcus—a partner with Jackson Corporation in the business of making new structures and ventures.
As the call ended, Alexander let out a sigh.
"Is there a problem with Marcus?" Mrs. Sabrina immediately inquired, her eyes fixed on her husband. She heard him chatting with one of the J&V Construction Firm project managers.
"There's a significant issue with your son's firm at the construction site in GreyHills West. The problem started yesterday, but things still aren't sorted out," Alexander replied to his wife.
"So, that's why I couldn't reach him yesterday? And why he didn't come home?" Missis Sabrina expressed her disappointment towards her son. "I thought he might have stayed at his girlfriend's place again instead of coming home. He never seems to change, always making me worry."
"What about Simon's party and the company celebration? Is he going to attend?" she asked suddenly after a few seconds of frustration.
"He said he'll catch up with the celebration. Just – don’t tell Dad," Alexander responded to his wife's sudden question.
“Oh, hi, you’re still here? You’re not yet gone for some work?” Their conversation was interrupted by a welcoming smile and greeting from Missis Natalie, followed by the silent presence of Simon and Don Arthur.
“Yeah, of course. Today is a big day, right?” Smiling back to Missis Natalie, Missis Sabrina reluctantly answered. Shifting her attention to Simon, she added, “Brother… Happy birthday.” She greeted while walking past at Missis Natalie and gave Simon a hug.
“Where’s my gift?” returning his sister’s embrace, Simon jested.
“Hmm… later at your grandest party, you can open it.” Missis Sabrina reacted as she directed her way back to the dining table.
Later…
“Happy birthday uncle Simon.” Carl and Cali greeted in unison. They arrived together with their parents and Adam. Afterwards, Missis Selena and her husband, Ezequiel uttered their greetings too.
“Adam, you’re not going to greet your dad?” Missis Natalie insinuated, blissfully.
Moments of silence engulf the atmosphere, as if waiting for Adam’s response.
“Happy birthday, dad.” Slightly looking at his father, Adam responded hazily while pulling a chair next to Don Arthur.
“Dad!” A call from Edward made the people from the dine table to pause for a while. “Happy birthday. Here’s my first gift for you.” Reaching at his father’s side, he added ecstatically as he gave his gift.
“Wow, first, so there’s still a second huh? Simon chuckles as he received Edward’s gift.
“Absolutely!” with a nod and a wink, Edward replied.
Tapping Edward’s left shoulder with a smile, Simon responded, “Thanks Son.”
Watching Edward and Simon made Missis Natalie's eyes gleamed in victory. However, this triumph was interrupted by a sudden question.
“Has Marcus gone to the office already?” Don Arthur inquired, fixing his eyes on his daughter, Sabrina.
“Uhm… yeah, yes Dad.” Nodding her head, Missis Sabrina answered hesitantly.
Shifting his gazed to Simon and then to Edward, Don Arthur probed, yet shut his mouth.
"Go ahead, lie! Soon, my plans will come to completion." Missis Natalie's quiet thoughts echoed in her mind as she secretly observed Marcus' parents.
“Sister-in-laws, you know what I have a suggestion… why not we go to the salon after our meal to beautify ourselves before we set foot for the party later? You know, it's kinda of girls' bond … What do you think?” Out of the sudden and with a warm smile, Missis Natalie suggested to the Jackson sisters, Selena and Sabrina.
With a shrugged, Missis Selena answered, “Hmm… yeah, why not? You can go with us. We already have a VIP appointment later at Kelly’s Wellness.”
“Okay. Thanks Selena.” Missis Natalie responded, a smile is still shown on her face though her mind buzzed with dark intentions, hidden behind her friendly facade.
Surely, Missis Natalie had carefully planned her every move. She knows what she’s doing – pulling strings in secret like a puppeteer. With just a word to Conte to take Marcus' cellphone and fabricate a message to be sent to his father, Alexander, was a task that's easy to carry out.And to think, this was merely a fraction of her plan before wrecking GreyHills West. She can't help but to reminisce how she had successfully executed her scheme to sabotage the major construction project managed by Marcus' architectural firm in that distant city. For her, paying off a worker to mess up the project at GreyHills West was just a piece of cake. Among all the firm's projects, this was the one she had targeted deliberately. It was her hometown, so she knew exactly who she could bribe and trust in that area. Money was the key to those who struggled hard for their families. When push came to shove, they would surely bite the bait of the money she offered.Once the dust settled and the board made their decisions, she'd make her move against Marcus, ensuring he was out of the picture for good.
Curving up her lip's corner, she thought, "Almost there! This day will end with Edward as the new face of the Jackson Empire.”
“Grr… what an unlucky day!!” Andrea cursed as she drove her motorcycle. It was raining cats and dogs due to heavy thunderstorm. She went outside to deliver her customers’ orders and she didn’t expect that she’ll finish it so late. It was reported in the news that there would be a tropical storm, so she delivered her goods as quickly as she could, but she didn’t ever think that the tropical storm would catch her at any moment. She speedily drove her motorcycle because she already felt the coldness on her back down to her spine when suddenly… Beep… Beeeeepppp… “Ahhh… Screeeeeech…” Andrea shouted as the metal screeching of the wheels from her 2-wheeled vehicle could be heard. She fiercely pressed the brakes. She was scared to death as she thought that she would be hit by the opposite car moving towards her direction. Crash… Whack! Andrea opens her eyes when she heard a loud bang of collision coming from her sideways. Only did she realized that she was not hit by the car, but it bumpe
When Dr. Calvo exited the ward, Miguel at the moment has studied the woman who almost faltered before him. The woman who has pale yellow hair, with a mole on the right check underneath her immense eyeglasses and darkish bushy eyebrows, but a height like that of any beauties in a pageant slowly approached him. Andrea alleviates her eyeglasses and with her huge braces, she timidly greeted him. She felt awkward and nervous as Miguel gives her cold shoulders. From Andrea’s back, Trina appeared swiftly and merrily said, “Helloooo! Can you recognize her? She’s Andrea, the one who saved you… And, I’m Trina by the way, her friend.” On his comfortable spot, Miguel scrutinized the ladies back and forth and asked, “Do you have food? I’m hungry.” Trina and Andrea’s jaw almost fell on the floor. They stared at each other and shared the same thoughts; what a weirdo! He asked first for a food instead of asking who they are or what happened. Of course, Miguel would ask for a food because it was so
In a huge dining table of the Jackson’s manor are the sumptuous breakfast prepared by the female servants. When the last menu was served, the members of the family has arrived one after another. “Oh my god, brother Marcus. Look at this live news! Isn’t this brother Miguel’s car?” Cali, the future medical doctor and the only first-born young Lady of the family run towards Marcus’ direction who already settled in the dining area. Marcus reluctantly received his cousin’s phone and realized what she fusses about. “Cali what’s with Miguel that made you ran and breath profoundly?” Missis Selena, Cali’s mom asked. She and her husband, Ezequiel are the first to arrive at the dining table. Cali looked at her mom who’s sitting adjacent to her direction and panicky replied, “Mom it’s about brother Miguel’s car that was found under the bridge of Bay Avenue.” “What?” the family in tremor’s state said in unison. “Let me see it Marcus!” Atty. Alexander Villaren, father of Marcus quickly retorted
“Don Arthur, we had searched many areas where your grandson was last sighted and conducted varied interviews. We even search the whole vicinity of Lake Avenue for we thought he’s gone to other part of the stream due to water current brought by the tropical storm that night, but your grandson is nowhere to found. We are really trying our best to find your grandson as soon as possible.” Inspector Gomez, the assigned head of the search team has explained.With Don Arthur’s walking stick, he approached the four policemen who were in-charge of finding Miguel and he furiously said, “Best? And where’s that best you’re talking about huh? I presumed that you came here by informing us that you already found my grandson! Look officer, it’s been 3 nights and 2 days since my grandson was missing, but 'til now, you didn’t prove that best you kept on spouting about!”“I’m sorry Inspector, I understand you’re trying your best, but we just hope for a positive result in this matter as quickly as possib
Back to the Jackson’s manor; Simon is still sipping his tea when he noticed the restlessness of his wife, so he asked, “What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?” Natalie flipped her fingers on her lap and cautiously replied, “Uhm… Hon I heard from the police earlier that they still haven't found Miguel, so what will happen to the company now that the 50th annual celebration is fast approaching? Who will take charge of his job? I’m asking because you know I’m so concerned of you, the company, and our family.” Simon looked at his wife in the eye and saw its worried expression. He sighed, saying “Starting today, Marcus will temporarily take over Miguel’s unfinished job for the company’s annual celebration, and I know for sure, if the board will know, they would surely ask where’s Miguel, so… I intent to call for an emergency board meeting.” Meeting his gaze, Natalie expressed, “Then how about your position in the company? Hon you must passed it down to our son, Edward.” Simon’s bro
On the other hand, Andrea is gasping for an air and her palms suddenly perspired when she was able to reach the parted parking area nearby the gateway. 'Andrea. Inhale! Exhale!' She repeatedly whispered while she keeps on calming herself. 'Ahhhhh... Andrea why did not you control yourself from his taunting?' She screamed as she keeps on stomping her feet. She was indeed pissed off by his taunting because if he would not criticize her appearance, then he would criticize her clothes. “Who is he to criticize me for my looks and clothes? So, what if I'm like this, he has no right to make fun of me. He criticized me twice instead of being grateful that I took care of him; that I didn’t run and escaped from that car accident.” She said infuriatingly. Andrea closed her alluring eyes for a moment; literally subsiding her emotions, and when she opened it - she immediately looked up to see the sky. She beamed to see the good weather as it indicates that the storm was gone. She slowly approached
Using his car’s Bluetooth, Marcus answered the call cautiously. “Hello, Grandpa?” Marcus greeted and acknowledged. On the other line, Don Arthur who was longsome inside the study room is currently drinking the hibiscus tea. He sighed and asked, “I didn't catch up with you earlier this morning, so I called you at the company but your secretary told me you’re not there, so, where are you now Marcus?” Marcus coughed out of the sudden and in spite of the cold air-conditioned inside his car, a bead of sweat still formed on his forehead. He knew, he can’t hide from his grandfather and he has no intention of lying, but what can he do? He was tossed in between conscientious and his vow. Although he loves and respects his grandpa, but he also made a promise to Miguel, and he knew where was Miguel's emotions coming from. So, while flipping his fingers on the steering wheel, he composed himself and answered back, “I’m having a meeting outside, but I’m on my way back to the office now grandpa.”
Just as Andrea was about to answer, Trina has suddenly arrived. “Andrea the –” Trina stopped. She was stunned when she noticed Miss Mina's presence inside. From her stance, Andrea could sense how her housemate tensed and faintly voiced Miss Mina's name. “Oh, Trina you’re here!" Miss Mina recognized. "You know what? Now I understand why you said you'll be giving me the full payment of your unpaid three months house rental today because of this handsome guy huh!" Glancing at Miguel, Miss Mina loquaciously expressed, then lowering her voice, she turned and whispered to Andrea, "Good catch Andrea.” She winked without minding the tension around. Recounting the heap of money, Miss Mina added, “Hmm... it's good for five months, so you have an advance payment good for two months. Since we're already settled here, so I think I shall take my leave now." She watched the bewildered expression of the two ladies back and forth, but when they didn't pay her any attention, she passively remarked,