Luke's POV
"I want May to work for me," Chase insisted.
I turned to face him, my gaze was drawn to the three women kneeling by the side of my door. What are they up to?
"We don't do employee exchanges, Rodriquez," I repeatedly answered. He has been asking me this unreasonable request for the tenth time since he entered my office.
"I didn't say anything about exchanging, Javier. I want May transferred to my company immediately," Chase added emphasizing each word. Goosebumps made their way through my skin as he stared at me intently. He is really similar to Elena in a way. "I believe that's what I said."
"Parade Perez Line does not transfer their employees to other companies, Rodriguez. This is not some sort of game where you could demand anything you want just because you want it. What are you, a child? You know how recruitment functions," I declared to Chase, not willing to concede to his unreasonable request. Does he think he owns the world? "If you have nothing else to say, you are free to leave."
Chase crossed his arms with his brows arched at me. "Are you sure you are in a position to talk that way to me, Mr. Javier?"
Though I am helping in the accounting section right now. All legal matters are still to be discussed with me. My brows knitted at his obvious threat. What is he trying to say?
"You know if I want to put my heart into it. I could easily bring the Parade Perez Line," he responded arrogantly while mischievously making eye contact.
What I heard astounded me. Conceited assh*le. I know— well, everyone in the industry basically knows that their company and Elena's are the main competitors. But, realistically speaking, he can't quickly bring a long-established company down that easily.
Even if Elena isn't at her best right now, he can't take down Perez so quickly. He could be all talk, for all I know.
"Don't get too full of yourself, Rodriguez. You are talking about the biggest and most influential company in Asia," I said outrightly.
I became even more irritated when I noticed his cheeky grin broadening. He has a way of getting under my skin. What a jerk of the century. It infuriates me that he made a fool of Elena before and is now attempting to fool May too... that innocent and kind woman. Tsk.
"Don't underestimate me, Javier; our company is your closest rival," he said arrogantly as he crossed his arms. "Managing the company is just a boring pastime for me, but I exceed expectations at it; imagine what happens if I take it seriously?"
I clicked my tongue in annoyance. This arrogant conceited jerk. I won't allow him to look down on Elena's hard work.
"It's going to be a piece of cake for me to bring down Parade Perez Line, especially since the CEO is not in her right state of mind and is presently out of the country." I saw how his lips curved in amusement which made my blood boil. "The incredible Luke Javier seems to have no inkling where Elena Perez is. Let me tell you something, Javier— the people don't call me Mr. Perfect for nothing."
After saying those words, he turned away from me and walked away. I massaged my temples, unsure of what to do. I thought it was Rodriguez who returned when the door suddenly flew open, but I was mistaken.
"Mr. Perez," I addressed the familiar face, sir Elandro, politely.
"Skip with the formalities, Luke. You are like a son to me." He meekly smiled at me as he strode towards the couch. "Now tell me, what is this news I have heard of?"
He moved his gaze to the three women cowering by the door. They were huddled together, shaking and crying. I approached them and asked them to stand.
"Please, sit down, and let's talk," I gently ordered.
I don't want to see girls unfairly treated. What they did was heinous; for God's sake, they nearly killed May! But I must maintain my composure; violence will never solve anything. I learned a lot from my clients, such as how being swayed in the heat of the moment can always result in a catastrophic event, as these women did.
"Now, tell me, Ms. Solas, what was all the commotion about?" Uncle Elandro sat down on the chair and began questioning them.
The ladies were dead silent. Their fumbling fingers indicated that they had returned to their senses and felt truly repentant of what they did. Are they sorry that they almost killed May or are they sorry for being caught red-handed?
This is not the first time they have bullied May, as far as I am aware. This must be resolved as soon as possible. I wonder... How many times did they make fun of her? How many times did May have to clench her teeth and endure their abusive treatment? I could only clench my fist just thinking about it.
"You will face consequences for what you did, Ms. Solas," I declared. "You might even face criminal charges for this/"
"Please, have leniency. Don't file a lawsuit against us. I don't want to go to prison!" cried the girl with blond hair. I believe her name is Ms. Chui.
I simply shook my head. They didn't want to go to jail, but they did something that could land them there.
"If this leaks to the press, it will be a huge scandal for the business. Didn't you even think it would jeopardize the firm?" reacted Sir Elandro. "I have no choice but to discharge all three of you."
I noticed their pupils dilate. They were about to protest when I intervened. They still felt the need to complain? They would be facing charges now if Sir Elandro had not been so kind and lenient. May even requested that no liabilities be filed. If it were up to me, they should be severely punished...
"You can leave now," I told the three.
"Now, now. This is definitely bad," said Sir Elandro softly.
"What's the problem, uncle?"
"This is bad for the business. The only one who can compete with Rodriguez is my daughter. Chase is quite fond of Ms. Gonzales, and I don't think he will let this incident go. Knowing that kid, I'm sure he will do something," Sir Elandro explained, his eyes filled with worry.
Sir Elandro and Chase's father, as far as I know, are close friends who decided to be brothers through their children. I'm just glad Chase is dumb enough to turn down their marriage proposal. Otherwise, there might be no Elena and me. Elandro and I just talked, and he said goodbye after we finished. My phone suddenly rang, and it was an unregistered number, which piqued my interest.
"Hell—" I didn't finish what I was going to say when I realized who was on the other line.
"Luke."
I've been wanting to hear this voice for a long time. It's as though I'm in heaven when I hear her mention my name. It's as if I've forgotten what it's like to be sad. She is truly my joy.
"The moment we'll meet again. Everything is going to be different, get yourself fully prepared Luke," she said, her voice breaking. "And, I know this is purely selfish, but please grant my final wish. I'll explain everything to you when we meet again, but please don't leave me when that time comes."
Why is she crying once more? I dislike her sobbing. It's like stabbing my heart over and over again. I was about to answer the phone when she hung up. What are you on about, Elena?