AUTHOR'S NOTE: I DO APOLOGIZE FOR THE INCORRECT CHAPTER UPLOADED. I MISTAKENLY SUBMITTED THE CHAPTER WHILE NOT DONE EDITING/TRANSLATING IT AND WE HAVE NO OPTION TO EDIT THE CHAPTER OR CANCEL THE UPDATE. Nonetheless, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Chase's POV
"Are the speculations about Parade Perez Line's low sales true, Mr. Perez?" one reporter asked, having followed Elandro.
"There's nothing wrong with Parade Perez Line." He faced the reporter and smiled. "Business is progressing, as usual, those are just false rumors."
"However, Mr. Perez, we have spoken with many of your employees you have dismissed... what is the real reason for their dismissal? And will the 45th anniversary of the Parade Perez Line be forced to cancel next Saturday?"
"That personnel you're talking about was lawfully terminated for their misconduct, and yes, we will be commemorating the 45th anniversary of Parade Perez Line, so look forward to seeing it," he simply responded confidently.
Well, he isn't Elandro Perez for nothing. I turned off the television and focused my attention on the reports in front of me. In comparison to Rodriguez Empire, Parade Perez Line is a frail, hugely overrated corporation. My telephone suddenly rang, I'm guessing this was Dad.
["CHASE, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!"]
"Relax a bit, Dad. It's not too abundantly clear that you're extremely upset, is it?" I chuckled, moving the phone away from my ears. He certainly has a big mouth.
["I know you are involved in Perez's problem. What did you do?"]
"Come on dad, friendships are just bullcrap in business. You are well aware of that aren't you?" I replied. "And I was just fooling around. It won't really cause that much damage tot hem."
Well, I only pulled a few strings to recruit their quality employees, but the bankruptcy gossips are not my doing. I guess, Elena is failing so badly for not fixing the bankruptcy issue beforehand, nonetheless... it must be an inside job. Miss little perfect has finally failed, hasn't she?
"Chas—" I hang up the phone and hummed happily.
So it only took about three days to bring down Perez, lol. May, what are you going to do now? You're a bit nosy and have a soft spot for Parade Perez Line. I know you'll do something, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it is.
Luke's POV
"I expected that kid to do something, but I didn't expect him to be capable of pulling down the Parade Perez Line on his third day in full control of their firm," he stated while letting out an exasperated sigh. "And he did all of this while we're still trying to figure out who stole our funds and leaked the information about our design concepts."
When I heard that, I tightened my grip on my fountain pen. I hate to admit it, but Rodriguez may be on the same level as Elena in the business field, and while this infuriates me, there is nothing I can do about it.
Elandro paused for a beat before continuing, "We have to temporarily cancel the annual celebration—"
"There's no need to do that, Mr. Perez; if you do that... it's as if you've acknowledged that Rodriguez is superior and Perez has lost this match," a small but authoritative voice said. "Oh, I don't mean to meddle in but I care for Parade Perez Line, SIr."
I could see Elandro's surprise in his expression, and I could not really blame him; after all, I was genuinely shocked as well.
"What do you think we should do, Ms. Gonzales? It's beyond our skill sets to stand toe to toe with Chase. Elena isn't here, and she's the only one who can stop Chase. I know that boy, and he won't stop until he gets what he wants," Elandro stated unequivocally.
"Uncle, I think Ms. Gonzales is completely right, and Elena would be displeased as well if she found out we canceled the anniversary because of this," I added.
"The Parade Perez Line has been on top for years," May stated once more. Her eyes are determined. "And the company must never step back from the Rodriguez Empire's challenge. It would be best if you showed them who is on the upper end and what Perez is made of. A petty child play from Chase shouldn't be a reason for the company to give up. I believe in Perez's supremacy."
What is driving you to protect this company, May? You are just an employee here, and you can always find a different workplace if you want. Even Chase wants her. Elandro stared at May in awe, it's as if he was lost for words.
He blinked multiple times before speaking. "You remind me of my daughter, May."
I locked my gaze on May. Uncle, you are completely right. She does remind me of Elena as well. May scratched her head, trying to come up with terms to express her actions.
"I apologize for overstepping my boundaries. It just came out of nowhere." May cleared her throat. "So, Mr. Perez, why did you call for me? Is there a problem with my work?"
"No, you are a very excellent employee but you see Ms. Gonzales this is not about you being an employee..." He stared at May for a moment. "It's about you, being May Gonzales."
What is Elandro trying to say? He never even told me about any of it. What does he intend to do?
"This is about Chase Rodriguez, isn't it?" May asked, unfazed.
Chase? What does May have to do with Chase and the company? Is this in reference to that jerk's unreasonable request? Or... don't tell me...
"Uncle, are you accusing May? Are you implying that May is the root of the issue at the company? I assure you, Uncle, May is not a traitor, and she's not doing anything to threaten Parade Perez Line," I quickly defended May. "She cares for this company as much as we do!"
What am I saying? I looked at May and saw her expressionless eyes. A part of me feels compelled to protect her just by looking at her— protect this vulnerable yet strong young lady.
"I know son, I know. You don't have to be so flustered and frightened there, Luke. I'm just going to ask Ms. Gonzales a favor," Elandro mused.
He placed something on his coffee table. Invitation card?
"Chase Rodriguez wants you to work for him," Elandro remarked flatly. "Although I regret losing an amazing employee like you if you accept this, this is my only means of stopping that kid."
What? This is absurd! "Uncle, I can't agree on that term. Are you trying to say that—"
"You're quite chatty today aren't you, Luke?" He laughed looking at me before shifting his attention to May. "Chase may be a pain in the head, but he is a good kid, so don't worry too much," he added. "I am not forcing you if you don't want to, Miss Gonzales... after all, you are an exceptional employee. We still respect your decision, and this is just a short-term fix until my daughter gets back."
That Rodriguez is far from being a good kid. I can't let May be involved here!
"May, you can go back," I ordered. "You don't have to be needlessly involved in—"
"Mr. Javier, you cannot let your emotion run wild and get the best of you. The company's reputation is at risk of collapse, and it doesn't matter what course you have to take just to succeed..." May commented cutting me off. "If I can be of use against that Rodriguez, I will do my role and responsibility for the sake of this company; among all, Parade Perez Line should be your top priority; that is what it means to be a Perez."
I'm at a loss for words. It's as if I can see Elena in her. May, how much longer will you perplex me? When are you going to stop troubling the hell out of me? I clenched my fist. This is wrong, my ears are ringing along with my wild beating heart.
I should not be feeling this way. Elena, I'm really sorry... please accept my apologies for feeling this way. I don't even recognize myself anymore.
"Now I can see," he said. I turned to Elandro, wondering what he meant. "I understand it now."
"Ms. Gonzales," he said as he took the invitation letter and placed it in May's hand. "I have faith in you to do what is best for the company."
May didn't say anything and just nodded. Elandro gave her a warm smile. Am I the only one who have different views on how the situation is escalating?
"You can take your rest, Ms. Gonzales."
May went out with the invitation in her hand. I curled up on the couch. What the hell is wrong with me?
"You're quite protective of Ms. Gonzales aren't you?"
I stood up as a result of what I had heard. What he said appears to have two layers of meaning. No. I don't want Elandro to get it wrong.
"I love Elena, Uncle," I defensively stated.
"I know son. I know very well. And I completely understand," Elandro gave me a knowing smile.