Antonio was eager to talk about the sudden movement of his grandfather. When his grandfather gifted him a golden card, Antonio released a soft curse, knowing his life would never be the same again. His grandfather explained that he should have received the golden card earlier, as it symbolized entitlement and respect in their society.
Despite being a billionaire real estate tycoon, Antonio's grandfather did not dress the part. His wrinkled face and white beard made him look more like Santa Claus than a strict businessman.
"What's your next move, Antonio?" asked the manager.
Antonio sipped his cold brew before responding to the loyal butler of the Isquierda Estates. The manager and staff watched him attentively, curious about his next step.
"I need to finish my degree in fashion technology before deciding on my next endeavor," replied Antonio.
"I have some ideas for you, Antonio," said the grandfather, signaling his butler to write them down so they wouldn't be forgotten.
"We won't support your decision if you're not willing to become the next executive officer," declared the grandfather, looking at Antonio.
"Is that really necessary?" asked one of the officers at the table, expressing his sudden indifference to the statement.
"What do you mean, Mr. Sanrino?" the grandfather narrowed his eyes at the gentleman.
We're in a rush to push our potential executive to the edge. We should let this unfold and wait for the decision to arrive, Mr. De Isqueirda," suggested Mr. Sanrino.
Antonio looked at him but said nothing. The butler ordered the stenographer to write it down and lifted his pen to the brown paper. The grandfather didn't seem to be in deep thought.
"That's nonsense!" the old man blurted out.
"Do you have any other questions or disagreements, Mr. Alfred?" asked the manager, turning to the gentleman sitting next to Mr. Sanrino.
"I agree with Mr. Sanrino. We need to discuss and analyze this huge turnover more in-depth," he shared. "What about the rumors of recession?"
"Furthermore, the company's financial problems are on the brink of becoming a public discourse. I saw some financial and economic writers outside our building," Mr. Sanrino added, pointing out the potential mess the company could be in.
"How about we put the turnover on hold and focus on our next move?" suggested one of Mr. Alcov's personal secretaries. "We need to prioritize the executive officer position, Mr. Sanrino. Our company cannot afford to lose."
"Are you insinuating that I don't trust Mister Isquierda's expertise, Miss Elizabeth?" Mr. Sanrino snapped at the woman.
"We must honor the old man's decision to make his grandson the next chief executive, Mr. Sanrino. With all due respect, it's our job to understand and follow his orders," the woman replied respectfully.
"We're not policemen carrying out orders. We're businessmen who provide solutions to every problem that arises in our company," Mr. Sanrino said, glaring at the woman in front of him.
"My earlier suggestion was my solution to your problem, Mr. Sanrino. Perhaps you didn't understand it well enough," she retorted, hiding a smirk.
"Enough of this," the old man said, halting their heated argument, "My words will always be final. My grandson will be the next chief executive, and I want all of you to respect him and honor him as much as you did to me,"
They all smiled and nodded, agreeing to the old man's declaration. On the other hand, Antonio leisurely viewed all the officers and secretaries at the long afternoon table. Miss Warren held her head high and gazed at Antonio with an assuring smile, whereas Mr. Sanrino glimpsed the woman before him with a scowl.
All of them are waiting for Antonio to speak since the old man is looking at him intently.
"I will proceed to be the next chief executive officer after I finish my degree in fashion technology at La Paz Integrated School," Antonio announced while looking at all of the people at the look table; he assured them that he would carry out all the suggested plans and solutions.
The old man smiled at Antonio while the manager seemed hesitant about the next movement.
"The declaration will be effective sooner rather than later." the old man declared.
After that, everyone is dismissed, and all the officers and even their secretaries instantly shake their hands to Antonio. Everyone introduced themselves to him and gladly waited for Antonio to take over the company. Everyone is on their best behavior, and Antonio doesn't even like the idea that everyone in the room will be his inferior. Mr. Sanrino almost caught him looking at Miss Elizabeth, who seemed oblivious about how Mr. Sanrino glared at her.
"I'll be glad to be your next subordinate, Mr. Antonio." Miss Elizabeth warmly greets Antonio as if she knows him long enough.
Antonio just nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Miss,"
"Your grandfather will tell you everything you need to know in the company. For sure, he will tell you who's your team," she said, and she winked at him. Antonio suppressed his laugh because the secretary teased him.
"Should I ask him about you and your job description?" Antonio innocently asked.
"What do you think?" Miss Elizabeth said while putting out a smirk on his face.
Antonio just shrugged his shoulders, not giving her an answer. Miss Elizabeth left the conversation as it was since someone behind them spoke irrationally.
"Oh, someone flirted with their newest boss," Mr. Sanrino stated, and he looked at Antonio and Miss Elizabeth. "I guess you will try to blow him on his first day,"
Antonio seems uncomfortable with the situation since he didn't know them in the first place. But, the rudeness dripping on Mr. Sanrino's tongue is poisonous. Antonio didn't mind the insult thrown at him, but it was insulting for a woman who appeared genuine. At that particular moment, Antonio wanted to fire Mr. Sanrino.
"Why are you jealous? Don't be! I'll give you one if you just ask me nicely," Miss Elizabeth said, trying not to punch Mr. Sanrino's guts.
Right after Elizabeth's profound teasing, she walks out of the room. Mr. Sanrino loses the tightness of his tie, but Antonio just glared at him.
"Do you think you'll still be in a consultant team?" Antonio asked Mr. Sanrino.
"Doesn't mean you'll be my boss; I'll bend to your orders. I'm still your senior," Mr. Sanrino sneered.
"Seniors will be affected by the recession," Antonio hinted.
"I'm the best of my team; you wouldn't replace me," Mr. Sanrino confidently said. "Let your grandfather suggest your team; it will benefit you,"
He tapped Antonio's shoulder before leaving. He almost gritted his teeth because of Mr. Sanrino's arrogance. A loud ringtone dismissed Antonio's rage; he used to be like a foolish man, but not today.
"Hello, what is it now, Yeron?" Antonio's annoyed greeting is a mood, and the other line is astounded by that.
"You seem upset, Antonio. I have news for you," he said, "Your name is all over the campus in posters presuming that you are a thief,"
"What the fuck?" Antonio vocalized the worst words he uttered, and it seemed liberating. He is calm, collected, and composed, but today's situation doesn't even halt him from feeling distressed.
"It's true. I don't know if someone hated you in this way," he stated, in which common sense is not expected. This suspicion hasn't risen and been talked about, but whoever hated and created rumors about Antonio is a lower-headed, attention seeker who loves to torment everyone's reputation, even him.
For no apparent reason, Antonio has numerous petty problems that must be addressed. The pressure of opening the truth is louder than making the overview of hatred seem natural and urgent.
"Who's behind this rumor-mongering action?" he questions his friend Yeron.
"I don't know who's the mastermind, Antonio. The whole fiasco is your posters sticks in every corner of the school walls." He obviously stated and warned his friend about the situation.
"Damn," he cursed again. "What did I steal?"
Yeron laughed about the ridiculous accusation. "A mobile phone from a rich girl named Violet,"
"Are you sure about this, Yeron?" he asked.
"Presumably, it's Violet. I don't have any prospect other than her who's been an attention seeker bitch," he commented as if he observed Violet for so long.
"Affirmative," Antonio said as if he guessed the root of his bad luck. Antonio stirred his way out for the afternoon lunch break and went to the parking where his car was.
"You will come to the university right now?" Yeron asked, "I swear, you're the instant celebrity,"
The other line mocked Antonio. Antonio doesn't know how to react if he would laugh or suppress his anger.
"Sounds like trouble waiting to happen," Antonio said. Yeron was supposed to reply, but Antonio hung up the phone.
Antonio commanded the valet not to use the car; instead, he let the valet park the car 10 minutes from the school. He wanted to make the impression that all the university kids presumed he was poor and pitied despite the rumors of him being a thief. Everyone laughed at Antonio when they saw him in the university quadrangle. Some even whistled and insulted him, being a man without money. Worse, they even told him to snatch their most expensive phone. Antonio walked his way into the brick wall of the university. In front of it is Ansley Hall, where all the university people walk to their rooms. He noticed the posters plastered on the wall of the university building; he grabbed them with full force and tried to put them in a trash bin. He knew it was a fiasco, a ridiculous situation where affluent adults condemned a mishap of truths. "Yet, you're the worst fashion tech student. I didn't know you had it in you," someone from the bleachers near Ansley Hall blurted out. "He's the
Enough for these rich kids who rely on their parents for their essence. The parents who pick up their children’s mess are those parents who are actually unapologetic to everything. The problem of every privileged child who seems like they own everything, they even think they can own other people’s time or their existence are troubled enough to remind the underprivileged to bow their heads as low as possible. Ardently, they can’t even fix their own life. The rich boy’s father went to the university’s office and started to question the principal. The scowl on the rich boy’s face is evident and Antonio doesn’t even crawl back to his original state, he’s just there standing as if it wasn’t his problem to fix. “What do you mean about this, Mister Vondale? How dare my child be called in detention?” the rich boy’s father sneered. “I called you here, Mr. Smith because your son is in trouble,” The principal greeted the rich boy’s father, who strode his way to the door with an arrogant aur
The decision should be finalized, that’s what they wanted. But the sudden change of course can’t predict the finality; their shocked faces, wide eyes and the sweat running at the side of their faces is evident. The rich girl named Olivia held the arms of her father since she was embarrassed about her father’s behavior. She didn’t even glance at Antonio. “What’s wrong with you, father!?” Olivia said, quite annoyed. “That guy is the one who throw the punch to Dale,” “I don’t care if he’s the one who punches Dale,” the rich girl’s father stated, as if he wanted to make Antonio the victim of the said ridiculous menagerie. Dale glared at Olivia. Olivia stomp his feet and gritted her teeth, “Father, in the first place you shouldn’t apologize,” “We should, my daughter,” the rich girl’s father said with conviction. Mr. Smith vocalizes his concern on the situation, “That poor uneducated poor should be the one to apologize. After all, Dale and Olivia had their reasons,” Dale is behi
The rich girl doesn’t even want to get involved now and proceeds to gazed at Antonio despite the sudden behavior of her father. Olivia had her common sense now; her father who’s about to slap her but it didn't happen since they wanted to get away from the hall and leave as if nothing happened. No one even wondered that the rich girl's father would do that to her daughter. Antonio doesnt gawk even further since he knows that Olivia will follow her father’s command. They will feel sorry, Antonio thought. Everyone is looking since they knew, yes even the personal assistant of the rich girl’s father knows who I am and they would pretend I am just a normal university kid who is supposed to be kicked out. Suddenly, the rich girl interrupted the conversation of his father and one of Antonio’s personal assistants. They are outside of the university premises and they vouch not to cause another scene. The rich girl’s father didn’t even see how her daughter tried to make amends to Antonio.
Antonio already has its path of independence. Right after the chaos in his university, he decided to book a fancy restaurant away from the downtown; the dark nights twinkling with the light of hope and opportunity of getting drunk with life-- must be the truth he always wanted to have. The manager of the said pub guided him to the reserved table, prepared a rum and glasses of expensive finger bites. Antonio seated, crossed legs and gazing at the manager who seems anxious and waiting for his orders. Antonio thinks that the other employees in the said pub seem curious of sudden changes of their manager's personality. The manager spoke to him in a calm tone which Antonio seemed shocked. Antonio noticed that it sounded so scripted and he wanted to put an end to his blabbering mouth, but he can't because he don;t want to have a reputation of being rude to the manager, even to employees who are eyeing him with death glare, as if he can buy them. I mean, he can but he won't. “How does a d
Antonio doesn't need to know more about the drinking session he had last night. He woke up feeling thirsty and still on his clothes. No one in the house dared to touch him or even change his clothes to make him comfortable. Everyone thinks he's some sort of an individual who's off limits. He doesn't have a severe hang-over and he decided to strip off his clothes. He walks naked in his modern room, filled with black and white motifs. He even walked to his glass window near his toilet. Antonio examined himself there, standing and staring to his biceps, to his stomach and down to his center. For a minute, he stood there, reminiscing the conversation he had from that particular female staff member. Antonio thought about the female staff's name. But a part of him knew her name but he forgot. He showered all his thoughts, doubts and worries. Everyday is a constant battle of knowing what to do of his new lifestyle. One of his personal assistant rush in, and ask Antonio what he wanted to d
It's Saturday afternoon. Mostly during these hours, the pub will be empty, no one is ordering their fave cocktails in the bar, or mostly flirting with their female staff members. It's an unusual sight, the manager said. All of the people are circling a certain table, far away from the entrance. It’s near the jukebox and the comfort room door. They are standing, hands on their chin, whispering and gawking at two people sitting at the table with a chess board and a clock. The female staff wears glasses with her hair down, wearing his female staff outfit. Her opponent is a stranger, who seems like a pub reviewer from the local government unit where they can revoke your license to operate. They instantly played chess as if they bet their life on it. One of the onlookers explained the game to his children, who didn't even know the rules of the game. ‘I want to play like her, dad,’ the children excitedly told her father. The father nodded and said, ‘In a right time, darling,’ The childre
Antonio thought his mother married a dead man. But, it had a different meaning. His mother tried to hide her relationship to a black sheep, a man who's son of a multi-billionaire and tried to leave a life penniless. Antonio knew the story by now because his relatives went to his house a couple of hours ago. Antonio doesn't have the mood to entertain visitors; his own relatives which he didn't even meet. They even tell all the most absurd stories and gossip they ever have, even the personal assistants of Antonio seem uncomfortable with the situation. When the time comes for the fitting of his suit, they bid farewell. Antonio politely guided them in the exit doors. "See you, tomorrow." "The universe will guide you with wisdom and grace, Tonio," one of his relatives who wears a boho hat prayed to him over. "Thank you, Mrs. Oberian," Antonio said. They give him kisses on the cheeks and bid him farewell. They already established a good reputation on socialization in which Antonio is h
They prepared themself to pick the nicest cars in the car dealers. Nicholas and Ferrer don't know if they will purchase expensive cars or the cheaper ones. Their boss just wanted to purchase a car for themselves albeit the price. Antonio just wanted this day to end. It's not because he's tired, he just wants to finish shopping for cars for personal assistants.He managed to buy them cars because he got bored waiting for Nicholas this morning. He was also surprised to know that Nicholas did not have his own car. So he was able to say words that could cost him money.But it is not easy for Antonio to run out of money, he is a CEO and the son of a prominent business man who also comes from an influential family. The De Isquierdas only paid for the two cars. They can grow the town of Vacarelli, so a million won't hurt their pocket.Ferrer was shaking with excitement because he now had his own car that he could use. His family learned of this news, and because of that Ferrer has high resp
The next day, Antonio is already prepared for the day. He’s on his dapper self, sipping chamomile tea and waiting for Nicholas’ report. Nicholas is his personal assistant where he can request everything without any hassle. It’s already his call time but he wasn’t around. Ferrer, one of Antonio’s personal assistants where he usually drives Antonio everywhere he goes. Every destination of Antonio is already listed on Ferrer’s. Now, Ferrer is standing near the door waiting for any orders. “Do you hear anything from Nicholas?” Antonio asked, who seemed impatient. “No words from Nicholas,” Ferrer simply said, shaking his head. “It’s already 8:30 in the morning,” Antonio said while looking at his wristwatch. Even Ferrer unconsciously checks the wall clock. For sure, Nicholas hadn’t had any tardiness before and they don’t even know if he called off for work. “He might have been stuck in traffic,” Ferrer said. There must be a plausible reason why Nicholas is late and this theory is one
Antonio's personal assistant did everything he was told. He researched all the private information of the employees in the De Isqueirdas' company. There was no trace that he could not find in his research, including the social security number that he obtained.He saw all the information and it flashed on the big television in the secret hideout of Antonio's personal assistants. The secret hideout is made of bricks and has a security door before you enter. There are many computers and a large television with a table full of papers and two glasses filled with craft beer.There was also an ashtray and a newly used cigarette. In the distance there was a man who lacked the sun's rays, wearing dark clothes, glasses and very pale. Has deep seated eyes and always eats a carton of cereals. Antonio's personal assistant greeted the hacker and didn't even look back at him.No voice was heard but only his breath and a loud sound from the keyboard."Anything suspicious?" asked Antonio's personal as
Antonio’s grandpa didn’t tell the press about bad things to Mr. Richardson and their family. In a serious manner, they just wanted to take it lowkey and didn't want to drag it even further. This family is always on track with their wealth and everyone wanted a piece of it. Antonio called all his employees and told them that they should shut their mouth about the plans they ever made. Obviously, Mister Richardson deserves the spotlight and he needs to be ashamed for being so arrogant. Also, Antonio is searching for cobwebs in his room and he keeps on receiving messages from Elyse. He even replied to her out of respect and as one of the CEOs. The boss who wasn't rude and can reply to messages. Antonio usually replies to messages during and after working hours before and now he’s the one who replies to his employees as the boss. Antonio doesn’t even think who Elyse actually is. He just knew that she’s appropriate for the job. He sees potential in her because she’s professional enough
Elyse texted Antonio that the membership fee of Elizabeth and Vaughn should be catered by the company. She’s on the verge of giving up today due to an unforeseen event; the limousine that parked in front of their company is not on her bingo card.Antonio received Elsye messages and he tried to look unbothered; it’s common sense to let the company pay for the VIP so what’s the point of messaging the CEO. Antonio didn’t even think about the purpose of the message since it sounds ridiculous and irrelevant. Perhaps, this is a way for Elyse to let Antonio work his ass off despite not being in the office for a while. To: The BossFrom: ElyseThe VIP membership fee cost me a fortune. You will pay for this right?To: ElyseFrom: The BossIt’s common sense that the members will pay for it, am I wrong? To: The BossFrom: ElyseThe RGO Center is waiting for the membership fee. I don’t have anything in my wallet now. To: ElyseFrom: The BossI didn’t mean you will pay for the two. Let them pay
The dinner went smoothly since Antonio decided to tell his grandpa that someone shot him in his office. The Old Man doesn't scold him because he fainted and the whole De Isquierda assistants look worried. They’re on the way into the hospital. The personal assistant informed all the De Isquierda relatives about the situation and they needed to tighten their security. The whole company decided to stop their operation until further notice and only the board of directors and the executives will visit the company. Meanwhile the organizational team of Antonio will contact the RGO Center about the VIP and the files. “This must be an emergency,” Mr. Sanrino annoyingly picked up his phone in his back pocket. “Thank you for picking up the phone, Vaugh. The whole company is on seize because someone threaten Antonio into his villa, and the Old Man got hospitalized,” The other line said, without pause and seems hysteric. “What do you mean? Is this a joke?” Mr. Sanrino said, as if someone calle
“But that’s the worst thing you could do, Antonio,” my grandfather said, while lighting up his cigar.Antonio stared at his grandfather, smoking wa tobacco inside his office. Thus, speaking a serious tone about the situation that Antonio wanted to make a secret. “I thought you’ll quit smoking?” “Old habits die hard, Antonio,” “But, it’s for your health,” “You’re worried that it will lose my breath?” “I’m shock you didn’t follow your goals,” “Antonio, you will understand when the time comes,” he said, “Please let this old man indulge his pleasure,” Antonio wanted to grab his grandfather’s tobacco but he couldn't walk there since he had a gun wound on his leg. Besides, he doesn't want to cause another suspicion to his grandfather. Also, the gun wound is a representation of someone’s greed and resentment not from him but also to De Isqueirda’s. Right now, the only thing that Antonio can do is to make it natural and simple. Even though being a rich CEO is a complex job, maybe ever
Antonio and his grandfather tried their best to be there for each other. Now, when Antonio sees the car of his grandfather that’s already at his villa, he immediately recalled the situation that happened earlier. He is debating if he should confess to her grandfather about her wrong doings. But, it wasn;t a wrongdoing, it’s a plan with a good cause. “Young Master, the Old Man is already here,” Ferrer barged into Antono’s office. Nicholas signaled Ferrer about helping Nicholas to prepare for the food. Antonio busied himself on his laptop and emailed his secretary that all of his organizational team would be here in the villa too because they will discuss their next week plan for the RGO Center. This RGO Center is the most eloquent business in La Paz, they also pick the best employees and csr. They didn’t even enjoy yapping on television about their products and services. This must be underrated for the old rich and their loyal customers. Speaking of loyal customers, Antonio remembe
There are always bumps in the lives of the De Isquierda. They don't know why their fate is like this, is it because they have a lot of money and have been living well for a long time.Contrary to many, the De Isquierda are a good family and other people want to bring them down. It was a big blow to Amga De Isquirda to make their family public but others still tried to show their family members.Just like the Richardson families, who want to expose the De Isqueirda, they know that Senior is hiding a grandchild, but they don't know where. These were the times when Antonio was not around.So Senior calls Antonio because his father, who is also Senior's son, died in an accident. They also don't know where Antonio's mother is, because Senior's son insists on not letting everyone know where his wife is.So Senior supported the entire company and did not keep his son's promise to him. Senior lived as if he was the only one. But Senior has many allies so it is easy to conceal the truth and it