Antonio De Isquierda: The Rise of Rich CEO

Chapter 4 Meeting

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.