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Chapter 7 Waging War Against Him

  • (Maya POV)
  • As far as I could recall, there has just been one time that Master Zade and Cullen conversed in person longer than usual. I was glad he finally admitted to himself that his wife’s death wasn’t his son’s fault. Or anybody else’s. But fate played tricks too I guess, since it was also after that same day that Master Zade fell ill.
  • “Headmistress,” someone called out to me. It was another maid, the newest one. She’s young and it was unsurprising since poor families usually send their young for work. I wasn’t an exception.
  • “Mister Moss would like to inform that the wake will be held here,” she spoke with her head bowed down. “Master Zade’ body will be transferred here tomorrow.”
  • I smiled shortly at her. “There’s no need to be so formal. Please lift your head when talking to me.”
  • Breathing in the sombre air of the mansion, I turned around to look at how big it was. I have worked here for so long that I’ve seen things transition from happy to sad. Master Zade’ wedding has been held here and it was the happiest day this mansion has ever witnessed. But this has also been the place where Miss Hyacinth passing has been grieved. And now, it was Zade’ turn.
  • My eyes wandered up the stairs leading to Cullen’s room. I knew he expected the news I was about to tell him tomorrow.
  • (Cullen POV)
  • Sleep felt like a dream. I was awoken early by a phone call. It was Jeo.
  • “What is it?” I slurred.
  • “The news has reached the company’s major stakeholders. They knew your father has died,” his tone felt anxious. “They called for an early conference and your presence is direly requested.”
  • “I’ll be there before eight.” I hung up the phone and closed my eyes for a few more seconds. My body felt less heavy compared to last night. I was so exhausted when I got home that I went straight to sleep without even changing clothes.
  • A knock rapped on my door. “Come in.”
  • It was Maya holding a tray of food. I did forget to eat last night.
  • “Leave it there on the table,” I said as I went for the toilet.
  • My reflection stared back at me like a ghost. My face has lost its healthy colour and was pallid from exertion. The chilly water helped a bit but the foresight of the conference and my father’s corpse coming in later made my fate heat up.
  • I’m so done with everything.
  • “Are they here?” I asked from inside.
  • “Not yet.”
  • I nodded in reply, dressed up and went to the car without even touching the food Maya made for me.
  • Dr. Cox was in casual clothing when I met him in the company lobby. I guess he was off from work. I’m not in the mood to listen for what he’s about to say but there’s nothing I could really do about it. I can’t escape the truth anymore. The meeting was still an hour ahead, so I spared some time for him.
  • “A wake will be held for your father before the cremation,” he said passively.
  • “Is that what he wanted?”
  • Dr. Cox nodded. “It was stated in his will that his ashes be placed beside your mother’s urn.”
  • I agreed. They should be inseparable, even in death. “And by the way, please tell Atty. Moss, I request him for the conference at eight this morning.”
  • I gave him a quick nod before heading to my office. Jeo was idling around as he waited for me, white folders jutting from the side of his arm. Those were the papers I need to sign and on the bottom of it all was a compilation of photos.Women.
  • “They’re the women that passed by the chapel via the description you made,” he said.
  • My eyes scanned them quickly and was beyond disappointed when I couldn’t find her image there. “Throw these out. She’s not there.”
  • Jeo agreed and handed me another file, “Here’s your schedule for the entire day. In fifteen minutes, the conference with the Board will start. In about three hours, a meeting will follow with the Cryzastic group of trustees…”
  • Cryzastic? I almost forgot. “So, both companies were alarmed huh,” I smirked.
  • I dismissed him to savour my remaining time alone. I’m ready for every question both companies have for me.
  • At the corner of my eyes, I caught some newspapers piled up at the side of the settee. Jeo gathers them diligently for me every day. On the top of it, the big bold headline reads, ‘Business Tycoon, CEO Zade of Dela Ventura, Dies at 58. His Heir Should Follow Suit’.
  • It was a hate article by the company’s enemies. Nothing new about it. I just laughed at all the ill wishing all this people did against me.
  • ***
  • The conference has begun when I entered. Atty. Moss caught my sight first and I was glad he made it here.
  • Finally, after five years, all their distrust towards me were expressed. They ranted about my hard headedness. How I wasn’t as level-headed as my father to even reject a few proposition that could positively boost the company. All of it boiled down to one implication: replace me from being the official CEO. The grave risk of angering the majority is the possibility of most stakeholder withdrawing their shares. But I wasn’t that afraid since I know most these people are cowards avoiding lose-lose situations.
  • After all, Dela Ventura is still at the top in the market.
  • I scuffed at all the sh*ts coming from their mouths.
  • “Cullen is legally eligible and according to the company’s succession plan he is to replace the position his father vacated,” Atty. Moss spoke. “Has he not proven his worth in the past five years without his father? He has tripled the stock value of the company and increased the annual sales with his strategies.”
  • “That is because both Dr. Cox and you were around. What if you weren’t? This company will be doomed to bankruptcy. Cullen was just too stubborn to think straight without parental guidance,” Chairman Do spat. I have always hated the guts of that old man.
  • I suddenly bit my lip. Since it has come to the mention of family, I couldn’t hold the anger boiling inside me.
  • “I don’t need people who doubt my abilities. Go pack your asses if you think I can’t, this company can’t, thrive without you. I am Cullen Dela Ventura, and as long as I rule, the corporation will not taste defeat.”
  • I caught Jeo giving me a quick triumphant smile. It wasn’t like me to be provoked and suddenly brag, but I had enough.
  • “What else is there to discuss?” I sat back.