Chapter 6 - Late

Late

I was dumbfounded at what she said. I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"W-what?" I said stuttering unable to fully comprehend what she said.

Her gaze went to Tito then to mine. I saw how she hesitated to repeat what she said. "T-the company is at risk of f-failing, Ms. Laurier," she mumbled but her voice was very clear. I wish I didn't hear her.

This is the consequence of all the ignoring I did over the past month. My parent's legacy is threatening to disappear just because of my emotions taking over me.

I felt myself stumbling but was stopped by Tito's strong grip on my back.

"Calm down, Calliana. The company has ongoing projects, and I mean great projects. All the money that Arthur stole will come back. I won't let my sister's company go down like this. I will help you," Tito said reassuringly.

What Tito said was the only thing that was keeping me sane. After three days of learning one by one about the company, today is the meeting of board members.

I've planned everything in my head. With the short amount of time the board members gave me, I've come up with a new project that will boost our company. I will never have had the courage to present this project without the help of Tito Alex.

The car stopped in front of our company's building. Mang Robert went out and opened the door for me.

"Thank you, Mang Robert," I said and went out of the car.

Tito Alex was already waiting for me in the lobby. He was talking to someone on the phone when he saw me.

After the phone call, he greeted me. "Are you ready?" He asked with concern.

I nodded. "Yes, Tito. Thank you for all the help you gave me. I wouldn't have done everything without you."

He smiled and softly patted the top of my head.

Kreia, the woman who approached us the last time, was my mother's secretary. She was waiting for us outside the conference room.

"Is everyone present?" I asked in a serious tone.

"Yes, Ms. Laurier. They are all waiting for you and Mr. Lewis."

When we entered the conference room, everyone was already looking at us. They stood up and greeted us.

"Good morning, Ms. Laurier and Mr. Lewis."

I nodded briefly and sat down. Tito Alex sat down on my right side while Kreia was on my left readying her laptop to write the minutes of the meeting.

The meeting started with Mr. Gleo, the supervisor, reporting the status of the company for the past six months. He briefly discussed the achievements of the company and its current status.

"The company has been one of the top three furniture companies in the Philippines, providing extraordinary designs to the customers, small businesses and companies. Thanks to the late Mrs. Laurier's dedication to the company, she has completely raised the company's position in no time."

"We know that already, Mr. Gleo. What we want you to report is the status of the company right now. I doubt we're one of the top three furniture companies in the Philippines next month!" Mr. Hargon, a board member, exclaimed. By the look of his face, I know that he was irritated but I'm more irritated at how he disrespected Mr. Gleo.

I saw some of the board members nod, agreeing with what the old man said. I felt someone tap my arm.

Tito Alex was telling me with his look to let it be. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from talking harsh words to the board members. I still have to present and patience is what I need more.

Mr. Gleo cleared his throat. He moved his presentation to the next slide and continued reporting. "The company is facing a major financial instability because of the bounced checks that Mr. Madrigal stole from the company. After investigating further, he was able to get this much money from the company because of the sudden death of Mrs. Laurier."

"After the death of Mrs. Laurier, the company cannot hold a lot longer if there won't be a CEO. Mr. Madrigal was appointed as acting CEO in the meantime because Ms. Calliana Laurier, the true heiress of the company, was still grieving."

The whole report of Mr. Gleo was a punch in my gut. I feel guiltier that I let the company be in Arthur's hand. It was only for a month and the company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

Some of the board members looked at me like everything is my fault and my self-blame only grew more.

After the report of Mr. Gleo, I stood up and was ready to present when Tito stood up and whispered, "Don't let their words and stares get to you. You can do it, Calliana. Show them what you got."

That was all the motivation that I needed. My self-confidence came back and I stood with my chin held high. Tito is right, I shouldn't be affected by their words and stares. Now that my parents' company is failing, they're talking back like they didn't owe the company.

Kreia went in front to set my presentation. After setting it up, she gave me the remote and sat back.

"Good morning everyone. I believe you already know who I am. With the company facing a difficult time, I want to present to you a promising project," I started.

I moved the presentation to the next slide. "This project will be called 'Build to Save'. Our company has been providing different kinds of furniture to the demands of our customers. I think it is now our time to give back to them."

I saw how other board members' faces contorted.

"I don't think Ms. Laurier heard what Mr. Gleo said about the status of the company. The company is on the brink of failing. I don't think a new project will be beneficial to the company, Ms. Laurier," Mr. Hargon once again interrupted a report.

Their disapproving faces of the board members didn't falter me. "If you just let me finish my presentation, Mr. Hargon, without butting in. I believe we can save more time," I said, sarcastically smiling at him.

His face turned awry, he was about to say something again when Tito Alex stopped him.

"Mr. Hargon, I know that you have the right to disapprove a project. However, you should give my niece time to discuss her project and hear everything she has to say before telling her that it will not benefit the company at all." After Tito said that, Mr. Hargon turned away and didn't talk back anymore.

Finally. I continued presenting my presentation to the board members. "This will be a good cause to our current and future customers. It will provide the demands of our customers and at the same time will boost our company's image."

Mrs. Heclea, one of the longest investor and board member, raised her hand.

"Yes, Mrs. Heclea."

"Your project is remarkable, Ms. Laurier. I agree with everything that you said. This will not only boost the company's image, but it will also attract customers and companies will reconsider buying pieces of furniture from us. It is a good cause, Ms. Laurier. I commend you for that."

My smile grew wider. "Thank you," I sincerely said.

"However, there is a downside to that. If you have presented this project to us long before the company was not handled by Mr. Madrigal then you will immediately get my yes. We have two big projects ongoing, Ms. Laurier. I don't know if the company will still hold on until that two project finishes. We are like a ticking bomb. Our competitors our wishing for our failure. They're waiting when will our company go down. The company cannot handle a project this big, Ms. Laurier," she said without a stop.

I bit my lower lip. I get her point. I totally get it but... This is the only way I know.

"Unless there is a willing investor. Then we can proceed to your project," she said with hope.

Did they really think that I can find an investor in three days? There is a way to find investors but it will take time.

"I have also considered that. And I think I know someone who can invest in our company."

My gaze turned to Tito Alex when he said that. Did he find an investor? How? We already discussed finding an investor but with the given time, I don't think he can find that fast...

The door to the conference room opened and a very familiar man entered the room. His dominating aura made all the people in the conference room look at him.

"Sorry, I'm late," he said in all his manliness before looking at me straight in the eye.