Antonio's POV
I and Elena sat on the chair as we kept staring in anticipation at my phone that laid on the table. Finally the shrill ringtone of the phone filled the room. I rushed to it swiping the answer button.
" Any report?" I asked frantically
" She's dead." The reply made a smile curl at the corner of my lips. I hanged up with relief in my mind.
" What did he say?" Elena asked as she took a sip out of her wine glass.
" She's out of our lives forever, she's dead." I said making Elena's smile grow even wider, Esmeralda was dead.
The next day was a good day for us as we twirled and danced, our laughter echoed through the walls of the room. We got dressed and ready to go to Lawson industries. I was dressed in a black suit and white shirt while Elena was dressed in black bodycon gown that showed off her curves.
" Are you ready to take charge baby?" Elena asked as she adjusted my tie right.
" I was born ready." We walked out of the house hand in hand feeling like the most powerful couples on planet Earth. As we stepped into Lawson's industries all eyes were focused on us and everyone that saw us had a shocked expression on their faces.
We barged into the conference room where the board of directors meeting was holding. All eyes turned to see the intruder and even became suprised when they saw my fingers intertwined with Elena's.
I ignored all the stares as I walked to the chair at the head of the table and lowered my self to the chair. I could feel a surge of power and authority. The chair that was once occupied by Esmeralda while Elena sat by my right hand.
" What in the world in this?" One of the directors asked with his eyebrows furrowed in anger.
" Well my wife is dead" I said making everyone in the room gasp. " And she left her company and the Lawson fortune in my capable hands."
" Then who is this woman" someone asked. " She is my wife, Elena Reyes." I said while Elena was beaming with joy.
" That is impossible, Esmeralda loved this company like her child, she poured out herself for it." Another director said.as he received nods from other board members.
" Esmeralda is no more!" I shouted in anger gradually getting infuriated by their none acceptance of Esmeralda's death. The room was thrown into a pin drop silence.
" I am now the owner of the Lawson fortune. If you're not happy with it, you may please leave." Immediately all the board members stood up and went out the door one by one.
" I always knew you were up to no good. I warned Esme" the last director said angrily before walking out the door. Gideon had always been a father figure to Esmeralda since her parents died and was one of the oldest directors. My eyes scanned around the empty room realising that it was just I and Elena that were in the room.
" There's no way we can run the company without the directors." I said a bit of fear could be heard in my voice.
" Calm down Antonio, who said we can't. We are the owner's now there's absolutely no one telling us what to do." She said with happiness in her tone as she twirled around.
" Brilliant idea, fuck the board." I said making her crackle in laughter. Mid way her laughter her eyes lit up like she had remembered something.
" We should change the name too." She said taking slow steps towards me.
" Change it to?"
" Reyes industries." A smirked danced around my lips. I loved the sound of my name being part of the top companies.
" I love it."
" I know you do but I do a request." she said plopping down on my laps. I wrapped my arms around her waist drawing her closer to me. " What's that?"
" You have to fire everyone of Esmeralda loyalist."
" Definitely, we don't want anyone spoiling our plans." I said before latching my lips on his.
Later that evening, as I ascended the podium commanding the vast number of Lawson industries employees. I could sense the confusion and anticipation in the air.
" Ladies and gentlemen." I said in a steady tone. " The dawn of a new era has began." I was replied with murmuring from the crowd.
" Esmeralda Reyes, my wife had passed on." I started again making the hall quiet. " She had entrusted all her properties and fortune to me, Loyalty to me is non negotiable. The company is now officially Reyes Industries not Lawson industries anymore. Any question?"
The murmuring doubled, only a handful were on our side. Suddenly the noise died down when a hand was raised in the crowd. I looked at the person who's hand was raised, I recognised him. He has earlier introduced himself as the head of the finance department.
" Speak"
" With all due respect, we can not possibly wipe out the Lawson's legacy. That's not right." He said, I could sense the anger in his voice but I couldn't care less.
" This is not democracy, and that's exactly what is needed at this point in time. If you are of a different opinion you may as well leave." I could feel Elena's arm wrapped around mine in solidarity.
I was doing a complete purge in the company of Esmeralda, removing every trace of her loyalists from the company. In order for I and Elena's plan to work we have get them out of the way. That way the name Esmeralda Lawson remains buried.
As I descended the podium I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out to see who it was. It was a text.
' Elena is not who you think she is.'
Esmeralda's POVI jolted awake, my heart racing and pounding against my chest. I stared at the ceiling as I tried to figure out where I was. The last scene I recall was me being hit to one side of the road and blood trickling down my forehead. I pulled up myself trying to sit up when I felt a sharp pain on my head making me hiss in pain. I looked around the room I was in. This was definitely not my room in the Lawson mansion but everything in the room screamed luxury. " You are awake!" A girl who I did not notice was in the room exclaimed as she ran out the door. Few minutes later, the girl came in with a man who is probably in his sixties. The man had a smile on his face." How are you feeling?" He asked sending her a sympathetic look." I'm fine I guess but my head hurts a lot." I said hissing in pain as I tried to sit up again. This time the girl rushed to my side to help me." Talia go call the doctor." The man said to the girl before coming to my side. " You'll be fine child" he
Isabel Cruz POVThe furious typing sound of the keyboard and the humming of the air conditioner were the only sound you could hear in the room. I was preparing the contract to be signed by my new investors. I couldn't believe how a company that I started just two years ago was already gaining popularity and trust from the masses. This was a feat that took my father years to achieve, but I did it in two years. I wish my parents could have been here to see this. Cruz group was currently ranking number ten in the top company list." Isabel!" Someone shouted my name getting me startled. My attention immediately diverted to the source of the shout." Gosh Talia you got me startled." I said breathing in relief. " I had been calling you for a while now." " I'm sorry I didn't hear you, I'm just trying to finish up this contracts before next week, how's everything with the company?" I had refused to show my face to the public, no one knows the face behind the owner of Cruz group not even my
Miguel's POV" If you check in page two of the contract papers before you, everything you asked to facilitate this business transaction are all in there." I said with a calm tone as I looked at the three gentlemen that were sitting in front of me.One of the men whispered into the ear of the man sitting in their middle. Immediately the middle man picked up the pen and signed the paper." Congratulations Mr Martinez, I anticipate doing business with you." He said stretching his hand out for a handshake. I quickly locked my hands with his." You would not regret it for one day." I said confidence in my tone. Now, that is how to seal a contract legally. Being a CEO for the past two months has proven to be very stressful. I had made so many tough decisions, taken so many risk, made a few losses and bagged a lot of contract. People expected me to be like the former CEO, my father. They expected me to have to bribe people and companies into entering a contract with me. But where is the val
Elena's POVFlashback I sat in a corner of the cafeteria as I watched everyone. Every other person were eating lunch like kings except me who had just two fingers of banana and a bottle of water. That's what people who enter Ivy league schools by scholarship are made to go through. I felt so out of place in this school but I had to take the opportunity when they offered me scholarship. My eyes scanned around the rich children as I ate my banana and my eyes met with hers. It was the Lawson heiress, I always wanted to be like her. She looked away after a few minutes. I had to make her my friend that way I stop being an outcast. After school I took a bold step to meet with her. I stood in front of my locker watching her. As she was about to go out through the exit, I walked backwards, and bumped into her making her books fall" I'm so sorry." I said as I helped her pick the books up." It's fine" she said with a small smile as she took the books from my hand." My name is Elena"" I'm
Isabel POVI poured more wine into my cup left resting back to focus on the television. I had streamed the whole product launch event of Martinez corporation since I was unable to go. I was glad I could help him with his product. My eyes caught a glimpse of someone, Antonio. He was greeting Miguel Martinez with Elena by his side. My phone vibrated and I checked the caller.Miguel Martinez. As expected. I connected the automated voice before swiping the answer button." Good evening, Miss Cruz." My eyes widened in realization. How did he even get to know my gender? I decided to play dumb knowing that he could be playing mind games." Good evening Mr Martinez, lovely event you had."" Well, you couldn't show up to even give your speech yourself, how can you be so sure." " I apologise for my absence but it was inevitable." " I understand, you clean up so good though. No one has ever seen you not even at your merchandise drop off locations."" Someone had been doing a background check
Isabel POV I stood in front of the restaurant staring at the familiar door. It looks like I've obviously been here before, I gasp as my assistant the memory flowed right back." No." I voiced out. " What do you mean no?" Talia asked confused at my facial expression." Are you sure this is the venue?" " Yes, this area has been secluded for a while so there aren't much people here." " I can't go into that restaurant." I said walking back to the car. " What do you mean? You said you have to save your company?" She said following me closely behind." Yes, that exactly what I said but not this venue. No hear." Tears were already streaming down my cheeks and my hands were vibrating. " What's wrong Isabel? Talk to me please." She pleaded this time in a calm voice. " I can't just go through that door, I just can't." I said before entering the car.I sat down in my room curled up in one corner of the room. I had refused to eat or see anyone not even Talia. " Isabel you know this is not he
Miguel POVI paced the length of my room as I waited impatiently for the effect of my act. Few minutes later I heard the shrill sound of my ringtone. I smirk knowing I have the upper arm. I swiped the answer button." You better have a good explanation." I said immediately the call connected." You are breeching your contract by withdrawing your shares before the end of the said contract." I was suprised at her choice of word. I had expected her to have been begging for forgiveness but rendered me speechless." You also didn't keep your end of the deal." I said " Last I remember the contract was I help you with your product and you invest in my company. There was a stipulated period of time for your shares to remain with us." She said. The perfect comeback. " Right now, what you are hearing are called speculations, rumours that the Martinez corporation are going to stop doing business with Cruz group. I have not withdrawn from your company, at least not yet. If I don't get my reques
Esmeralda's POVAs I stepped into the dimly lit threshold of Elite Lounge,the bouncer,a towering figure with a sturdy build and strong physique,gazed down at me with a neutral expression."Name?" He asked,his deep voice firm but polite."Esmeralda Reyes" I replied with a smile plastered on my lips.His piercing black eyes scanned my face before shifting to the sleek,black clipboard in his hands. His thick fingers scrolled through the list,his expression unreadable. His gaze returned to my face,his eyes narrowing slightly as if to confirm my identity. A moment passed before he nodded."Welcome to Elite Lounge,Mrs. Reyes. You're on the list" His deep voice rumbled with a slight smile on his lips as he moved aside from the door. I sauntered in, grimacing at the loud blaring music and the sight of people twirling and dancing on the floor. Born into the world as an heiress of the Lawson family's fortune,I grew up accustomed to the extravagant lifestyle of the rich,but everything changed
Miguel POVI paced the length of my room as I waited impatiently for the effect of my act. Few minutes later I heard the shrill sound of my ringtone. I smirk knowing I have the upper arm. I swiped the answer button." You better have a good explanation." I said immediately the call connected." You are breeching your contract by withdrawing your shares before the end of the said contract." I was suprised at her choice of word. I had expected her to have been begging for forgiveness but rendered me speechless." You also didn't keep your end of the deal." I said " Last I remember the contract was I help you with your product and you invest in my company. There was a stipulated period of time for your shares to remain with us." She said. The perfect comeback. " Right now, what you are hearing are called speculations, rumours that the Martinez corporation are going to stop doing business with Cruz group. I have not withdrawn from your company, at least not yet. If I don't get my reques
Isabel POV I stood in front of the restaurant staring at the familiar door. It looks like I've obviously been here before, I gasp as my assistant the memory flowed right back." No." I voiced out. " What do you mean no?" Talia asked confused at my facial expression." Are you sure this is the venue?" " Yes, this area has been secluded for a while so there aren't much people here." " I can't go into that restaurant." I said walking back to the car. " What do you mean? You said you have to save your company?" She said following me closely behind." Yes, that exactly what I said but not this venue. No hear." Tears were already streaming down my cheeks and my hands were vibrating. " What's wrong Isabel? Talk to me please." She pleaded this time in a calm voice. " I can't just go through that door, I just can't." I said before entering the car.I sat down in my room curled up in one corner of the room. I had refused to eat or see anyone not even Talia. " Isabel you know this is not he
Isabel POVI poured more wine into my cup left resting back to focus on the television. I had streamed the whole product launch event of Martinez corporation since I was unable to go. I was glad I could help him with his product. My eyes caught a glimpse of someone, Antonio. He was greeting Miguel Martinez with Elena by his side. My phone vibrated and I checked the caller.Miguel Martinez. As expected. I connected the automated voice before swiping the answer button." Good evening, Miss Cruz." My eyes widened in realization. How did he even get to know my gender? I decided to play dumb knowing that he could be playing mind games." Good evening Mr Martinez, lovely event you had."" Well, you couldn't show up to even give your speech yourself, how can you be so sure." " I apologise for my absence but it was inevitable." " I understand, you clean up so good though. No one has ever seen you not even at your merchandise drop off locations."" Someone had been doing a background check
Elena's POVFlashback I sat in a corner of the cafeteria as I watched everyone. Every other person were eating lunch like kings except me who had just two fingers of banana and a bottle of water. That's what people who enter Ivy league schools by scholarship are made to go through. I felt so out of place in this school but I had to take the opportunity when they offered me scholarship. My eyes scanned around the rich children as I ate my banana and my eyes met with hers. It was the Lawson heiress, I always wanted to be like her. She looked away after a few minutes. I had to make her my friend that way I stop being an outcast. After school I took a bold step to meet with her. I stood in front of my locker watching her. As she was about to go out through the exit, I walked backwards, and bumped into her making her books fall" I'm so sorry." I said as I helped her pick the books up." It's fine" she said with a small smile as she took the books from my hand." My name is Elena"" I'm
Miguel's POV" If you check in page two of the contract papers before you, everything you asked to facilitate this business transaction are all in there." I said with a calm tone as I looked at the three gentlemen that were sitting in front of me.One of the men whispered into the ear of the man sitting in their middle. Immediately the middle man picked up the pen and signed the paper." Congratulations Mr Martinez, I anticipate doing business with you." He said stretching his hand out for a handshake. I quickly locked my hands with his." You would not regret it for one day." I said confidence in my tone. Now, that is how to seal a contract legally. Being a CEO for the past two months has proven to be very stressful. I had made so many tough decisions, taken so many risk, made a few losses and bagged a lot of contract. People expected me to be like the former CEO, my father. They expected me to have to bribe people and companies into entering a contract with me. But where is the val
Isabel Cruz POVThe furious typing sound of the keyboard and the humming of the air conditioner were the only sound you could hear in the room. I was preparing the contract to be signed by my new investors. I couldn't believe how a company that I started just two years ago was already gaining popularity and trust from the masses. This was a feat that took my father years to achieve, but I did it in two years. I wish my parents could have been here to see this. Cruz group was currently ranking number ten in the top company list." Isabel!" Someone shouted my name getting me startled. My attention immediately diverted to the source of the shout." Gosh Talia you got me startled." I said breathing in relief. " I had been calling you for a while now." " I'm sorry I didn't hear you, I'm just trying to finish up this contracts before next week, how's everything with the company?" I had refused to show my face to the public, no one knows the face behind the owner of Cruz group not even my
Esmeralda's POVI jolted awake, my heart racing and pounding against my chest. I stared at the ceiling as I tried to figure out where I was. The last scene I recall was me being hit to one side of the road and blood trickling down my forehead. I pulled up myself trying to sit up when I felt a sharp pain on my head making me hiss in pain. I looked around the room I was in. This was definitely not my room in the Lawson mansion but everything in the room screamed luxury. " You are awake!" A girl who I did not notice was in the room exclaimed as she ran out the door. Few minutes later, the girl came in with a man who is probably in his sixties. The man had a smile on his face." How are you feeling?" He asked sending her a sympathetic look." I'm fine I guess but my head hurts a lot." I said hissing in pain as I tried to sit up again. This time the girl rushed to my side to help me." Talia go call the doctor." The man said to the girl before coming to my side. " You'll be fine child" he
Antonio's POVI and Elena sat on the chair as we kept staring in anticipation at my phone that laid on the table. Finally the shrill ringtone of the phone filled the room. I rushed to it swiping the answer button." Any report?" I asked frantically" She's dead." The reply made a smile curl at the corner of my lips. I hanged up with relief in my mind." What did he say?" Elena asked as she took a sip out of her wine glass." She's out of our lives forever, she's dead." I said making Elena's smile grow even wider, Esmeralda was dead.The next day was a good day for us as we twirled and danced, our laughter echoed through the walls of the room. We got dressed and ready to go to Lawson industries. I was dressed in a black suit and white shirt while Elena was dressed in black bodycon gown that showed off her curves." Are you ready to take charge baby?" Elena asked as she adjusted my tie right." I was born ready." We walked out of the house hand in hand feeling like the most powerful cou
Esmeralda's POV"What the hell just happened?" One of the men yelled out in rage and ran to the already dead man. The hole in his forehead was definitely drilled by a bullet,but no sound of gunshot was heard.The remaining three men had a mix of terror and confusion etched on their faces as they examined the body."How did this happen? Who did this?" One of them berated no one in particular,his eyes darting around to locate the culprit,but there was no one in the street, except for us.They began to eye each other suspiciously, thinking the culprit was amongst them. One of them brought out a gun from nowhere and pointed it at the rest. "Which one of you is responsible?" He queried."What are you doing,Pedro? Have you gone insane? We all saw what happened" One of them yelled in rage."The bullet came from the front and we were behind him" the second man chipped in,his voice shaking. "If you want to suspect anyone,it should be that woman. Who knows? Maybe she's one of the spies from her