Chapter 6-Investigation

Shaina saddened with her current situation despite of always going out with her grandmother’s cousin. Then a few weeks later, she moved out to her own space at last. Also, she started working as a graphic designer in a new built company. 

Shaina didn’t want to rely on her relatives, so she thought this was a good start to her life abroad. She likes to create, edit and analyze.

In the Philippines, even if she’d like to, she couldn’t use her talent in their company because of her cousin who have been overshadowing her. Unlike here, she has the freedom to show all of her knowledge. 

“You did an excellent job!” The company’s president was very happy for Shaina. It’s been just over a month since she was accepted at work, and the company has already made a lot of profit because of her skill. Their clients from commercial companies and others immediately increased and improved.

Shaina shyly smiled at the man. She was suddenly embarrassed by her admiration. The president and most of her companions are Filipinos like her.

“From now on, I will appoint you to the position of creative director!” 

Surprised, Shaina’s eyes widened at the president’s announcement. At the same moment, everyone cheered for her, that almost deaf her. Appreciation for the love and respect from those people around her enwrap Shaina’s heart. Finally, she was promoted at her job. It’s just she suddenly felt dizzy, and luckily, one of her workmates caught her from rapid falling.

“Are you okay?” Ralph asked Shaina worriedly. 

“Ahm, yes. I’m just shocked and overwhelmed.” 

She couldn’t overcome the embarrassment and to avoid Ralph’s gazes, she runs her fingers on her forehead and massage it slowly. But why on earth she felt like they were spinning?

“You’re pale. Maybe you’ve neglected yourself because you’re so dedicated to work,” Ralph scolded her.

Shaina was unable to answer Ralph because the surroundings seemed to be darkening as well. She could hear the commotion around them, but couldn’t open her eyes. She felt her body rise up from the seat, yet she has no strength to make a move.

Ralph quickly took Shaina to the company’s clinic. The nurse assigned there immediately took care of them and checked Shaina’s blood pressure.

“Sir, she is fine. But her urine and blood must be tested.” 

Ralph understood the nurse. He deliberately hired Filipinos to help his countrymen. And Shaina is a great help to his company so he shouldn’t neglect her, apart from the fact that he truly cares about her.

Shaina did not refuse when Ralph took her to the hospital. She was thankful and the man was kind. To Ralph, all his employer considered to be treated the same. At the age of thirty five, the man become widowed. He has a son who is now a teenager. And what they know is that his son is in the Philippines with the parents of his late wife. 

“Congratulations, the result was positive!” The doctor happily greeted Shaina and Ralph. 

Shaina was just looking dumbfounded at the female doctor and didn’t understand what she was saying. Then, her gaze shifted to Ralph when he thanked the doctor with a smile. She felt like she was floating above the clouds and her mind was totally blank.

“She’s six weeks pregnant and she needs more time to rest.” 

Only then did Shaina come to her senses when Ralph put his arm around her. It seems that the doctor even mistook them for a husband and wife.

“Thank you, Doc., I will take care of her!” Ralph smiled and shook the doctor’s hand. 

Feeling a various emotion, Shaina was still unable to speak as the young man led her out of the clinic. She’s now in between fear and confusion. Yes, she wanted to have a child. But it’s a different feeling now that she is already in the situation. It’s like she’s not ready to be a mother yet. She doesn’t have enough savings yet and when her family finds out about it, her cousins will definitely laugh at her even more.

“Are you alright? Listen, Shaina, if you’d like to share it to me, you can trust and can lean on me to make your feeling better.” The smile that he given to her was understanding. 

Shaina looked at her companion. She didn’t realize that they were both sitting inside his car. Then suddenly, she cried and was no longer ashamed to talk about her life. 

“I-I don't want to lose my job.” Her voice become raspy. 

“Silly, why did you think I should fire you from your job? I understand you and you need the job more now for your financial assistance. I don’t want you to get tire because you are pregnant and you’re living alone. Accept the position I offer to you and do your work at home.”

Shaina shed more tears and this time it was because of joy. She doesn’t want her relatives know about her pregnancy. And her grandmother’s cousin is living in the neighboring city, so they won’t be able to see each of other. Lucky her!

 “Thank you so much, sir! I owe you all this!” 

Ralph just smiled and took Shaina home. He’s doing his best to help her. So, he let her take a rest to get away from stress. And if he can, he will help her thouroughly.

Shaina did not hide the situation from her co-workers. And to escape from messing up with her family, and to hide her condition, she cut off the communication with them. She might often at home but she’s always in front her laptop for working on her virtual job. There might be time for her going at the office but only for her workmates to give a final review on her work. 

.....

“Sir, this is the result of my investigation.” Cyrus placed the folder on the table. Travis immediately picked up the folder and opened it. He had just returned from Italy and rest was not his style.

“Your brother was also at the hotel that day, sir,” Cyrus explained when the young man frowned while staring at the report papers. 

“I want you to find out who is the person on duty that day,” Travis ordered his friend again. 

“By the way, when you were in Italy I watched your stepmother and your brother’s every move. I found out that they were secretly talking to some of the company’s board members and shareholders.”

Travis’s jaw clenched and his fist gripped. “You need to get married and have an heir,” Cyrus suggested to the young man. 

“Thank you for your concern. Don’t worry, I can handle this matter.” 

“I think that the girl you had sex with that night is also an accomplice of your secret enemy.” 

Travis couldn’t blame his friend for thinking that. The names on the list that checked-in on that day were all couples. Well-known people in the country are also on the list, so it is not impossible that the woman is one of them.

“I’m leaving, I will call if there’s a new update on what we are working on.” Cyrus stood up and said goodbye to his friend. 

Travis closed his eyes tightly before sitting down. He hadn't come home for a long time and their mansion was almost claimed by his father’s second family. He didn’t care about the house, but it belonged to him. The only thing his brother has is a share in the company that he deserves as their father’s son. Travis stayed in that scenario for a few minutes before deciding to press the intercom. In less than a minute, Teddy entered.

“Put these documents aside and call an emergency meeting.” 

“Right away, sir!” 

Travis shook his head as he followed Teddy’s quick movements. He is like a soldier when he speaks and acts when he commands. 

On the other hand, Joshua was worried when he found out that his brother called a meeting and he was not included in that information. He can’t go because he already guessed what his brother’s agenda will be. He has to wait for the confirmation from someone he can trust.

When Travis entered the conference room, everyone was already there and sitting quietly in their chairs. He glanced at them one by one before sitting on his throne as a CEO. 

“I know most of you are taking down notes on this urgent meeting. And some already have ideas.” Travis went ahead while looking at everyone. Some of those present whispered softly and asked each other’s questions. 

“I won’t hesitate anymore, I know there is someone here who wants to betray me in order to stop me from being the chairman of this company.”

Everyone was quiet again and some were surprised by what they heard. The chairman who is the CEO’s grandfather is getting old. And the title can’t be transferred to him until he hasn’t have a family. 

“I’m warning all of you, you’ll only regret what you do!” 

“Mr. Villanova, is it true that your marriage with Mayor Acosta’s daughter was cancelled?” asked one of the board members bravely.

Travis stared at the woman who asked. She is almost the same age as his father. Plus, she is his stepmother’s friend. 

“About this matter, it’s up to us and I don’t want anyone else will interfere.”

“But we have the right to know the status of your life because you are on the top list to replace the chairman! How can we decide whether or not you deserve to be the chairman of this company?” 

Travis’s eyes narrowed and stared the woman. The corner of his lips lifted and his mind was on the fact that he had found the traitor.