The Angel With Two Horns

"So this is where she works," Gabriel's fingers tapped on the table as he continued to observe the structure of the Sapphire Co. Building.

It has simplistic designs compared with The Elysian Co. But the windows offered a beautiful view of the landscape of the area, which is captivating to those who have been used to living in the metropolis.

"Is that issue enough ground for her to abandon this place just like that?" He contemplated as he recalled why Mr. Li left the boardroom.

Even though he was still irritated at her, he was curious about her reason for rebelling against this company.

"Here it is, sir." Mr. Li came back in a flash, giving him a folder that contained the answer to his questions. Then he stepped back to allow him to read it by himself.

"They were not investigated yet, though. We don't know if they were facts or just mere speculations," Mr. Li defended Director Zhou.

Gabriel just nodded his head, pretending to agree with him. But as he scanned the pages, he knew immediately that it was solid ground for the Director to be dispelled from the company.

Somehow he was relieved to know that the lady he encountered has reasonable instigation for her outrage, rather than just a display of her horrible attitude. Still, she must have dealt it with diplomacy.

The thought made his thick dark brows pull together as it could not have been possible, with the brashness that she has just expressed during their brief encounter.

If she acted that way to a person she just met, what more could she do to a person whom she knew was oppressing other people?

"I wonder how scandalous this place is a few hours before I came here," amusement glinted in his eyes.

"This will be a bad record for Sapphire Co. if a word goes out. I suggest you change the terms of the reporter's contract from extermination to resignation. It would be more beneficial to Sapphire Co. that way."

"Yes, sir!" Mr. Li's cheeks lifted in response. It seemed that he had a close relationship with Miss Chen.

But then, Gabriel was not there at that time of the day to witness other company's workers biting at each other. He has many important things to attend to. He pulled his sleeves to check on his watch again, "Where is Mr. Zhang? He is exactly 18 minutes late."

"If he is not here within 2 minutes, I will be off," he added gruffly as he stood up, making Mr. Li bowed down to him in embarrassment.

Mr. Li opened his mouth and was about to apologize to Gabriel for his delay when Mr. Zhang finally appeared.

He opened the door with a jolly gait as he beamed, "What's the rush, son? You just gave me a visit, and you're already excited to leave?" He jested him.

It looked like the CEO of Sapphire Co. was happy to see him. But Gabriel could hear the quivering in his voice. He could see how he took short, quick breaths to relieve his anxiety. Slowly, he sat down to where he was previously sitting, making Mr. Li's jaw dropped.

It was customary for two businessmen to greet each other with a handshake or a bow before they made transactions. However, Mr. Yang didn't do any of that. Instead, he answered his question in a contemptuous manner.

"Number one. Do not call me 'son' because we don't share the same blood," Gabriel drawled.

Then he quickly added, "And number two. I am not here for a visit. I am here to give you a message." An evil glint could be seen in his eyes.

*Cough* Mr. Zhang couldn't help but bark violently, making Mr. Li runs to the water station and immediately offers him a drink. Mr. Zhang quickly drank it as if he was hanging on to dear life.

He grabbed Mr. Li's arm for support. However, Mr. Li tried to pull himself away with an apologetic smile. He would not let himself be involved in a dispute with this frightening man!

In a flash of lightning, Mr. Li bowed down to both of them, then he ran away as fast as he could like a bat out of hell.

Mr. Zhang gulped as he slowly turned his back to check on the messenger that was sent to him.

With a nervous smile, he tried to make light of the situation by making a joke, "I heard the name Gabriel means 'a messenger of God'. You must have good news for me." He laughed at his own absurdity.

However, Gabriel didn't show any reaction at all. Mr. Zhang's hearty laugh quickly died down as he saw the blank expression on his face. He scratched his head as he found a seat in front of his visitor and seated himself.

"I will not beat around the bush," Gabriel crossed his feet as he leaned back. "It came to the Chairman's notice that you are colluding with the Mings when you are still affiliated with us. And you know the Mings are our archenemy in the market."

Mr. Zhang's hand flew to his chest in shock. His shoulders curled forward, and his chest caved in as a subconscious way to defend himself. "I - I can explain that," he appealed as he brought out his phone and searched for his photos.

"We just met at a celebration party. Our sons were in the same soccer league. I assure you there is no transaction going on or whatsoever," he continued to explain, then he pointed out a picture on his phone.

Gabriel peeked at it. It was indeed an image of a party with parents and young boys. However, a cynical smile twisted his lips. "It's a nice picture. But I don't buy it," he pulled up a folder from his attaché case and dropped it on the table.

Mr. Zhang hurriedly checked on what it was. And to his horror, he saw himself with one of the Mings in almost all the secret meetings that they've been in. It looked like they were taken from security footage of the locations they were at.

Mr. Zhang slowly glanced up. His face was the countenance of an angel. But overall, it looked like he was an angel with two horns and a tail.

"Please tell the Chairman I will not do it again," Mr. Zhang pleaded as he fell on his knees with his head on the floor. "My loyalty is in The Elysian. Your father and I have been close friends for years. I was just tempted because they offered me a huge sum," he stuttered as he expressed his disdain for being caught in the act.

Sapphire Co. had been with The Elysian Inc. for two years now. But the relationship with Mr. Zhang and Chairman Yang have been together for decades. Mr. Zhang thought that their long term alliance would be considered by the Yangs. But he was wrong.

"Loyalty is not gray. It is black and white. It is either you are completely loyal. Or you are not loyal at all," Gabriel leaned forward and loomed over Mr. Zhang, expressing no sign of sympathy towards him.

"You should have known that when the Chairman sent his son, it was the last call. From now on, Sapphire Co. is no longer with us." Gabriel dusted his high-end coat with his palms as he stood up.

His fiery sage eyes gave one last look at the window and the beautiful landscape before he walked forward to the door of the boardroom. He could clearly recall the Chairman's instruction. "Cut our ties with them, no matter what he says."

In a flash, Mr. Zhang pulled up his sleeves and rubbed Gabriel's shoes. "P-please tell me what I can do to gain his favor again. I'm sure we have built a great connection -"

It looked like he was still hoping he could win the heart of the boss of The Elysian Inc. with his humility. But it has an opposite effect to the ruthless CEO.

"For those years, you should have known. The Elysian do not tolerate rebels," Gabriel hissed, pulling his leg away with force. He brought out an alcohol spray and spritzed it on his shoes.

"I personally am disgusted with them," Gabriel emphasized as he eyed Mr. Zhang who was still on his knees at that time as if he was about to cry. "Pull yourself together before your people see you in that shameful state. Goodbye, Mr. Zhang," he said coldly, unaffected by the emotional state in front of him.

Gabriel picked up his case and was about to leave, when he saw the folder regarding their Director's scandals. "By the way, I have a piece of advice for you," he uttered apathetically. "Your Director here... I think his name is Director Zhou. He is a rotten apple. Fire him before he destroys your whole barrel."

Then he took off and left without even hearing Mr. Zhang's last words.

******************

Loyalty is not about who acts true to your face.

It is about who remains true behind your back.