1
1181 Words
TEN YEARS LATER
I looked outside the window of grandpa's office where there was an overlooking view of the buildings around us.
The Montagne Group of Companies owned the tallest building in the area so staying on the topmost floor of the building gives a generous and beautiful view of the city.
If only I could stay here every day and just admire the place, I was just lucky today because grandpa liked my idea of having a more modernized marketing strategy.
We are already at the top but we still lack those TV commercials and social media ads... If ever we add those, the Fiorentino Construction materials will remain second to us regardless of their intensive ads and marketing strategies.
We also own the shipping line so it wouldn't be difficult for us if the demands rise.
"We could also try to beat them by making a paint that is better than theirs," I suggested to grandpa. "They're popular because they claim that their paint is world-class and can also survive the changing climates in the Philippines."
Grandpa frowned as he looked at me. "That's what Hailey suggested before. Any new ideas? Anything that can raise the sales without us spending more on raw materials?"
"Give a lower quality for a lower price..." I said but I still wasn't sure about that. I remembered how our company's aim was to provide high-quality materials because we are a high-quality company. "Like a substandard material."
Grandpa leaned on his office chair as he looked at me like he was waiting for what I will say next.
"People nowadays are leaning on more affordable things. This is the reason why they resort to buying fake luxury things." I cleared my throat because he was looking at me as if he was already judging my suggestion. "If we sell cheaper products, people will buy from us more."
Grandpa nodded. "What about the quality?"
"I don't know..." I trailed because I know that my suggestion would create products that are really substandard, they wouldn't last long.
The materials wouldn't last long... That's it!
"People will still buy from us because of our affordability regardless of its quality, if things break or fade, they will just buy from us again. Those things wouldn't matter if we get our profit, right?"
I small smile formed on grandpa's lips. "What about the brand? We always tell people that our products are of quality."
"It's easy to manipulate the media," I whispered because I was hesitant to say that.
"What did you say?"
"I'm not sure if this is applicable to our business but mom always tells me that it is easy to manipulate the media." I hugged myself because I was running out of ideas. "If we manipulate the way the people view our products regardless of the bad reviews, those things can be covered up easily."
Grandpa nodded and started writing something. "Dismissed."
I gave him a small smile before walking out of his office. I sighed when I got out, I didn't even notice that I wasn't breathing while talking to my grandfather.
Sometimes, I wonder where Hunter gets the courage to disrespect grandpa like that or maybe he just doesn't value anything or anyone.
After my nerve-wracking and tiring day, I asked my driver to drop me off at Matt's school because it's been a week since I last saw him.
I was always busy with the company and with my piano rehearsals while he was always busy with his training and club activities. I don't get why he has those things during summer.
When we arrived at the parking lot of Matt's school, I took my phone out and texted Matt to inform him that I'm in his school.
To: Matt
I'm at the parking lot of your school. Are you busy?
To: Matt
Okay! I can't wait to see you!
From: Matt
Same.
I looked outside the window of my car and watched some of the students pass by the parking lot, talking and laughing with their friends.
I just shrugged and stared at my phone because watching students walking around the school made me wonder what that felt like...
I don't get why people love having a huge circle of friends. That is like having more people to deal with.
Matt has always been my only friend... I have ballet and piano acquaintances, and I also have campaign acquaintances but they're not really at
Monteclaro? Who invited them? It seems that they are not Justin's family because if they are, why didn't Ate Jamie accompany me in the arrangement? If they're here, it means they know I'm here too because they saw me talking earlier.
If Kuya Andrew heard that, he would surely give me a big smile. Even if it is stuck, it is still strong because it is annoying. Kuya Andrei is still good, he is very kind to me.
I don't care if they're here but because... since I moved to SFU, no one knows that I'm one of them.
Can I admit to my friends that I'm a Monteclaro tonight or not at all?
For sure, they won't come near me, especially Andrel because I know that he was involved in the incident before that they didn't know about.
My attention returned to the speaker when he said one of Monteclaro's names. "Let's all welcome Mr. Roy Andrei Monasterio!" I looked for the table where someone would stand and not far away I found their family.
When they saw me looking at them, they immediately waved at me. Except for Andrel who was just looking at me and Kuya Andrew who now has a big smile on his lips. Uncle Andres and Aunt Anna waved at me. Kuya Andrei is already walking to the front.
I also waved them back but only for a moment. I thought no one saw what I did but I was surprised at that level of my life.
Matt is enough... He's all kinds of people that I need in just one person.
My phone vibrated and I received a text from Matt so I opened it immediately.
I sighed and typed a reply because I really can't do anything about it. He was required to stay there and I don't want him to get into trouble.
To: Matt
Yeah, okay. I'll wait.
I kept on checking the time and it felt like it was running a little slower today. I just want to get home and bond with Matt.
I stepped outside of my car when I saw Matt running toward me. I hugged him immediately when he approached me.
I sighed in contentment as he wrapped his arms around me. "I missed you. I've been busy with the company and dad's proclamation."
I scoffed because he really had a shitty schedule. "I hate your schedule. Your activities always take your time from me."
"Matt!"
Matt and I both looked at the person who called Matt and it was Axel, he was with their other friends.
They walked toward me and Matt.
- Writer
