MY BILLIONAIRE RESCUER

CHAPTER 9: Conscientious Mother

December 3, 2018. Monday. The wedding engagement of Dylan and Mikaela was on the lifestyle section of the local newspaper in their city. Mikaela also shared a photo of them kissing on her i********: account with the caption – Me and my man. I love you, Dy.

Her workmates at the school, who knew about her relationship with Dylan, had gossiped about it but she just focused on her work. Lynette wasn’t able to read the local newspaper but she overheard from her co-workers’ gossiping that in the article it was stated that the two were childhood sweethearts.

After her classes, Lynette directly went to LT Atelier. Her staff had already cooked lunch for all of them.

Her store operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM. Her three salesclerks had already decided on their schedule for the week: who will report from 8 AM – 5 PM, 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM, and 11 AM – 8 PM; who will take the Friday day-off, the Saturday day-off, and Sunday day-off. Her four assistants had also arranged their work shifts. As for their day-off, everyone requested for a Sunday off so she had agreed on it. Lynette had given them the freedom to discuss among themselves their weekly work shift and day-off. In addition, they had also scheduled the day-to-day designated cook, dishwasher and restroom cleaner. Everything was already arranged on the cork board/whiteboard at the workshop area.

Lynette’s employees had no qualm about her work rules and regulations. They might only be receiving a little higher than the minimum wage and basic benefits as prescribed by the state but they really had appreciated the free meals and the flexible work shift. They also found their boss very kind and hardworking and so they had no complaints.

That afternoon, she also had a video conference with Alyzza and Cheryl at the privacy of her small office while she was decorating the stables of the Christmas Nativity Scene ordered by Dr. Graciella Altamonte.  

Alyzza: (Furious) How could he allow you to appear like a third party?! I am really so mad at him!

Lynette:    (Casual) Lyz, it wasn’t just me but all the ladies he dated before me. We are all just passing fancy as she calls it. Don’t mind about it anymore. I am not at all affected.

Cheryl:      (Supportive) Yeah! Just let her live in her own bubble of one-way love affair.

Alyzza: (Relaxed) Anyway, have you received my appreciation tokens already?

Cheryl:      (Giddy) Yes, love them!

Lynette:    (Happy) Yeah, but I’ll just view them later on when I get home. I need to focus on our numerous online orders. My staff are all doing very well.

Alyzza: (Recalling) By the way, some parents at the twins’ party have inquired if you will accept storytelling bookings, Lyn.

Lynette:    I am not sure if I can still accommodate such in my schedule, Lyz.

Cheryl:      (Excited) Just saw Karen’s message in our group chat. She and Dennis had decided to go back for good. Dennis got his dream job offer here. They might already arrived this weekend.

Alyzza: Yeah, just saw it too.

Lynette:    My hands are full, girls. Extend my regards. I’ll just message her later. Good news! We will all be complete again!

Meanwhile, Don Federico Altamonte had called for a closed-door meeting among Altamonte men at the family room of the manor after lunch.

Gabriel wasn’t able to attend the lunch but he arrived on time for the meeting.

Lolo Federico announced, “During the Annual Christmas Celebration of the company, I will formally introduce Gabriel as the head of my management and strategic planning team. Gil, Theo, Deric, as Deputy CEOs, you will accept more responsibilities from your respective fathers. The three of you will also have to coordinate with Gabriel regarding your proposed development plan for your respective subsidiary company. The three of you will also be members of Gabriel’s team. The four of you will be the next leaders of this business empire that I established. You should all prove that you are all worthy of the positions you hold and will hold in the future. I want all of you to support one another. Gilberto, Fernando, Junie, you will still all hold senior consultant positions once we passed on our torch to the next generation. As for Graciella’s position, we already agreed that the most qualified granddaughter of mine will be trained under her. So, that will be Sophia. As soon as she finished her law degree and passed the bar examination, her training will start. We should all be united. I don’t like any forms of envy to mar my legacy. We are family so we should all be one in our goal, that is, to keep the Altamonte name great. If you have any objection on these then say it now or forever hold your piece.”

Gil voice out, “I have no objection on your future plans, Lolo.”

Theo spoke out, “I also have no objection regarding our future roles in the company, Lolo. But just like Kuya Gabriel, I wanted to be given the freedom to choose the lady whom I would want to marry.”

Deric agreed, “That is the same for me Lolo. I also support your future plans for the four of us. Kuya Gabriel is the most qualified among the grandsons to be in the main headquarters. But please give us also the chance to make our own decisions when it came to choosing a life partner.”

Lolo Federico then declared, “Okay, I will order your mothers to stop arranging your marriages. But you have to comply with some conditions. I will allow you to choose your own bride provided that she is well-educated, with a good family background, and at least from the upper middle class.”

Theo and Deric chorused, “I will comply, Lolo.”

Lolo Federico continued, “As for Serena and Trixie, if they had no interest working for the company then make sure that they do not do anything to disgrace the family name. Don’t let their mothers spoil them rotten. If you have to cut off their allowances to straighten them up then do so. Let them engage on worthwhile endeavors. Ask them to help out their grandmother, Graciella and their mothers at the foundation.” 

When the meeting came to an end, Gabriel didn’t stay for dinner anymore. He went back to his private villa.

When he arrived, his Mommy Graciella was there.  His aunt-mother doesn’t live with him at the villa. She has her own personal place, a gated luxurious ranch style home surrounded with trees and plants near the boundary of Absedaire City and Sourisse City

His aunt-mother asked him, “How was the meeting?”

He answered, “Lolo will introduce me as the head of his management and strategic planning team during the annual Christmas celebration of the company. I will start working at the main headquarters come the start of the incoming year.”

She asked further, “What was the reaction of the other Altamonte men?”

He shared, “They were asked to voice their displeasure about Lolo’s future plans but nobody aired it out.”

She informed her ward, “There wouldn’t be any problem with the men in my opinion. A true Altamonte knew his or her worth and knew where to stand. The problem would always be with the spouses.  In as much as I trust you with your own judgment in choosing a life partner, let me keep on reminding you to choose well. Your future wife should be able to handle all the struggles within the family. Once your entry to the main headquarters became known during the annual Christmas celebration, your life would never be the same again. Anything you say or do might affect the company stocks.”

He acknowledged that, “I am aware of that, Mom. You’ve prepared me very well for this possibility. And thanks for allowing me to pursue all the endeavors I preferred before entering the lion’s den.”

Graciella remarked, “I may not have had given birth of you, but you are my son. You will always have my support, no matter what.”

He knelt down in front of the only mother he had ever known and gave her a comforting embrace, “I know that, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you more, son,” Graciella responded and then asked, “So what about your dream trauma center?”

He stated, “Lolo and I already agreed that he will not stop me from pursuing such. It was the only condition that I had asked of him before I agreed taking the position. I already hired more staff to work for me as I perform my duties as a doctor, as an investor, and as a grandson.”

Unbeknownst to Gabriel, his Mommy Graciella was already aware of the lady he was interested to. She was just observing in her own way. She had no plans to meddle with his ways. So far, she really liked the lady of his choice. She had already asked someone to privately investigate on her background. Her educational background was exceptional. Her business background was outstanding. Her inner and outer beauty was unparalleled. She also liked her warmhearted and free-spirited personality. But she wasn’t sure yet if the lady of his choice would be able to handle all the struggles within their family. Still, she was very hopeful that Gabriel would be able to win her heart.       

December 4, 2018. Tuesday. Accompanied by one of his male workshop assistants, Lynette delivered the order of her VIP customer that afternoon.

Her assistant had pushed the flatbed cargo trolley with the secured boxes of the Christmas Nativity Scene set. They were escorted by the secretary on the office of the CEO/Medical Director.

Dr. Graciella had bestowed her a casual hug and a left and right cheek-to-cheek, “I am really happy to see you again, Miss Lyn.”

Lynette saw that some of her creations at the office of her VIP customer. “The pleasure and the privilege of meeting you are always mine, ma’am. So you have already hang some of my decorative pieces.”

The kind doctor responded, “Yes. I really like them very much. Some of the pieces are in my private residence.”

Lynette then said, “You may check the package ma’am if you want. I might as well help you out in arranging one set if you are to have it here in your clinic.”

Dr. Altamonte said, “I do trust you so need to check on the items. But I won’t decline your offer on setting up one. I want it here on top of the cabinet behind my office table.”

Lynette gladly responded, “Then we will set it up for you, ma’am.”

Dr. Graciella Altamonte couldn’t help but admire the quick yet precise movements of Lynette Trinidad as she arranged the Christmas Nativity Scene. She was even surprised with the battery operated LED lights that illuminated the scene perfectly.

After their thoughtful goodbyes, Lynette and his assistant had already left. Gabriel, who just arrived to visit his aunt-mother, was able to see her as she left aboard her SUV driven by an ordinary looking chubby guy who looked like in his early 20s.

As Gabriel entered the office of his aunt-mother, new decorative pieces in her office had caught his attention.

He stated, “You have changed your decorations! They look nice!”

Mommy Graciella stated, “I just happened to come by with this online store selling this very nice Christmas Nativity Scene at my back. But then it was out of stock so I decided to visit the actual store last Sunday. Anyway the store is just located here in Absedaire. Luckily, I met the storeowner/artist. She is very sweet.  I pre-ordered three sets of this Christmas Nativity Scene, which she personally delivered and set up just a while ago. I also made several purchases on her store.  You should have met her. I really like her. Perhaps you can pursue her.”

Gabriel knew that her aunt-mother was up to something so he had unmasked her, “You already know that I am pursuing her as a secret admirer.”

Mommy Graciella admitted, “Yes. Also, I already had a comprehensive background check on her. I love everything about her. I am just not sure yet if she will be able to handle all the struggles within our family.”

Gabriel was glad knowing that his aunt-mother had his vote of confidence. “I am happy that you like her, Mom. But I’m still taking my time when it comes to her. She just had a breakup. It wasn’t that good because Dylan, Mikaela’s betrothed manhandled her when she broke up with him upon knowing about his wedding engagement.”

Mommy Graciella was shocked, “I know the Dylan part but not the manhandling incident. Was she okay?”

Gabriel stated, “As per the stories of Arnold’s wife, who is one of her best friends and Mark Velarde’s girlfriend, who is also one of her best friends, she sustained some bruises after I had rescued her from Dylan’s manhandling. I asked her to report to the police at such time but she decided not. Dylan still visited her at her apartment the day after but she already had him blacklisted and so he came to her store in two occasions. Lyz, Arnold’s wife, had immediately notified her public prosecutor brother regarding the incident. Dylan had also been warned not to bother her anymore. Apparently, she didn’t want the issue to be big because she was worried about their parents’ reaction. She is the baby of their family and so they are all very protective of her. Her brother might arrange for a civil harassment restraining order against Dylan if he would still bother her in the coming days. That is why I am taking my time, Mom. She might not be ready yet to trust another man after what she had experienced from Dylan.”

Mommy Graciella agreed, “I understand, son. Do what you think is right. And if you need my help then just ask me.”

Gabriel requested, “Just don’t tell Lolo and Lola anything about her yet. And please don’t try to meddle, Mom.”

Mommy Graciella just smiled but gave her words, “I will not meddle but promise that you’ll ask me if you need help regarding her.”

Gabriel smiled and gave his aunt-mother his words, “Yes, I promise, Mom.”

Afterwards, Gabriel shared to his aunt-mother the storytelling video of Lynette during the birthday celebration of Arnold and Alyzza’s twins. Mommy Graciella was even more impressed with the lady he chose to pursue.

December 8, 2018. Saturday. Lynette received a special gift from her secret admirer that morning – a Tiffany & Co. leaf and ladybug brooch with a note –

Miss Lyn,

It reached my knowledge that you are a finalist for the SPC writing contest. A ladybug, like yours in LT Atelier’s daisy and ladybug logo, is generally associated with good fortune and good luck. Please wear this for a good luck charm.

Your Secret Admirer

She did wear the brooch as she attended the awarding ceremonies for SPC later that afternoon.

On the other hand, as a major investor of Sunshine Publishing Company, Gabriel attended the deliberation of the winner for the children’s story writing contest at the conference room of SPC.

The contest committee presented the top three, which included the illustrated story book of Lynette Trinidad with the accompanying CD of the lullaby, the illustrated story book by a young man on his early 20s, and a storybook by a lady on her 30s.

He was already aware that Lynette submitted a story for the writing contest at SPC coz her name appeared on the list of 10 finalists forwarded to him just a few days ago. But that time it only occurred to him that the story she submitted was the one she told at the twins’ birthday party.

The board of the directors and all the other investors were torn between Lynette’s work and another illustrated storybook.

Gabriel then voiced out his opinion by showing the storytelling video he received from Alyzza a few days ago. It was a separate complete video of the storytelling.

He requested that the video be shown to the widescreen before he voiced out his personal judgment.

After everyone had watched the video, he said, “I witnessed such excellent storytelling last November when I attended the celebrants’ birthday party. For the very first time, I was so amazed by her talents. She is a true blue artist not only in writing but also in the arts and music. During our encounter, I came to know that she was struggling to have her literary works get published so I handed her the business card of the company and told her to give it a try joining the contest if she wants. I put my money on her so I vote for her. I foresee that this story will be a big hit among the children. As your goal is to release it before Christmas, then this storybook could be one of the greatest gift a child can receive this Christmas.”

After that the board of the directors and the other investors put forth their respective vote. The winner of the contest was decided 

So a small program followed to announce the winners. The top 10 finalists were all invited for the program.

It seemed to Gabriel that Lynette was there alone. He felt so happy for her. He also noticed that she was wearing the brooch that he just sent that morning as well at the four-leaf clover earrings and the four-leaf clover diamond pendant necklace. It seemed that she wanted to have all the luck that she could possibly get. She also looked a little anxious. And she was so chic with her white top under a short dark red blazer, white skinny jeans with nude color belt and nude pumps.

Lynette was surprised to see Gabriel among the people seated by the stage. She was happy to see him but anxious at the same time.

The top ten were presented with a plaque of recognition for their work.

The announcer then said, “Of course, there could only be one winner whose story will be published and released next week in time for Christmas Season. As one of our investors say, this storybook could be one of the greatest gift a child can receive this Christmas. Our winner is…”