PARALLELED: Wait! Why Am I Suddenly Filthy Rich?

Chapter 26: Russell's Announcement

Inside the CEO’s office of SD Ventures, Alex was standing across the table of his boss while the woman read the report that he handed.

Then shortly after, the woman looked at her and asked. “You say that the laboratory we have in Quiapo just got busted?”

Alex nodded to this question, then moved aside to open the projector that will show the photos of the laboratory’s building that is now encircled with yellow lines. “According to our escaped personnel, the fire security system suddenly went off quickly creating commotions inside. They immediately went to fix it but then it stopped while they’re on their way. Thinking that it was just a simple malfunction, they choose to check the important ingredient’s safety first rather than checking what caused the problem. And that was when the police came and busted in with search warrants in their hand.”

“Search warrants?”

“Yes. President.”

Alex’s President; Samantha, relaxed her shoulders then leaned on her swivel chair to think. “The fact that the police have a search warrant means that they hold a very strong evidence beforehand. But where did they got those evidence? And how?” Samantha asked, staring straight at her new right-hand man in front of her.

Alex immediately bowed. “We’ll find the mole immediately President.” He said before leaving the room. And the moment Alex shut the door, Samantha pressed the third button of her intercom and ordered. “Give Alex a hand.”

Without giving a reply, the person over the line hang up, and so as Samantha.

Then seconds later, the door flung open with Samantha’s secretary rushing in, inside. Samantha immediately put on her CEO’s face.

“What’s happening?” She asked.

“You need to see something, boss.” The secretary said then grabbed the remote from the side table and turned the television on.

‘TG Capital’s CEO- Russell Collins has announced their partnership with Hong Sua Builders; the largest Construction Firm in Korea that has a proposed Water Park Project worth $100 million, on a press conference held inside the building of TG Capital earlier today-”

The secretary switched the television off midway and looked at Samantha.

“What happened? Didn’t we talk to Hong Sua yesterday? They agreed to sign the contract with us, right?” Samantha asked, trying to suppress her anger.

The seize of one of her drug laboratories is one thing, but getting this kind of news both at the same day? Samantha just can’t handle it.

“Get Mr. Santos here!” She ordered when the secretary can’t answer her question.

“Y-yes boss.” The secretary said and quickly ran off.

-----

Tanya’s

I turned off the television after seeing the news about Russell’s success. Again.

“Mr. Collins is really good at his work, Miss.” I heard Gilbert’s praise for Russell, beside me. He, too, was watching the news.

“Yeah. He really is. That is why it’s scaring me.” I confessed and sighed. Gilbert turned his gaze at me because of that.

“Scared? Of Mr. Collins?” He confusedly asked. I shook my head slowly. “No. The other way around. It’s actually myself, whom I am scared of.” I told him.

“What do you mean by that Miss? I’m not quite getting your point, I’m sorry.” But he became more confused and asked again.

I turned to him and chuckled. “Never mind Gilbert. Just forget what I said.” Then I stood from my chair. “You know what, since we are talking about the man. I might as well go and give him a visit. And of course, to give my compliments too.” I said that Gilbert nodded into without questioning me further anymore. So typical of him.

“Then I’ll go tell the twins.” He told me then left my office right away.

I stared at the dark television in front. Why am I scared of myself? It’s simple.

It’s because I became too dependent with the Collins siblings, most especially with Russell. What if the man stopped working for me and start a business of his own? There’s no way I can win against him!

‘I like you Tanya, ever since… Can I court you?’

I grabbed my hair in frustration after remembering that day again, two years ago. “This is exactly the reason why I’m scared like this!” I yelled before I knew it.

“Are you okay, Sister Tanya?” Haru’s voice suddenly echoed making me jump in my feet. Since when is he inside?

“H-haru? How long have you been there?” I asked, slightly embarrassed.

Haru’s brows furrowed in confusion but still answered. “I just came in.” He said pointing to the door behind him. “I heard you yelling something though the moment I opened the door. That’s why I asked if you’re okay. You looked troubled, too.”

His answer made me feel relieved. I smiled at him. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about what to do next month for our mission. This one-month interval is making anxious but at the same time, secured. But don’t worry, I’m really fine.” I said, reassuring him. “Oh, by the way. Do you need something?” I asked, remembering the reason for his visit in my office.

“Oh! About that.” Haru exclaimed. I bet he almost forgot about it.

[TG Capital]

I was walking on the lobby of the main building with Monty and Morty behind me, like the usual. I did not call Russell for my visit since I will just be quick.

I have two reasons for this visit. First, to congratulate him. And second, to lessen the growing awkwardness between us. I know that it’s already been two years since I rejected him and months since I avoided him. But! I can’t let our relationship to continue like this. Russell is a treasure friend of mine, too. And I hate whatever is going on between us.

His secretary saw me approaching so she tried to beep Russell’s intercom but I stopped her. So, instead she went and escorted me to the office while Monty and Morty waited at the waiting area just like I instructed beforehand.

When the door opened, I confidently walked in and saw Russell busying himself in front of his computer.

“Good afternoon.” I greeted to get his attention.

He lifted his head and when he saw me, he immediately stood. “Chairwoman!” He called out and walked towards me. He motioned to sit on the couch so I did. He then beeped the intercom to order coffees for both of us.

“Congratulations!” I told him right after he finished the call.

He gave me a quick smile. “Thank you. I just actually followed your suggestion to fly to Korea and meet the representatives personally. My efforts touched them that’s why they immediately agreed to the conditions we offered. So thank-”

“What are you talking about Rus?” I decided to cut his words. “This is all because of you. What I did is just suggest. You did the work, the talk and the effort. So, this closed deal is on you.” I told him and smiled.

“Thank you, Chairwoman.”

My smile faded. “Until when will you call me formally?” I seriously asked him. “There’s no one around here, Rus. You can call me by my name, just like you always do before.” I sadly told him.

But he’s expression didn’t change. “You are here as the chairwoman of TG Capital, congratulating me. And I am accepting it as the CEO. Isn’t that fact needs formality?” He asked.

I sighed. This man is really stubborn. “Fine. Then how about I say that I am congratulating you as Tanya? Your friend?” I asked.

“Tanya is the woman I love. Not a friend.”

I was not expecting such straightforward answer so I turned speechless. He looked away when he saw my reaction.

“By the way, since you’re already here.” He spoke business-like and stood to get some documents in his table. He then handed it to me.

I was so scared that it was a resignation letter so I hesitated first but later on, grabbed it. “What’s this?” I asked.

“I was planning to finish up the plan before sending it to you but since you’re already here, then I might as well give it to you right now and tell you in advance what it is all about.”

I opened the folder and read the contents.

“TG Capital International?” I asked him reading what the plan is all about.

“Yes. Korea will only be our stepping stone. After them, I am planning to go international and build an office in US. Why? Because some small companies in US are now starting to contact us. I am seeing this as an opportunity to dominate around the world and to finally expand our gap between SD Ventures.”

“So?” I asked, waiting for the catch of this plan.

Russell finally turned his gaze at me. “And since it is my idea, I believe it is right, for me to handle it myself.” He paused. “What I’m saying is… I want to handle the US branch, chairwoman.” He announced.

“What?” I exclaimed, totally surprised with his announcement.