"I am really glad for everyone's presence today. I have been sitting as the CEO of Shin Tech Group for the past 50 years and it's time for me to rest, right?"
Everyone is immersed to Mr. Navvab Shin's speech. This is also his farewell party. Media and journalist keeps on documenting everything he is saying.
Nico who's beside me is also jotting everything down. He's so focused to the speaker while I'm bored to hell already. When is he going to end this by the way?
"Ms. Ericka," I heard from Nico so I looked at him.
"What is it?" I asked.
"You good?" he consulted.
I just nod and smile for a second. "Yeah, I'm just not into this stuff," I honestly replied and he chuckles.
Our attention hooked when the MC speaks again and we looked at her. "We are more grateful for the opportunity you gave us, sir Shin. Indeed that 50 years of founding this company and innovating different technologies in order to make our lives much easier is a present," she commented to the old man's speech and everyone claps so I just tagged along.
"Their history is really amazing, a total table turner," I heard from Nico and I just nods, not giving any d*mn about.
The MC again speaks, "And to proceed to what we have been waiting for," she paused and smiles to everyone. "Please welcome, the new appointed Chief Executive Officer of Shin Technology Group-Philippines, the second son of respected Mr. Navvab Shin, Mr. Nathan Al Shin," she introduced and everyone applauded.
Then a fine young man appeared from the side, walking towards the center. He's wearing a complete suit with a red neck tie, his hair is clean and net, and he looks so respected, serious and somewhat familiar?
"Oh!" I gasped that made some look at me so I hide beside Nico.
"Why?" he whispered at me.
I gather myself again and answer, "I saw him before."
"Really? Where?" he asked.
"His car passed by me yesterday and it happened," I replied.
"He just passed by?" he asked again.
"Yeah, no wonder he annoys me," I muttered the latter part.
This Nathan guy started talking and I don't know what's with him that made me feel he's sucking my attention and makes me listen to him and not to mind others.
I feel so enchanted.
"Please look forward for my leadership and to what I can give. I'm offering everything for the company's sake," he stated his last line and then bowed.
Flashes of camera rained the stage and then Nathan smiled with such a proud face while everyone is clapping.
"Ms. Ericka, you're not going to eat?" Nico asked me after the program and now is the time for buffet.
"I'll just have this," I replied while holding a cup of cupcake.
"Okay," he replied. "Ah right! I heard from the other staffs that Mr. Nathan is also visiting here once in a while before. I thought he's been really staying in the US and just come back," he stated.
"Oh, then?" I replied not knowing any idea why did he tell me that.
"Nothing," he chuckles. "He was here like two months ago? Jeez, I really thought he's been—" I cut him off.
"What? When?" I asked in almost furious.
"Two months ago? I just overheard. I was also shocked," he replied.
My eyes went larger and some kind of rush started kicking inside me. "Hold this for me. I'll just go pee, okay?" I immediately excused myself.
I went to the restroom, open a cubicle and locked myself there. With that simple piece of information, lots of scenarios and possibilities flash in my mind.
I covered my mouth to prevent myself from creating any noise. I felt my chest tighten. I don't know if I'm just overreacting things but him being in here two months ago means he could be related to my sister before she died.
Tears suddenly flow as well as weight of emotional heaviness covered me that made me almost fell on my knees. I breathe is so deep and decided to go out then wash my face.
I'm going to stay in here and know what really happened to my sister.
As I pushed the restroom's door, I got froze. I saw him standing not that far from me. Having a phone call while looking from afar outside the glass thick walls of the building.
Uncontrollably, I made my way to him. I wanted to ask him tons of questions. I just want to end everything but then…
"Yes Ms.?" he asked and I was just staring at him. "Wait, I'll talk to you later," he said over the phone.
I gasped when he finally give his full attention to me. He has large eyes, pointed nose, red lips, a 6ft tall guy and really stunning— wait! It's not that I'm complimenting him!
"Yes Ms.?" he asked.
"I'm going to apply for a work," I stated.
What the f*** Ericka! What the hell was that? Have you really lost it!? Come one just get me out of here, I'm gonna die in embarrassment!
"Huh?" he reacted in confuse.
"I-I," I stuttered. "I'm here to apply for a work?" I repeated and then bit my lower lip to grip myself.
"I'm sorry?" he replied. "Uhm, if you want to apply for work please head to the HR department," he instructed.
"Oh… HR department, will they hire me?" I asked innocently.
"I don't know?" he chuckles. "After you pass all the requirements needed and interview, they might?" he answered.
"I need to get a job here though?" I whispered then I heard his soft chuckles again.
"May I know what your name is?" he asked.
"Ericka Villaruel," I introduced.
I noticed how his lips parted for a second. "Ericka Villaruel," he repeated.
"Looks like you know my name, sir?" I provoked.
He just smiled, "No, it just sounds cute," he countered that left me in a total speechless. "I'm sorry but I need to go now, let's see each other if you get the job. Have a nice day Ms. Villaruel," he greeted before turning his back to me.
Not gonna lie that was suspicious, I really think he knows something. But the good thing here is I might get a job!
I was about to go back to the venue hall when my phone rings. I saw the Officer Ijaldo's caller ID so, I immediately answered it. "Yes, officer?" I said.
"Is everything fine in there?" he asked in worried tone.
"Yes officer but I might really need your help," I stated.
"On what? What is it?" he asked.
"I want to know some information about the second son, I'm suspecting him," I answered.
"Too early to suspect and just depend on hunches, Ericka," he warned. "But okay, I'll spare time later in the evening to give you some of what you may need. Okay?" he continued.
I smiled, "Thank you, officer," I replied.
"Okay, I'll hang up now," he said and then hung the call.
I let a deep breath out and then look outside this glass wall. I'm going to start everything in here. Step by step and surely. I just hope I won't fail. I'm dying to know what happened.