"Sir Albert," Katrina burst into Albert's office, finding him in conversation with Marie.
"What is it, Katrina?" Albert inquired, his attention drawn to her urgency.
Katrina held up her iPad, displaying news of the demolished province. "Sir, look at this, it's all over the Internet, the demolition of A&T Home Of Decor Company, that claims lives," she exclaimed.
Albert glanced at the screen, concern etching his features. Marie leaned in, curious. "What is it, honey?" she asked.
Katrina relayed the grim news of lives lost in the demolition from their company that had occurred in Cebu that afternoon. Marie's eyes widened in shock, "What!" She shouted.
Before Albert could respond, his phone rang. He answered swiftly, absorbing the details on the other end. "All right, I'll take the next flight to be there now," he confirmed before ending the call.
As he turned to address Marie again, Daniel burst into the office, his face filled with concern. "Albert, did you see the news? Our reputation is at stake!" he exclaimed.
Albert nodded, frustration show in his expression. "I just saw it, but that's not the plan I gave," he replied firmly. "We need to be in Cebu right now."
Daniel hesitated. "Are you sure it's the right move?" he questioned.
Albert's resolve remained firm. "We have no choice. We need to go now," he asserted.
Turning to Marie, he said, "Please, honey, you'll have to go alone. I need to be in Cebu right away." He pressed a kiss to her cheek, and Marie nodded understandingly before leaving.
Addressing Katrina, Albert instructed, "Katrina, call all our investors in Cebu and try to manage the situation." Katrina nodded, determination in her eyes.
"Okay, sir," she affirmed.
Albert turned to Daniel. "Let's go, Daniel," he said briskly, and they left the office.
Meanwhile, Katrina was engrossed in phone calls when Gloria hurried over to speak with her. But Katrina cut her off, saying, "Not now, Gloria, I'm busy." Gloria roll her eyeballs and walked away.
As Marie settled into the back seat of the car, Williams, the driver, asked, "Where is Sir Albert, ma'am? Is he not coming?"
Marie's voice was tinged with sadness as she replied, "Just take me to my daughter's grave."
Without further questioning, Williams nodded. "Yes, ma'am," he said, starting the car and pulling away.
Upon arriving at the cemetery, Marie stepped out of the car, clutching a bouquet of flowers.
As she approached her daughter's grave, she noticed a man standing nearby, seemingly paying his respects.
Curiosity piqued, Marie moved closer and addressed him, "Who are you? And what are you doing at my daughter's grave?"
The man took a few moments before turning towards Marie, a warm smile gracing his features. "Hello, Marie," he greeted her.
Marie's surprise was surprised as she exclaimed, "Mr. Richard? What are you doing here?"
Mr. Richard explained, "I came to visit my mother-in-law's grave, and as I was heading back to my car, I noticed your daughter's grave. I felt compelled to pay my respects."
Marie was taken aback, her mind racing with confusion. After all, Mr. Richard and her husband, Albert, were known enemies.
Before Marie could find her words, Mr. Richard excused himself politely. "If you don't mind, please excuse me," he said, walking away.
Marie watched him go, still trying to process the unexpected encounter. She couldn't fathom why Mr. Richard would act kindly towards her daughter's memory. As she stood by the grave, her thoughts swirled with thoughts.
With a heavy heart, Marie set the bouquet of flowers down and lit candles, their flickering flames casting a soft glow over the tombstone.
She carefully placed a teddy bear beside the flowers, a silent tribute to her beloved daughter.
"Happy birthday in advance, my love," Marie whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Mommy will never forget you."
The gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying Marie's words into the ether as she stood in quiet reflection.
Cebu
"This way, sir," a security guard directed Albert and Daniel as they arrived at the affected provincial market. Despite the late hour, a crowd of people still lingered, their cries filling the air with despair. The scene was devastating.
"Albert, this is serious. How are we going to handle this? Our business partners might back out!" Daniel's voice was filled with concern as he spoke to Albert.
"We'll work things out, but we need to control the narrative on the Internet to protect our image first," Albert replied, his tone resolute.
Amidst the chaos, Anne's desperate cries cut through the clamor. "Please, have you seen my daughter? Please help me!" she pleaded with the rescue teams nearby. But Albert and Daniel remained oblivious to her distress, lost in their own conversation.
One of the rescue team members approached Anne, his tone brusque. "Ma'am, I've already told you, your daughter didn't make it. There's no one left alive in there. Please, you need to leave," he urged.
Anne's anguish turned to fury as she refused to accept the grim reality. "My daughter is not dead! Isabella is alive! If she were dead, where is her body? I know she's out there somewhere," she insisted, her voice tinged with desperation.
The rescue worker's patience wore thin as Anne continued to defy his orders. "If you don't leave, ma'am, I'll have to call security to remove you," he warned.
Anne's frustration boiled over as she lashed out, clutching at the rescue worker's clothes. "Go ahead and do that! After failing to save my daughter, go ahead and kill me too!" she cried, her words echoing with bitterness and sorrow.
Uncle Peter, standing nearby, shared Anne's anger. "Your company killed my family, and this is all you have to say?" he demanded, his voice thick with emotion.
The commotion caught Albert's attention, drawing his gaze away from the scene of devastation. He turned to the security guard beside him, concern furrowing his brow. "What's happening over there?" he asked.
The security guard reassured him, "I'm sure it's just one of the people who lost their families. Don't worry, sir, we'll handle it." With that, the security guard hurried off to intervene in the escalating situation.
Albert remained transfixed, his gaze fixed on the tumultuous scene before him as Daniel urged him, "Let's check out that area. They really brought down the market." Albert nodded in agreement, his expression grim, and followed Daniel towards the chaos.
Meanwhile, the security guard reached Anne, his voice gentle yet firm. "Ma'am, please understand. We're still searching for the victims. There's a chance we might find your daughter. Please, try to remain calm," he implored.
But Anne's anguish knew no bounds as she insisted, "Let me go in there and search for her myself! I can't just sit here! She's blind, what if she's looking for me right now?" The security guard shook his head sympathetically. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but it's not safe. You can't do that," he replied.
Uncle Peter, his heart heavy with grief, intervened, gently guiding Anne away from the chaos. "Come, Anne. Let's sit down over here," he said softly, leading her to a quieter spot.
Anne sobbed inconsolably, Uncle Peter wrapped his arms around her, offering what little comfort he could, as he was crying too.