"Lawrence, prepare a room for a meeting at 2:30 p.m.," Luke said to the person on the other end of the line.
"Copy sir," he said as he hung up the phone.
Luke quickly organized himself, but before leaving the house, he looked for Mother Lingling to say good-by. He unexpectedly returned to the Fiery Corp office, as he had done previously.
His brow furrowed when he noticed Mother Lingling in the kitchen, leaning against the wall while sitting on her stomach.
"Is everything all right, Mother? Are you ill?" Luke inquired, concerned, as he supported the lady in her seat and brought her water to drink.
Mother Lingling responded with a slow nod. "I'm fine; perhaps I should send my niece here first. For example, if you will allow me to come as a visitor, I need your permission first. "
"There's no problem, mom; you can do whatever you want here, and if it's not Yumi, I'll let you. You should take care of this mansion while I'm away because I'll handle something at Fiery Corp.," Luke replied with a smile.
Mother Lingling replied solemnly, "You know, Yumi is my only relative."
"While you're here, I can hire another maid or live on my own. Don't insist that we can still reconcile because it won't happen again," Luke said, threatening Mother Lingling.
"I already told you why Yumi did that to you, Luke—"
"Why did she treat me so badly? At Dante's command, she made me take medicine that made my illness worse. And she didn't even admit it to me when she already had a chance. I even found out from Mama Nelia when we were of the right age and were planning to leave then. " Luke stabilizes standing in front of Mother Lingling. He knew his tears would fall at that point so he just looked back.
"Why don't you just let Yumi talk to you again? Why do you still have to be angry? If you are angry with her, you must also be angry with me because I covered her fault before," Mother Lingling calmly replied.
"Despite what you have done, I look at you with gratitude. But with Yumi, I can't forgive her that easily. She has not surpassed the service you have rendered to our family. So please understand why I'm still mad at her, "Luke said angrily before leaving.
Mother Lingling's only response is a heavy breath while following Luke out of the mansion in his high-end car with her gaze.
****
Luke let out a heavy sigh as he entered the elevator. This is the first time he will have a meeting with the important personnel of Fiery Corp and this is also the first time he will show his face. He prepared for this and he's sure enough that this meeting will go well according to his plan.
Now he's going to end the speculations about the other issues revolving around the company under the supervision of his late adoptive father. He also knew that many people were speaking behind his back so it was also time to introduce himself. He really needed to prove that he's not just a bratty heir of this company. He has studied everything and has mastered what needs to be done to reform the company and he also knows that his decision will affect all employees. For sure, many will object to him.
Lawrence informed him already about the setup. The people in attendance are already listed and he should identify. He is the only one they're waiting for and they will start once he arrives.
"Good afternoon," he greeted them in a cold way. Even though he hasn't removed his shades and hat, everyone has come to the conclusion that he is the important person they are waiting for.
"Thank you Lawrence, you always do your job really well. You deserve a raise in salary and also, a round of applause from everyone. "
Lawrence was taken aback and only bowed. Lawrence didn't know how to take a compliment, so Luke just started clapping his hands. Others have no choice but to follow him because they thought Luke was merely sarcastic.
"Thank you, S-sir Luke..." Lawrence's smile became awkward and everyone was surprised.
"So it's him? Madam Nelia's son from abroad?" wrinkled question of one of the board members.
Luke smirked as he removed his shades and his cap. "Yes, I am."
****
"To summarize the agenda of this meeting, Sir Luke wants to remove our contract with other agencies, we have to stop several shows, and we have to stop this controversial TV show from a giant network," Lawrence sighed, because even he didn't agree with Luke's decision for the company's reform he desired.
"But, our revenue will get a probability to sink," a board member added. "Your programs that you want to stop are bringing in big money into the company."
"Why do you even think about the revenue? All of you, why do you think of us?" Luke's voice rose and it was as if everyone in every position had become a rat scared of the cat.
No one spoke so he spoke again. "If there's anything to worry about the revenue loss, shouldn't it be me because I'm the owner?"
"Sir, they are the ones who deal with clients—"
"I will face them, Lawrence. Don't think about it, "Luke replied firmly and then let go of the ballpen he was holding.
"Sir, it will be difficult for everyone to adjust to this. Especially if you want it within this week, everything will change," Lawrence said.
"Okay, two weeks. That's the deadline. Okay, the meeting is over. I have to go. You don't have to worry about this, I've already talked to the people I need to talk to." Luke stood up complacently and left the dismayed people in the meeting room.
Lawrence just stared.
"Why? Who is he? He is just Madam Nelia's child, what does he know about this? "
"That's why he's still hiding his face because he doesn't have the courage to face the person he will compete with in this business and I'm sure he's the same with the talents he rejects."
"He's proud when he talks. When the fact is, he still doesn't know everything."
Lawrence heard his companion whisper. He just shrugged. He felt even heavier when he received a text from Luke.