Chapter 15 – The Proposal Nobody Wanted
Author's POV
London – Watson Enterprises
Another week passed.
Keifer's training continued smoothly.
Every department welcomed him warmly.
He never acted like the future owner.
Instead...
He listened.
He learned.
He worked alongside the employees.
Even the directors who had doubted him at first had started respecting him.
Inside the boardroom...
Mr. Ryder smiled proudly.
"Mr. Keifer..."
"Your progress has exceeded our expectations."
"You've shown leadership, humility, and responsibility."
Several board members nodded in agreement.
"You're becoming more like your mother every day."
Keifer lowered his head respectfully.
"I still have a lot to learn."
Just then...
One of the senior directors stood up.
"There is another matter we need to discuss."
The room became quiet.
The elderly director adjusted his glasses.
"Watson Enterprises has always maintained strong relationships with powerful business families."
"We believe the future CEO should also strengthen those ties."
Another director continued,
"Therefore..."
"The board has decided to arrange your engagement."
Silence.
Keifer frowned.
"...My what?"
The conference room doors slowly opened.
A familiar woman walked inside.
She wore an elegant white suit and carried herself with quiet confidence.
Keifer's eyes widened.
"...Ate Ion?"
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"It's been a while, Keifer."
Kegan looked between them in confusion.
"You two know each other?"
Keifer nodded.
"Of course."
"Ate Ion is..."
Before he could finish...
Another director spoke.
"Miss Ion comes from one of our closest business families."
"We believe the two of you are the perfect match."
Keifer looked completely stunned.
"...What?"
"I've always called her Ate."
"I respect her like an older sister."
Ion let out a helpless sigh.
"With all due respect..."
"No one asked for my opinion either."
The board members exchanged uncomfortable looks.
One director cleared his throat.
"This engagement is for the future of Watson Enterprises."
Keifer's expression became serious.
"I came to London to earn my mother's company."
"I didn't come here to marry for business."
Mr. Ryder smiled quietly.
For a brief moment...
He saw Serena Watson standing in front of him again.
Strong.
Fearless.
Impossible to pressure.
Across the room...
Clyde lowered his head to hide his smile.
Everything was going according to plan.
The more pressure Keifer faced...
The easier it would be to destroy his reputation.
---
New York – Mariano Enterprises
The top floor of Mariano Enterprises was unusually quiet.
Jaspher Mariano stood in front of the large glass window overlooking the city.
His secretary entered.
"Sir..."
"We've received another report from the Philippines."
Jaspher turned around immediately.
"Anything about my daughter?"
The secretary nodded.
"We still haven't located Miss Jay."
"But..."
"We confirmed that she has been connected to several incidents involving Higher Value International School."
Jaspher slowly closed his eyes.
"So I'm getting closer..."
He picked up the old photograph from his desk.
It showed a little girl smiling brightly.
"Jay..."
"I don't know how much you've suffered..."
"But this time..."
"I'll find you."
Outside the office...
Several executives watched silently.
None of them knew...
Their CEO wasn't searching for a business successor.
He was searching for the daughter he had lost years ago.
---
Philippines – Somewhere Unknown
The wind blew across an old rooftop.
A young man stood there with his hands in his pockets.
He looked down at an old photograph.
Keifer.
Aries.
Felix.
Yuri.
And himself.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"So much has changed..."
He quietly slipped the photograph back into his jacket.
"Guess it's almost time..."
"...to go home."
Far away...
Tiger's men continued searching for the mysterious person reported to look exactly like Percy.
But they still hadn't found him.
---
Fernandez Mansion
Jay sat alone on the balcony outside her room.
Her phone vibrated.
Scott's message appeared.
Scott: Boss... the Watson board tried to arrange Mr. Keifer's engagement to Miss Ion.
Jay quietly read the message.
She smiled faintly.
Jay: And?
Scott replied almost instantly.
Scott: He refused without hesitation.
For the first time that day...
Jay laughed softly.
"I knew you would..."
She looked up at the night sky.
"Just keep moving forward, Keifer."
"I'm right behind you..."
"...even if you never see me."
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
Looks like the board has made its move... but Keifer isn't someone who can be controlled so easily. 👀
What do you think about Ate Ion? And do you think Jaspher will finally meet Jay after all these years?
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕