Chapter 18 – A New Day, A New Challenge
Author's POV
The morning sun slowly rose over the Fernandez Mansion.
The servants quietly prepared breakfast while the delicious aroma of freshly cooked food filled the dining room.
Tita Gama walked around the table, making sure everything was ready.
A few moments later...
Jay came downstairs wearing her HVIS Section E uniform.
"Good morning, Tita."
Tita Gama smiled warmly.
"Good morning, anak."
"You woke up early today."
Jay smiled.
"I have a few things to finish before school."
Just then...
Aries entered the dining room, still looking sleepy.
He yawned before sitting down.
"Morning..."
Jay smirked.
"You look like you didn't sleep at all."
Aries sighed.
"I stayed up late working."
Before Jay could reply...
Little Kerian came running downstairs.
"Ate Jay!"
Jay opened her arms with a smile.
Kerian immediately hugged her.
"Good morning."
"Good morning."
Jay gently rubbed his hair.
"Ready for school?"
Kerian nodded excitedly.
"I even finished my homework."
Jay laughed softly.
"I'm proud of you."
At that moment...
Angelo walked into the dining room.
"Looks like everyone's already here."
Tita Gama smiled.
"Sit down."
"Breakfast is ready."
The servants began serving everyone's food.
For a few peaceful minutes...
The family simply enjoyed breakfast together.
Angelo looked at Jay.
"Keifer called me early this morning."
"His training is becoming more difficult."
Jay calmly took another bite of her breakfast.
"He'll manage."
Angelo nodded.
"I think so too."
"He really is becoming more like Serena."
Jay smiled quietly.
Deep inside...
She already knew that.
---
London – Watson Enterprises
Another busy morning had begun.
Keifer adjusted his tie before entering the executive conference room.
Honey Ryder walked beside him, checking the day's schedule on her tablet.
"Good morning, Mr. Keifer."
"You have three meetings today."
"A finance review..."
"A leadership assessment..."
"And a presentation before the board."
Kegan whistled.
"They're really not giving you a break."
Keifer chuckled.
"I didn't come here for a vacation."
As they entered the conference room...
Every director greeted him respectfully.
Mr. Ryder stood up.
"Good morning, Mr. Watson."
"Today's challenge won't test your knowledge."
"It will test your judgement."
He placed a confidential file in front of Keifer.
"Read it carefully."
"Then tell us whether you would approve this investment."
Keifer nodded.
"I understand."
Across the room...
Clyde quietly watched him.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Let's see what you do..."
---
HVIS – Higher Value International School
The hallway echoed with students' voices.
Jay entered the Section E classroom.
Ci-N immediately stood up.
"Jay!"
"Look!"
"I actually finished my homework before the deadline!"
David looked up from his desk.
"...Congratulations."
"You've achieved the impossible."
The whole class laughed.
Jay shook her head with a smile.
"You two will never change."
Before anyone could say another word...
Sir Alvin entered the classroom.
"Good morning, Section E."
"Good morning, Sir!"
Sir Alvin looked around the room.
"It still feels strange without Keifer."
For a brief moment...
The classroom became quieter.
Even though they joked every day...
Everyone missed him.
---
London – Watson Enterprises
Nearly an hour later...
Keifer finally closed the confidential file.
He looked at the directors.
"I would reject this investment."
Several board members exchanged surprised looks.
Mr. Ryder smiled.
"And why?"
Keifer answered confidently.
"The numbers look impressive..."
"But they're hiding unnecessary risks."
"If we approve this proposal..."
"It may increase short-term profits..."
"But it could damage the company's reputation in the future."
Silence filled the room.
Then...
One director slowly smiled.
"Excellent."
Another nodded.
"That's exactly the answer we hoped to hear."
Mr. Ryder looked proudly at Keifer.
"Your mother always protected the company's reputation before its profits."
"It seems you've inherited that quality."
Across the table...
Clyde quietly clenched his fists.
"This isn't over..."
---
Somewhere in London...
Scott stood on the rooftop of a nearby building.
One of Shadow League's agents landed beside him.
"Commander."
"Our surveillance team has confirmed it."
"Clyde has arranged another meeting with Kaizer."
Scott's eyes turned cold.
"Keep watching."
"Boss's orders remain the same."
"We don't interfere..."
"...unless Mr. Keifer's life is in danger."
The agent nodded.
"As you command."
Scott looked towards Watson Enterprises.
"The next move is yours, Clyde..."
"But we'll be watching every step."
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
Another peaceful day... or is it? 👀
Keifer continues proving himself, but Clyde still hasn't given up.
What kind of trap do you think he's preparing this time? 🤫
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! Your love keeps me motivated to write more chapters. ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕