Chapter 21 – A Step Closer
Author's POV
London – Watson Enterprises
The morning atmosphere inside Watson Enterprises was calmer than usual.
After the false accusation had been cleared...
The board members looked at Keifer differently.
Not as Serena Watson's son...
But as a future leader.
Keifer entered the executive boardroom with Honey Ryder and Kegan.
Mr. Ryder smiled.
"Good morning, Mr. Watson."
Keifer nodded politely.
"Good morning."
The meeting began.
One of the directors stood up.
"We've reviewed your performance over the past few weeks."
"Your decisions have been logical."
"You've earned the respect of both the employees and the board."
Another director added,
"Mrs. Serena Watson made the right choice."
Keifer smiled faintly.
"I still have a lot to learn."
Mr. Ryder closed the report.
"You've passed every evaluation so far."
"But don't lower your guard."
"Leadership isn't only about making good decisions."
"It's also about surviving difficult people."
For a brief moment...
Keifer's eyes shifted toward Clyde.
Clyde simply smiled.
"As expected..."
"You'll make an excellent CEO."
Keifer smiled back politely.
"Thank you."
Neither of them trusted the other.
---
Philippines – JJM Enterprises
The top floor of JJM Enterprises overlooked the busy streets below.
Inside the conference room...
Senior executives waited quietly.
The doors opened.
Jay walked in wearing a charcoal-grey business suit.
Her expression was calm and confident.
"Good morning."
The executives immediately stood.
"Good morning, President."
Jay took her seat.
"The overseas expansion report."
A manager stood and began presenting the proposal.
"Our Singapore branch exceeded expectations."
Jay listened without interrupting.
After a few minutes...
She flipped to another page.
"The projected marketing budget is unrealistic."
The room became silent.
The finance director checked the figures again.
A few seconds later...
He looked up in surprise.
"President..."
"You're right."
"We overlooked the revised costs."
Jay calmly closed the file.
"Correct it before approval."
"JJM Enterprises doesn't succeed through careless decisions."
Everyone nodded.
"Understood."
The meeting ended.
As the executives left...
Jay remained standing beside the glass window.
She quietly looked at the skyline.
Student.
Businesswoman.
Two completely different lives...
That no one had connected together.
Not yet.
---
New York – Mariano Enterprises
Jaspher Mariano stood inside his office, reading another investigation report.
A knock came from the door.
His assistant entered.
"Sir."
"We've confirmed another lead."
Jaspher immediately looked up.
"What is it?"
"The young woman we've been tracking..."
"Has strong connections with JJM Enterprises."
Jaspher froze.
"...JJM."
He slowly picked up an old photograph.
A little girl smiled brightly beside him.
His eyes softened.
"...Jay."
A few moments later...
Reycee entered the office.
"You found something?"
Jaspher nodded.
"It's the closest lead we've ever had."
He looked at his assistant.
"Prepare the jet."
"We're leaving for the Philippines."
Reycee smiled gently.
"I hope..."
"...this time, you'll finally meet your daughter."
Jaspher looked out through the window.
"I've waited years for this."
"I'm not letting this chance slip away."
---
Somewhere in the Philippines
A pair of sunglasses rested on top of a young man's head.
He leaned comfortably against a railing outside a café.
With a relaxed grin...
He watched people walking past.
"Hmm..."
"I wonder how shocked everyone's going to be."
He chuckled to himself.
"They all think I'm dead."
"Poor guys."
"They're about to witness the greatest comeback in history."
He admired his reflection in the café window.
"Still ridiculously handsome."
"I haven't changed a bit."
He laughed before slipping his hands into his pockets.
For now...
He would stay hidden.
Just a little longer.
Very soon...
Everything would change.
To Be Continued...
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Author's Note
Hello, my lovely readers! 💖
The distance between Jaspher and Jay is finally getting smaller... ❤️
And someone is secretly waiting in the Philippines for the perfect moment to return... 👀
Who do you think will be the first person to recognise him?
Don't forget to vote, comment, and support me! ❤️
Love you all veryyyyyyy much! 🫂✨
Your Author 💕