Elite Wars

Chapter 1

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Sandrine

"We're back on live with Asia's power couple. Mr. and Mrs. Salguero. They recently signed a billion peso contract acquiring Visayas Electric Corporation. This means that the energy resources of both Luzon and Visayas will be serviced by a single company, which is Salguero Tropics." Panimula ng isang maganda at maputing reporter. She looked familiar, I've seen her face all over the Philippines because she is the country's most leading reporter.

Gustave sat comfortably beside me while answering a few questions that are intended to him. As usual, they interview the men first. We equally had a part on the contract signing but I guess people think that he has more to give than me.

"Mr. Salguero, walk us through the biggest business expansion of the country this year. Paano niyo nga ba nabili ang pinaka malaking Electricity provider sa Visayas?" She asked.

"Well, it was a long process, Mara." Tukoy niya sa news anchor.

"We've been talking with the Abellana's for quite some time before they decided to sell to us." Mabusising inilarawan ni Gustave ang mga hakbang na kinailangan naming sundin para mabili ang kumpanya.

Ilang beses pang nag-tanong si Mara sa kanya at tanging karagdagang sagot lang ang naiaambag ko sa interview. I was waiting for her to ask me a business related question but she asked something personal instead.

"Madame, your son is almost two. Do you have any plans on having a second baby?" She asked.

Really? Gustave gets all the interesting questions and this is what I get? I scoffed unbelievably. Mariin kong pinisil ang palad ko para pigilan ang bugso ng damdamin ko. I wanted to lash out but this is a live broadcast. There's no room for mistakes.

"We're not planning to have another baby yet because as you all know, we've been terribly busy especially now that we acquired VEC. I've been trying to develop projects which will benefit the consumers as well as the nature. But if I'll get pregnant right now, it would be a big blessing." I said gracefully. Nilingon ko pa si Gustave at ngumiti ng peke. Sinadya kong ilihis ang usapan dahil alam ko sa sarili ko na magkapantay kami ng ambag ni Gustave sa achievement na ito.

"Tell us something more about your incoming projects." Aniya ngunit nahimigan ko na ang pagkawalang gana sa tinig niya.

What? She thinks my projects don't deserve the spotlight? Huh. It made me wonder what this woman really think of me. Pasalamat nga siya at may pasensya ako dahil kayang kaya ko siyang alisin sa trabaho sa isang pilantik lang ng daliri ko. I started sharing my plans for the company. Gustave sat there acting all interested but I know better. He's doing this for show.

"Stupid! This is stupid! Wala man lang bang nag confirm ng mga tanong sa punyetang interview na iyon? They made me look like a sow!" Galit na sigaw kong nag-echo sa buong meeting room.

Kakabalik lang namin galing sa lintik na interview. Hindi ko napigilang ibunton sa buong PR staff ang sumisiklab na galit ko. I have my own PR team and Gustave has his own but they are supposed to be coordinated!

"Calm down, Sandrine. It was a live broadcast. Who would have known?" Marahas kong nilingon si Gustave sa aking kanan. He was leaning on the table with his fingers caressing his temple.