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XXIII. Coffee With You
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2021-11-10 09:51:37After that conference, Essi still felt dissolving in herself. Her hands are quivering right back to the office. Her eyes are on her table. Was it thrill or disbelief? That she was able to speak with many people professionally? She would have just scolded them like how she did it with the Willoughby kids. Those kids can learn and recover from the fall. But to the interns, they have heavier stakes to protect and a grave consequence to face no matter how they fall. They are no more young like the Willoughby trainees. But they tend to be more stubborn than them. Essi is still shaking with disappointment in the interns.
Essi could have let go of that now. But there are many cups of coffee and sandwiches placed on her table.
โThe youngsters seem to be taking double time to compensate for their offenses,โ Victor tried jesting. He has a smug smile, waiting for his la
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Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXIV. Play With Fire
It becomes unfair to know that another gossip breaks out in the Gautarza Building. One intern passes it to another, at varying gravity and speculation. The one who witnessed the scene at the pantry has filtered out the name of Oneil for her advantage. Everyone else who heard her trivia cannot point out who that man could be. He might be a man of a reputation that the CEO of Gautarza Company counts as special. Too special that she even set aside her fiancรฉ. โI knew it. This is always how an arranged engagement turns out. Either party has its relationship to another. Secretly dating while no one can see.โ โOh no, what would Sir Oneil say to her almost perfect fiancee?โ That is how the conversation among the interns and regular office workers do. Five of them are in the same pantry. Speaking disgust and thrill while
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-11Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXV. Just Believe
Being a leader, the worst that you could have is fighting your group. Essi felt antagonizing her people again. At the scene of them getting to her entrance, she got even more disappointed that the event yesterday led to enslaving themselves at the service never required from them. They are following her, asking her how her morning is. One recites that the halls are already prepared for whatever she might like to do. Another implies that he already coordinated the press at any time that Essi has something to announce. Another one also said that he already prepared Essiโs office, neat, tidy and all papers are arranged on the side. Other than the machine, their stunts didnโt impress her. She saw an office worker trying to nudge in anger the janitor who was passing by him with his mop that had just touched the edge of his shoes. โStop feeling guilty for forgettin
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-12Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXVI. Passion and Wish
Bayanihan has also become the Town of Smiles. People are beaming sweet glances to Essi while she is leading her horse to the race track. There is no need for her to join. But here she is, standing with the strange beating of her heart, with Aggresso. The same excitement. The same thrill. Familiar feelings churned in her stomach as she looked around and knew that the people were watching them, ready to pay off their stakes for the horse of their likes. This race has become a battle for herself. A rebirth of her passion long-buried in the reality that new and young racers have come before her, willing to learn at the expense of her retirement. The only time that she was defeated was in an accident. Other than that, the podium is always her finishing place. This equestrian activity will always have a special place in her heart. Not because memories are joining i
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-13Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXVII. Winning Chances
That convention day is too short to be ordinary. But Oneil stands between the relativity of time to only exist as is. He cannot recall his speech. And he can no more explain his feelings to extended details. Speaking to unfamiliar people and smiling faces grant him no myriad of mixed excitements and anxiety at all. Perhaps, in his attempt to suppress his stage fright, he lost excitement and delight. He smiles and nods to those who greeted him after the forum. But he only felt empty inside. It could have been his defining moment for others to see that he is the standard-bearer of the Mercators. It should have been. All of them are convinced. Oneil can say it. Yet, it is himself he found the hardest to persuade. He got through that day. But what about another more to come? It is inevitable to not make that appearance the last one. So his thoughts rumbled at second's length to preclude his notice of time pas
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-15Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXVIII. Near to Sweet Nothings
Oneil is living in the feeling that Essi might come around anytime. Such a thrill, feeling chased and getting used to it. At first, it seems like running in circles. But later on, it has become part of his routine, a habit of his heart he cannot deny. He was waiting for her to be in the building. He got up earlier than usual. Arrived at his station at 6 AM. Prepared another cup of coffee in case Essi does not have one.The building of Gautarza is unusually silent. With about 500 people as their staff, and a fourth of them are on the first day of the seminar series, something inside the building is indeed empty. But Essi is passionate about making her employees updated on skills and knowledge systems. She once mentioned to Oneil that a lecture on work management and the dysfunction of alienation brought her to this motivation. But, perhaps, what makes Essi’s fresh handling methods on the company effective is how she strategically chooses the opportunities around her. Her
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-16Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXIX. Special Guest
From when did it start that Victor is suddenly losing details about Essi? He knew what she was up to and where she was heading. He knew her business and could feel her thoughts through her silence. But suddenly, he does not have any idea why Essi went out with Oneil without telling him the purpose. He should have received updates since he will be left to deal with those who might look for Essi. He cannot withhold information all the time especially if it is Arlelle Paulsson. Essi’s grandfather.Victor keeps on dialing Essi’s number while negotiating with time to be patient with him.“He is here,” Victor almost whispered when the other end finally responded. He gets secured to the assurance that Essi and Oneil are almost near to the building. Victor returns to Essi’s office where Grand Paulsson is waiting for Essi.The Grand Paulsson is in his typical corporate attire, a new hat, and a watch of a sky-rocketing price. He waits in sile
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-18Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXX. Hints of Trust
Essi returns to the scene that Mr. Arlelle’s hand is on Oneil’s shoulder. A sign of blessing and acceptance. But the old man leaves the words of challenge to Oneil.Essi’s grandfather has always been like that. His words may seem to be counterproductive. Yet, from it, Essi found stronger motivations.It is a call of duty, an intense heat of challenge for Oneil whether he should show up to the golf course with Mr. Arlelle Paulsson. The time is too short for him to think of anything else, be it dread or questions. Essi came in to disrupt the intense situation.“So what did I miss??” Essi asked as she closed the door. The clacks of her stilettos fill the sound of her walk while getting near to the two. “When would you like to play golf with Oneil, grandpa?”The old man returned to his seat without a smile. “I don’t think that it would be best for us to join the golf course,”
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-19Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย XXXI. Naive Jealousy
Gwyneth assumed that her task was already done. Anytime sooner, she might be able to return to Bordeaux to continue her equestrian passion. She keeps talking to Paco about the small little things happening between Essi and Oneil. She counts every interaction they have made the progress she had been longing to see. โDonโt you feel your heart fluttering too? They are sweet to each other,โ Gwyneth said while returning the horse to the stable. โJust like how they are meant to be.โ Paco is walking next to her, only silent and having thoughts afar off. He couldnโt keep up his attention to Gwyneth because of the sensitive request he received from her. He didnโt even notice that they were already in front of the grand gates of their ancestral house. โWhy are we here?โ Paco asked. โI told you, we will be buying some tickets for the two,โ Gwyneth replied. She noticed Oneil always passing by in this street to look at the ancestral house. It seems like it has som
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๋ฐ์ดํธ : 2021-11-20
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Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCXI. The Long Wait
Essi has always believed that meeting people like the Binici Siblings meant a good thing --that be it in business or social partnerships. But what Karina offers to her is quite different. Her words have stronger meaning underneath their simplicity as if Katrina had been always trying to interfere in Essi and Oneilโs lives. โSo you people are just engaged. It means there is still a greater possibility for any of you to quit, right?โ she asked Essi with a hint of excitement. Her words simply do not respect the relationship between the two. Essi chose to not pay attention to it. But Katrina was bugging her in another way by trying to set Essi up with Wyath for coffee nothings and casual dinner. โI do not have much time. If this meeting does not make any sense, then I wonโt go, Miss Binici,โ Essi declined. โMy brother is willing to marry the girl he likes,โ Katrina inserted just to make the phone call go on. โReally? Thatโs good for him then,โ Essi commented but was about to excuse he
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCX. Bids of Intentions (Part 2)
When everything got settled, she found herself already bringing the large paper bag filled with the three casings where the jewels in their trinket boxes are placed. Her chauffeur waited for her outside and walked with her down the stairs of the auction house. Her car is also set to conclude her night from the Legalion. But before she took a step, Wyath went to her again. โEssi, since it is rare for us to meet, may I ask for your contact number?โ Wyath was implying the personal one. โOkay,โ Essi said and gave him her number. โBut you should also give yours since my phone automatically sets an unknown number as spam.โ When they got done exchanging numbers, Katrina went to Wyath to remind him that they must go home now. โEssi, it was nice to meet you. Weโll go ahead for now,โ Katrina bid and dragged her brother to their car. โWill you still proceed to the hotel madame?โ her chauffeur asked. โYes, you can also take your time to enjoy things around,โ Essi grinned and reminded him ab
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCX. The Grounds in Bidding (Part 1)
It is the actual bidding night. With the preparation of the lights and the friendly interiors of the Legalion Action House, Essi knows this night shall be friendly to her vision. She takes a simple white dress with puff sleeves and white heels. She takes a silk cloth as her headband. Her appearance for the night is elegance mingled with youth and enthusiasm.โWelcome, Madame Essi,โ the guard said upon recognizing her card. โThis way please.โEssi followed the red carpet leading them to the Jewel Auction Hall No. 1. It is her first time to join an auction by herself. Oftentimes, she would just accompany a family member when they would like to purchase something from the auction. She continued walking around and not recognizing any familiar faces around the auction hall except Wyath. Wyath quickly noticed her too when he turned around. He approached her with a smile. He even introduced his sister to her.โThis is my sister, Katrina. Sheโs the reason why weโd like to buy some of the Maes
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCIX. Retrieving Treasures
Essi had a simple target in heading to Normandy. The Legalion Auction House announced its 25th jewelry auction. Essi was never attentive towards auctions. But this one sets a great importance in her agenda because it was the jewelry collection made by Maestro Marco. She had two important target items because of the discovery that she arrived upon studying the decoration and details on the jewelry portfolio of her grandmother Priscilla. Two pieces of jewelry are no more in the possession of the Paulsson household. It suddenly became included in the auction series of the Legalion because it is made by Maestro Marco.The first piece was dubbed as Ingridโs because Essiโs grandfather had especially commissioned the jewel maker to make a bluebird-inspired jewelry as a ready gift for his daughter once she will be brought to the world. And yet the owner, continued sleeping.The second piece was a fancy yellow diamond about 80 carats filled with many more white diamonds on its side, forming l
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCVIII. Someone is Also Concerned (Part 2)
Victor has to weigh many company concerns. First, for the Amyrgia-Gautarza. Second, to Essiโs Gautarza Company and third, to the Mercator Group. Concerning the first two, he can see the clear directions on how the owners would take their future paths. But for the Mercator Group, he couldnโt see exactly where it even errs or go on correctly.He became an instant breadwinner with a clear source of income because the other Mercators in their humble barn house have to lie low for a while. His great ally on the discussion for the Mercator Group was his father.โOur hope in raising this alarm is to the interim chairman himself,โ Paulo said. โIf only he could also be cooperative to us.โโI donโt see any reason though that he wouldnโt,โ Victor stated. โThat is why I talked to him about the deliberation of a new policy concerning the selling and purchase of shares.โโWhat do you see is the problem about the shares then?โโI see some problems of the old policy. It may allow the shareholders to
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCVIII. Concerns (Part 1)
Sometimes, amid all trials, one couldnโt help but wonder how others felt for them. It was in Victor especially when he regarded how Mr. Arlelle must have reacted to the fate that chased the Mercators. Yet, hoping to be always in his favor, Victor could only remain in silent and work with perseverance. It must have been a good asset that he was not heard as a Mercator because no one would chase him in the hopes to scoop out a splice of an information that can serve a cup of tea. Victor was on his way back to Arlelleโs office, bringing the reports about the recent confirmations he received on his email. But while he was outside the office, he heard some key people of Amyrgia-Gautarza.โHow come that you still keep him sir? Is he not a member of the Mercators? It is quite unsettling.โโHow can I not when he is still officially a part of the Amyrgia-Gautarza? And what has he done then that he should be fired out?โโBut he is a Mercator.โVictor couldnโt deny that maybe in the business wor
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCVII. A Deal with the Royalty (Part 2)
Because of the conversation Lady Imeldine and Latifa had in the dining room, Grant went to them with some mud on his jumper and polo. He was worried that Latifa cried again while no one was watching.A shine light hit his eye when he tried to look at what is on the table. He marched slowly until he could see what is inside the box.โIs this your last jewel that you would sell, Latifa?โ he asked because he couldnโt recognize the jewel.It was pretty understandable. Because he was never able to see this ring right from its bidding and until his wifeโs death. It was Paulo who kept it because Grant didnโt know about the many things that his wife bought.His daughter-in-law didnโt answer yet but his recognition was also now to the visitor. โYour highness,โ Grant said. He bowed even lower because he is ashamed of his situation. Knowing that Lady Imeldine was a shareholder, it would be harder to explain his situation to the royalty.โPlease, may you be comfortable in dealing with me for I am
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCVII. A Royal Compensation (Part 1)
It was surely a grave offense that Louis made only to stain the reputation of the house of the Emirvas. But Lady Imeldine couldnโt even make greater punishment against him by sending him back to their country because he would face more grievous repercussions from the entire royal clan concerning the ring. After all, she has compassion to this lad who was also alike to her, almost impossible to receive the crown. He is but a royal and yet has to live in a manner that could promote his name despite the absence of the crown.So Louis was grounded in the rest house and every inch of his move was under Lady Imeldineโs strict supervision. When he tried to beg to his aunt that maybe he could go with her to talk to Essi, she glared at him.โIsnโt it enough that you made a careless work here?โ she snarled. โLouis! You even brought shame to our family in front of the Paulssons.โโIโm sorry,โ Louis cried out barely having any sincerity since he said out of annoyance to his auntโs endless squawk
Look At Me, Oneilย ย ย CCVI. Formalities and Letting it Pass (Part 2)
When the prompt for writing kicks, it is sometimes hard to stop the feeling of typing it all. But when Essi got done, she was unsure on how she should continue her article. Because there was something missing about the details of the maestro. Until she remembered what Marcoโs wife said when she asked why is it okay for them to look.โItโs just like our twins are also cheering for him.โEssiโs tears escaped from her eyes. Now sheโs doubting if she should tell his story. She tried to call Oneil and glad that he had also picked up.โWhy? Are you alright?โ Oneil asked because it is still not yet 11PM. It means Essi must be still working for something. โBut with all the curiosity that Essi has, she hesitated in asking.โCome on, you can tell me,โ almost pleaded because when silence starts to answer, it means a bothersome case.โDid Sir Marco ever tell you that he would like some people to interview him? Heโs quite famous as a master jeweler.โโYou were inspired to write about him, is it?โ
