RIVALS - Chapter 8
Author: R.Umali
June 30, 2000
Authors Note: Okay guys, I quickly edited this, since I didn't want to
hurry Jillian into doing so. SO excuse the typos… Anyhow, I hope you
guys like it… Let me know… umalific@hotmail.com… Thanks for the
wonderful emails… I really appreciate it…
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The sun was just rising over the ocean when Serena woke but stayed in
bed sighing to her happiness. Yesterdays surprising event had left
her overwhelmingly happy and cheerful. She couldn't stop thinking
about all the happy chatters and remembrance her and her friends had.
Then of course there was Darien. Serena couldn't help but stare at
her hand, the delightful sensation that Darien left just keeps
lingering. It was 6:20am when she finally got up to open the balcony
doors; she inhaled deeply welcoming the new day. 'What another
surprising day it will be' she thought.
"Morning Dare" said Michael walking out of an elevator to join not
only his boss but his best friend as well.
"Same to you" he said sipping his hot cup of coffee and noticing his
friends' bright and happy smile. "So why thou so happy?"
"Cause thou saw Mina wear her gifts" said a cocked eyebrow Michael.
"I see," he said putting his coffee down as a young man came.
"Good morning Mr. Jacobs, what will it be?" asked the young man
"The usual David"
"Black with a little sugar, you got it" said David as he retreated
back to his steaming coffee gadgets.
"So what do you think of Serena?" asked Michael smilingly.
"What do you mean?" asked Darien grinning back holding his
professional composure.
"Oh come off it Darien, It's so obvious how interested you were
yesterday" he said stopping as David delivered his coffee.
"Interested! In what ways was I giving that notion?" asked a Darien as
he picked up his coffee.
"Oh come on Darien, I saw the way you looked and stared at her
yesterday" said Michael as he stirred his coffee "and what was that
hand kissing gesture? You never do that, in fact I've never seen you
kiss any woman's hand before" stared Michael "oh but wait, you
have…what was her name…Stephanie..Yes that's her name," said Michael
as he stared at the smirking Darien as he put his empty cup of coffee
down. "and I assumed that, the gesture was to insure a deal with
Dynamic Motors and not with any other interest. Of course it was a
'total' shocker that the president was Stephanie's father," said a
sarcastically bewildered Michael.
"Why did you assumed that it was all business?" asked a composed
Darien.
"Well after you signed them in as a company investor, you left her
quicker than your usual timing" stared Michael at the smiling Darien
"well am I right"
"Indeed you are" waving to David for another round of coffee "I just
simply didn't have time for immature women like Stephanie. She
irritated the hell out of me…" said Darien as David and poured more
coffee onto his third cup. "all she chatted about was how she was the
most beautiful woman in Tokyo and Daddy bought me this and Daddy
bought me that. God I thought that deal was never going to end," said
Darien as he picked up his cup and gently sipped his very hot brew of
coffee.
"Didn't her father notice?" asked Michael
"He did" said Darien as he wiped his mouth and chuckled at the same
time "but for the wrong reasons… and…." Trailed Darien as the
persistent Michael interrupted.
"Okay enough about that, back to my original question" he said acting
sly "WHAT….DO… YOU… THINK… ABOUT… SE…RE…NA" exclamated Michael.
"Mike you seem to think you know me so well" said Darien sitting back
"why don't you tell me what I think about Serena, and Ill tell you if
its right or not" said a sly Darien.
"Oh goodness" said a tiring Michael "okay I play your games…To make
the long story short, I think you've fallen for her" he said waiting
for Darien's reaction.
"Fa… FALLEN" said the chuckling Darien "come on Mike, I thought you
knew me better than that… You know in my lifetime I haven't and will
never fa….al" was Darien's last word when his attention was reverted
elsewhere..
"Dare…Hello" said Michael as he followed Darien's gaze. Coming out of
the elevator was Serena, she was elegantly business attired and held a
delightful smile on her enchanting face. Michael noticing Darien's
intense gaze wanted all the more to prove his theory of Darien, which
he so strongly denies.
"SERENA" said Michael waving to her. Serena recognizes the two men
and happily walks towards them.
"Michael…what are you doing" asked Darien who was watching Serena come
closer.
"Proving my theory………… Hi Serena" said Michael
"Good morning Michael" she said to him "Good morning Darien" she said
as she slightly turned his way.
"Good morning to you too Serena" said Darien still sensually drinking
in her beautiful sight. After a few moments both Serena and Darien
just seem to stare and had all along forgotten the third presence with
them. Michael couldn't help but smile within, he knew Darien felt
something for Serena, but was trying to get him to admit it was the
hardest. Darien and Serena was content smiling at each other when a
sudden kick by Michael disturbed his serene thoughts of Serena.
"ouch…Michael" said Darien noticing what Michael was mouthing (ask her
to sit down)
"Huh… Oh I'm sorry… where are my manners" said Darien as he stood
"would you come join us for some coffee?" asked Darien who was pulling
out the seat next to his.
"Yeah, our treat" said Michael
"Thank you both for the offer, but I can't" said Serena
"Where are you off too?" asked Michael noticing the brief case in
hand.
"I've got some business to take care of," said Serena with a smile
"Business what kind of business?" asked Darien curiously
"Let's just say that I'm in finance" smiled Serena knowing all to well
who Darien is "Well it was nice seeing you two handsome me but I must
go, or I will be late for a meeting" she said walking away but stops
before stepping out the door "Darien, I don't drink coffee… But I'll
take a rain check on hot coco" gleamed Serena before stepping through
the glass entrance.
'Why Ill be dammed' thought Michael as he watch something in Serena's
eyes flicker and quickly turned to watch Darien's face smile in
acceptance as she walked out the doors. It might have been minutes
before he returned his attention back to Michael who was still
grinning.
"What?" asked Darien
"and you say you haven't fallen…. Yeah right!"
The doors to Tsukino Financial automatically opened as she entered the
lobby. It was a large litted lobby with marble settings all around.
Serena notices the large reception table and walks professionally to
be directed in the right direction.
"Hello may I help you?" asked the woman cockily noticing Serena's
brief case and business attire.
"Yes I'm here to see Mr. Kina," said Serena
"Mr. Kina is not seeing any more applicants. The position has been
filled," said the receptionist brushing Serena off.
"Miss…… I have an appointment to see Mr. Kina," said Serena
irritatedly
"Appointments….huh that's what they all say… But then its my head on
the platter when Mr. Kina gets angry" sneered the woman "I will not
have you bother him"
"Miss……" hissed Serena as she looked at her badge " Miss CHOW! Mr.
KINA is awaiting for my arrival" she said losing her patience with the
rude receptionist "I would think he would be very upset to keep him
nor 'I' waiting" stared Serena aggressively.
"and who might you be" questioned the brave woman.
"MY name is" said Serena before being interrupted.
"SE..RE..NA" said the old familiar voice as he walked coolly towards
her.
As Serena turned around to Miss Chow, "TSU…KINO" she said then turning
back around to greet Mr. Kina. "Good morning Mr. Kina-sama" said
Serena followed by a hug.
"Its been awhile my dear, but I cant miss these trademark of yours" he
said while pointing at her bunned pigtails "you're so grown my
dear…and why are you still down here?" said Mr. Kina turning to Miss.
Chow "Didn't I specifically say that I have an appointment with Serena
Tsukino and that she be escorted to my office immediately" he said
"Why is she still down here" he asked quite annoyed.
"Umm… Sir, I…" nervously saying
"Mr. Kina" said Serena "Miss. Chow didn't want to leave the desk
unattended while she escorted me" said Serena while giving a glance to
Miss Chow.
"Very well" said Mr. Kina "Next time please call someone to deal with
the phones rather than having important clients or members waiting"
"Yes Sir" said Miss Chow lowering her head in shame and embarrassment.
"Good, now lets go Miss Tsukino you assistants awaits for your
arrival" he said escorting her to the elevator.
"What could be taking them so long?" marked Jayson
"He said that we meet at 9am it is now 9:15," said Ami
"Calm down you two, I'm pretty sure there is a good explanation for
the hold up" said Mina
"Guys, how do you think this new CEO will be?" asked Molly nervously
"I just hope she isn't one of those snobby rich type," said Mina
"Yeah like that Beryl from Azusa. I have friends that work for her
and they say that she is the worse person you can ever work for" said
Ami
"I know, I wonder what Darien sees in her?" asked Molly
"Molly, you know that Darien only uses her," said Mina
"But you know what's funny? Darien and Beryl are about the same. You
would think they were made for each other," said Ami
"Don't let Darien hear you say that" said Jayson
"Why not" asked Mina
"Darien hates Beryl and for you to mention that they're made for each
other, I think he'd blow a gasket" said Jayson
"Oh….that reminds me, did you guys see how Darien stared at Serena
yesterday? Asked Mina
"Yeah, he was almost drooling," said Ami
"Did you guy's see how angry he was when Mr. Mancini asked Serena had
a boy…" finished Mina before being interrupted.
"Goodmorning everyone" said Mr. Kina as he entered the room.
"Good morning Sir" said the four
"Its nice to see that your all comfortable and not nervous"
"Well Sir, we are kind of nervous," said Molly
"You should be" he said in a serious tone as the others got quiet
'this is going to be fun' thought Mr. Kina realizing how uncomfortable
they were.
"This new boss of yours is tough, she will not take anyone of your
B.S." he marked as he watch everyone stiffen "she is very high
maintenance and requires a lot from her assistants. She will require
all of you be on call even when you are not working. Especially you"
he said staring at Mina "You since you are the highest rank, you will
be her closest assistant and join her at every function. She will not
take any one being tardy at any meetings or you will face the
consequences" he said hardening his tone at every word" Mr. Kina went
on about the new boss, reiterating how tough she was, even though he
had lied a bit. He just loved seeing them squirm in their seats.
Serena on the other hand smiled a laughed as she looked on through the
window watching them frighten at every word. She was in a mirrored
enclosure where she can see them but they can not see her.
"and that is why she is so successful at her duties" ended Mr. Kina,
satisfied of his antics "now are you ready to meet her?" he said
smilingly at their frightened features. The four slowly nodded and
watch Mr. Kina press a button summoning his secretary.
"Yes Mr. Kina"
"Andrea, send her in"
"Yes Sir"
The air in the conference room seems to grow thinner and thinner as
they wait the arrival of their new boss. All sweating in nervousness
as the time seems to stand still. Finally, the door slowly opens and
they watched in anticipation.
"May I introduce our new boss?" said Andrea cracking a smile on her
lips. She couldn't help but notice the uneasy feeling in the room
while Mr. Kina tried to hold his laughter in.
"May I introduce Miss…. Tsukino" said Andrea to the four. The four
looked at each other holding their breath as a familiar face walked
in. All four assistants eyes bulged out in surprise as they
recognized their friend.
"SERENA' said the four with their mouths agape.
"That's me," she said smiling
"Your….your our new' said Molly
"BOSS" said Jayson as Serena nods and was quickly tackled by Mina into
a hug.
"Oh you little brat, that's why you didn't tell us what you do for a
living"
"I couldn't help it, it was Mr. Kina's idea to keep it a secret" said
Serena as they all turned to see MR. Kina chuckling.
"Mr. Kina" said Ami facing a laughing man
"What's with all this tough stuff" said Jayson "Serena tough" I find
that hard to believe.
"Well some things I told you were a little made up, I just liked
seeing you all quiver in fright….Oh you guys should of seen you faces"
he said chuckling once more.
"SO everything you said was all a joke?" asked Jayson
"Well somewhat" said Mr. Kina motioning everyone to sit down. Serena
took the end seat facing Mr. Kina.
"What do you mean some what?" asked Jayson
"Andrea please pass out Serena's bio," said Mr. Kina as Andrea handed
everyone their own profolio of Serena and he began once more.
"Serena-chan is what that bio describes her to be. She is very
talented at her job and is a very tough person to deal business with.
She is as it profiles her as a profit maker for she has closed many
deals that has given us profits beyond what we have imagined. She is
a sharp shooter, very detailed and very precise, she doesn't miss a
thing" said Mr. Kina. He went on and on about her experiences and
successful past but his last statement caught her attention.
"Though she is the daughter of Kenji Tsukino, as all of you know is
the owner and president of Tsukino Financial Inc. don't think she has
acquired her position because of mere blood line. She's smart and
very well educated about our financial world. Through our boards and
panels she has been highly recommended by our investors and advisors.
Which of course included me?" he said smiling at Serena. "and being
recommended and have all the advisors agree to it is a very hard
compromise at times. But Serena's profile revealing her successful
track and the board can only agree and accept her as the only
candidate for the position" Serena watched and skimmed through her bio
as well, noticing that someone else had created this profolio and not
the one that she had made herself. "Well everyone except your father
Serena," said Mr. Kina as Serena's head lifted. "Your father didn't
like the idea at all, if it wasn't his hesitation I would of retired a
year ago" he said with a smile.
"You mean to tell me this has been going on for a year," said Serena,
shock ritten all over.
"Yes it has been a never ending battle with your father who finally
gave in when I told him that I will only retire if you take the
position"
"I see, Mr. Kina may I ask who created this profile?"
"Why, Andrea and I did" said Mr. Kina "we have been following your
work carefully"
"I see, Thank you Mr. Kina," said Serena
"No need to thank me Serena, it is your loyal clients that insisted.
Besides I wouldn't be happy to leave Tsukino Financial in the hands of
others" he said a brief silence came and gone. "Well that's enough of
that, now I will leave the five of you to get acquainted and let
Andrea know if you need anything" he said a she stood to leave and
motioned Serena to the head table, which was originally his seat
"Serena, it is now yours" he said with a smile, as Serena got up and
professionally took her seat.
"Thank you" she said as Mr. Kina smiled.
"Your welcome my dear" he said while walking towards the door "Serena,
they are excellent assistants, go easy on them" he said as he left the
still stunned assistants and a smiling Serena behind. They watched as
the door close and all eyes traveled to Serena.
"I can't believe this," said Molly
"Serena, our Boss" said Ami
"that's Miss Tsukino to you" said Serena half jokingly and half-stern
"Wow, Rei's gonna flip when she hear this" said Jayson
"Oh, I almost forgot.. no one is to formally know until tomorrows
retirement party for Mr. Kina" said Serena to her assistants
"Why?" asked Molly
"I don't know but its Mr. Kina's wishes" said Serena
"No wonder you couldn't tell us, you're the dam wonder girl that
everyone's talking about," said Mina
"Yeah and with Rei and the Chiba guys there, they would all flip
knowing the daughter of the great Kenji Tsukino is taking Mr. Kina-
sama's place," said Jayson.
"I still can't believe that Serena is the daughter of Kenji Tsukino,"
said Molly
"You mean to tell me that you guys didn't know?" asked Serena as she
watched all of them nod their heat form left to right.
"We've just thought your name was just a coincidence," said Mina
"and besides Serena, when we were growing up we acknowledged your dad
as Mr. Tsukino not Kenji" said Ami
"Oh goodness" said Serena rolling her eyes "but anyway guys just
because I'm your best friend doesn't mean I'm going to give you guys
any slack… I want all of you to get to work now!" said a comically and
demanding Serena. All four stared at her stunned as she smiled; the
four seek revenge by throwing wadded paper and pencils at her.
"This is going to be fun," said Jayson
"Seriously guys, I get pretty demanding regarding business so you'll
need to adjust to my moods at times" said Serena "I might be different
in the office then when I'm out playing and hanging around with you
guys" said Serena "But I do need a few things by next Friday" said
Serena.
"and what is that" asked Molly
"Well for starters, I want reports on all major accounts and compile
all others. I want them categorized by the initial investments" she
said as they started jotting down on their note pads "Mina, I want all
reports on investments from a million plus. Ami I want you to do the
900 thousand to 500, Jayson I want you to do the rest. With this I
want their exact company profits for the past year and include the
past four months. Molly, I need all investment applications to halt
till I can review their application and profile myself. I don't want
any new deals until I approve them," said Serena
"Why?" asked Molly
"Mrs. Andrea may I see you for a moment" said Serena pressing a button
on the phone.
"I don't want any dirty money being invested, I want to make sure the
money their putting in this company is legitimate" respond Serena to
Molly " I don't like being the center of attention from the
government, especially the tax department" she said as the door opened
and walked in Andrea.
"Yes Miss. Tsukino" said Andrea with a pencil and a notepad
"Molly I also want you to compile reports on all Tsukino branches and
Andrea I want you to get profiles on the supervising managers"
"Yes, ma'am" said Andrea as she scribbled on her pad
"I want them on my desk no later than Friday afternoon." She said to
the surprised assistants "Then I want to schedule a meeting with all
at their earliest convenience" said Serena giving them other
instructions and duties.
Three men stood behind the mirrored wall smiling and greatly satisfied
at their choice of hire.
"Her first day and she's already being the leader we anticipated her
to be," said Mr. Thompson
"The position fits her perfectly," said Mr. Sison
"It does doesn't it" remarked Mr. Kina
"and I think…that's it for now" said Serena to her assistants with
their mouths open.
"What did I say something?" asked Serena
"I still can't believe that Serena is our boss," said Mina
"Oh you don't, well let me see I think I need reports done on…,"
thought Serena loudly for everyone to hear.
"No….No… we believe it, we believe it" said Mina and the others. The
all laughed as they heard a loud grumble and turned to a blushing
Mina.
"Umm, I was so nervous this morning that I forgot to eat breakfast,"
she said as Serena flipped her wrist to look at her watch.
"Oh my gosh, no wonder your stomach is grumbling, Its almost lunch"
said Serena "Hey why don't I take you all out to lunch"
"Well since it's your treat, how can we decline" said a hungry Mina
"but wait, with all these surprises you keep springing up, you don't
have anymore in plan do you?" she asked
"No more surprises" said Serena to her friends
"Are you sure?" asked Molly
"You know I don't think I can't take another surprise from you" said
Ami.
"Well its okay with me, just as long as you say you're pregnant" said
Molly.
"As a matter of fact I was gonna tell you that next" she said as the
others slowly walked towards her. Serena ran outside the conference
room to stand behind Mr. Kina talking to Andrea.
"Mr. Kina HELP! They've turned against me" she giggled.
"I see that you're getting along quite well," he said as Serena dodged
Mina whom caught one of her pigtails.
"Gotcha you evil rabbit for a boss you…" said Mina
"Okay……Okay… No more surprises" said a laughing Serena "Oh, Andrea, if
its okay with Mr. Kina lunch also includes you"
"Thank you Miss. Tsukino, but I'm meeting my husband for lunch today"
"Oh, okay Ill take you to lunch some other time then. But Andrea" she
said waiting for her to turn around.
"Yes"
"Serena will do" she said "Mr. Kina, I'm going to take the team to
lunch so we can get better acquainted before I throw more stuff at
them"
"That's good, take your time," said Mr. Kina waving his good byes as
the elevator door closes.
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