CHAPTER II: TERMS & CONDITIONS

Manila was as busy and bustling as ever, with everyone heading to work on this typical Monday. Rush hour loomed, and the streets were filled with people hurrying to their jobs.

At the Aguilar's Construction and Development company, the activity was especially intense. Employees worked tirelessly to contribute to the construction of beautiful buildings across the country. As the top construction company in the Philippines, excellence was always expected.

Today, the company was even busier than usual as it marked the anniversary of the death of its late chairman, Mikhael Lee Aguilar, and his wife, Klarissa Young. However, this day also brought dread for some, particularly the couple's son, Valentino Young Aguilar, who was known for his moodiness and sensitivity.

In his office, the tall man was engrossed in his work, his hand running through his black hair before adjusting his glasses. He appeared more serious than usual.

His assistant, known as Archie, approached him, holding an iPad. "Sir Aguilar, may problema," he said, looking worried.

Valentino looked up from his laptop. "What is it this time?" he asked calmly, though his irritation was evident.

"A shareholder, ah... a major shareholder withdrew their shares," Archie murmured nervously.

Valentino raised an eyebrow, his attention fully focused.

"Bakit?" Valentino's tone was firm, his gaze penetrating. Archie lowered his head, his body tensing up.

Despite working closely with Valentino for years, he still felt a shiver down his spine in his presence. "We don't know the reason yet, bigla-biglaan lang kasi siya," he replied, his voice almost a whisper.

Valentino's expression tightened. "Look into the reason. Hindi dapat biglaan lang," he ordered, his eyes flicking back to the screen of his laptop as he continued typing.

Archie nodded quickly, the weight of Valentino's expectation heavy on his shoulders. He made his way to the door, his steps quick but careful.

Exiting the office, he closed the door softly behind him, feeling the tension ease slightly. Beads of sweat formed on his temples as he fumbled for his phone, his fingers shaking as he dialed his contacts to gather information.

Meanwhile, Valentino stood up from his chair, his movements deliberate as he rolled his sleeves up and adjusted his tie and vest. With a composed demeanor, he exited his office, the aura of authority following him as workers nearby instinctively lowered their heads in respect.

Valentino was on his phone, speaking in a low tone as he exited the building. His driver promptly opened the car door for him, and the vehicle drove straight to the grave site where his parents laid in peace.

Upon arriving, Valentino stepped out of the car and walked to their graves. He kneeled down, using wipes to clear the dust from the tombstones. Gently, he placed a white rose on each grave, his eyes softening as he gazed at the markers.

Shortly after, his sister Maricel arrived in a separate car. She hurried over and knelt beside her brother, staring at the tombstones. "I miss them," she said softly, placing a white rose as well. She then looked at her older brother.

Valentino remained silent, his focus on their parents' tombstones. His expression was serious yet tender, a reflection of the pain and memories he held. He had only been a teenager when they died.

Valentino, though silent, was consumed by his thoughts. He was certain his parents' deaths weren't accidental. He wanted to delve deeper into the their supposed accident but was overwhelmed by his responsibilities, managing the company his father had left him and caring for his younger sister.

The moment he heard about his parents' passing, he had no time to grieve. His grandfather had immediately begun training him, thrusting the company's responsibilities onto his shoulders.

Maricel stood up and ran to her car to retrieve something. Valentino remained kneeling, rubbing his parents' tombstone with his thumb. His silence was loud but his intentions were clear.

A day later, news of the major shareholder's withdrawal had spread throughout the building like wildfire. Even Archie, the poor assistant, couldn't contain the rumors.

Archie stood in front of Valentino's desk, his head lowered, while Valentino fixed him with a serious gaze. The tension in the room was palpable, and Archie felt the weight of Valentino's scrutiny.

Breaking the silence, Valentino's voice cut through the room. "Is there any way to salvage this situation? Can we negotiate for the shares to be bought back?" His tone was firm, betraying his concern.

Archie's gaze flickered to Valentino's face before he glanced down at his iPad, fingers moving swiftly over the screen. "Sir, we might have a chance to rectify this if we contact Mr. Jeremiah Liu," he replied, choosing his words carefully.

"Given his close relationship with your late father, he may be open to negotiating the return of the shares."

Valentino raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued by Archie's suggestion. "Jeremiah Liu... contact him immediately," he instructed, his tone decisive.

Archie nodded briskly, swiftly retrieving his phone from his pocket. He dialed a number, reaching out to someone in Jeremiah's circle of contacts. As the phone rang, Archie apologized for the interruption and stepped out of the office.

Left alone, Valentino remained composed, his gaze shifting to his watch. He watched the second hand tick slowly around the dial, each passing moment.

A few moments later, Archie returned to the office, a positive energy radiating from him. He wore a smile as he delivered the news, "Mr. Liu is quite interested. He invites you to afternoon tea to discuss it."

Valentino nodded in acknowledgment, silently dismissing Archie with a wave of his hand. Once alone, he sighed, leaning back into his chair. Before spending the night in his office, he delved into researching Jeremiah Liu, wanting to be extra cautious.

The next day dawned in bustling Manila, and Valentino wasted no time. He stepped into his car, the driver pulling away as soon as Valentino settled in, heading towards his meeting with Jeremiah Liu.

The location chosen for the meeting was a secluded spot, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, ensuring privacy for discussions. As the car parked, Valentino stepped out, greeted by the quiet surrounding.

Jeremiah, seated with an air of confidence, rose to shake Valentino's hand. "O, kamusta Mr. Aguilar?" he greeted warmly before settling back into his seat.

Valentino reciprocated the handshake, his demeanor composed yet cautious. "Okay lang po ako," he replied, his gaze steady. Taking a seat, he maintained a businesslike posture.

Jeremiah, sipping his tea, leaned back in his chair. "I heard you needed my help, Mr. Aguilar," he stated, his tone casual yet attentive.

Valentino nodded, his gaze steady.

"Recently, our major shareholder abruptly withdrew their shares," he explained, getting straight to the point.

Jeremiah leaned back, processing the information before speaking. "I am willing to help you, but I have a condition," he said, his tone serious.

Valentino raised his eyebrow, signaling his readiness to listen. "And what would that condition be?" he inquired, his tone firm but respectful.

Jeremiah set his tea down, his gaze steady. "I'll provide my support if you agree to marry my daughter,"

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