"So, Regina Martins—" Don Pedro's voice carried a teasing warmth "will you do us the honor of being our acting CEO?"
Hearing what his father just said, Mabel laughed softly, tilting her head. "Do I have a choice? Can I decline?" she asked playfully, raising an eyebrow.
"That's a yes then!" Don Pedro declared before she could answer again. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his hand patting her back firmly. "Congratulations, my darling! I'm certain you'll be better than I and your mother ever was."
She smiled against his shoulder. "Better? That's a big expectation, Dad."
"I don't make small expectations," he replied with a hint of pride. His eyes gleamed, not just with joy, but with the satisfaction of a man whose long-awaited plan was finally unfolding.
"All my dreams for you… all my plans… they are finally falling into place," he said softly, almost to himself.
He released her and gave a playful grin. "Oh, and I've already instructed one of the biggest female boutiques in the city to supply you with all the clothes you'll need to stand out. I don't want my daughter walking into board meetings looking anything less than a queen."
Mabel laughed. "Dad, I thought I was just an acting CEO for now."
"Yes, Regina," he said, tickling her cheek the way he used to when she was little, "but not for long, darling. Soon, you'll be CEO in full. The boss lady of all my companies."
Her eyes widened slightly. "All your companies?"
"All of them," he said firmly. "I've already instructed the company's management to announce on the evening news that Global Investment has a new acting CEO. So, get ready attention, fame, the media… all of it will be yours."
Mabel let out a short breath, half excitement, half nerves. "That's… a lot to take in."
Don Pedro's smile widened. "Global Investment has more than fifty branches scattered across different states in this country. You'll oversee them all. Of course, you'll be based in our headquarters here in the capital. But every decision… every policy… every success will have your name on it."
At that moment Mabel's gaze wandered for a moment toward the garden, the flowers swaying gently in the breeze. "Everything is happening so fast," she admitted. "And somehow… it's beautiful. I promise, I won't disappoint you or Mum. Thank you for trusting me."
Then he placed a hand over hers. "I have no doubts about you, Regina. Your mother would be proud. I know I am."
There was a rare softness in his voice, one that made Mabel's chest tighten with emotion, if only his mother was here.
Just then, the distant rumble of a car engine broke the quiet. They turned to see the gates of the mansion swing open as a sleek black car rolled inside. Don Pedro's personal assistant, Justin, was behind the wheel.
Don Pedro stood, brushing imaginary dust from his suit jacket. "Looks like I have to leave you now," he said. "Enjoy the view while you can. I have some important meetings to attend, in preparation for your new office, of course."
Mabel rose with him, giving him a quick hug. "Go handle your stuff, Dad. I'll stay here and think about how I'm going to fill those big shoes you've just placed in front of me."
He chuckled. "They're not big shoes, Regina. They're the right size for you. And soon, you'll walk in them better than I ever did."
With that, he turned and walked toward the living room, Justin following closely behind.
Don Pedro immediately sat in his grand armchair.
"Everyone… out," he said, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.
The guards, aides, and staff shuffled out immediately, the sound of their shoes fading until the only noise left was the faint tick of the antique clock on the wall.
When Don Pedro was sure they were alone, he turned his cold gaze toward Justin, who stood stiffly near the doorway.
"I told you," the Don said slowly, his voice thick with authority, "I wouldn't be seeing your ugly face unless you brought me the news I need."
At that moment Justin's head was bowed 90 degrees, eyes fixed on the floor. "Yes, boss… I have the news," he replied quietly, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. He did not dare meet the Don's eyes.
"Talk," Don Pedro commanded, leaning slightly forward.
Justin swallowed before speaking. "Lady Regina… when she left home years ago, she ran to one of the smaller cities in the country. There, she married one of the city's fast-rising businessmen, Fred Rodriquez. Not someone with much influence… from a humble background. But ambitious."
Hearing Justin word's Don Pedro's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes sharpened. "Go on."
"She changed her name to Mabel, though she kept your surname Martins, perhaps to hold on to some identity. Boss…" Justin hesitated briefly, "I think Fred Rodriquez was the one who attempted to murder her."
Immediately the Don's voice cracked like a whip. "You think… or you know?"
Justin stiffened. "Sorry… Mr Don… I know! All evidence points to him.It seems she became more valuable to him… dead."
The silence that followed was heavier than words. Don Pedro's jaw tightened, his fingers drumming slowly on the armrest.
"With your permission," Justin said carefully, trying to anticipate his boss's wish, "Fred Rodriquez's head will be on your table before daybreak."
however Don Pedro's lips curved slightly, though it was far from a smile. He shook his head. "No… not yet."
Justin blinked in surprise. "Boss?"
"For now, he will be useful," the Don replied, his tone calm but laced with a dangerous undertone." I'll tell you when to give me what he wished my daughter!"