Jacob returned home from the office.
The moment he entered the house, he went straight to his room and stared at the photograph on his table… unable to look away.
Just then, Diana walked in.
She hugged Jacob gently from behind and said,
Diana: "I'm still hurting from your father's death."
Jacob: "I'm sorry, Mom."
Diana: "John is gone… now I only have you. And even you don't listen to me."
Jacob: "Please forgive me, Mom."
Diana: "I still haven't forgiven you. And I won't… not until you get married."
Jacob: "Mom, at least listen to me—"
Diana: "I worry about your marriage because one day, when I'm no longer here… I don't want you to be alone. I want my son to be successful not only in his career, but also in his love life."
Jacob: "Yes, Mom… I understand."
Diana: "I actually came from New York to give you some documents."
Jacob: "What documents?"
Diana: "I'll explain everything to you later, properly. For now, I'm leaving."
And with that, Diana walked away.
In the middle of the night, Jacob's phone started ringing.
He woke up immediately.
Jacob: "Yes, Mr. Michael, tell me."
Michael: "Sorry for disturbing your sleep."
Jacob: "It's okay. Now that I'm awake, at least tell me the reason."
Michael: "I got so busy today… I forgot to inform you about something important."
Jacob: "Please don't tell me it's bad news."
Michael: "Tomorrow, we have to visit Gregorio Luperón High School for Math and Science."
Jacob: "Why?"
Michael: "Did you forget you became CEO this year?"
Jacob: "And what does that have to do with the school?"
Michael: "You need to represent our company there and give a talk about technology."
Jacob: "Alright… we'll deal with everything tomorrow."
Next Morning
Jacob Elordi was giving his speech on stage.
Jacob: "Hello, future tech. Today, I want to use our company as an example to explain how fast this world is—"
Suddenly, a girl walking across the hall dropped all her books, and she herself stumbled to the floor. Jacob's eyes immediately shifted to her. Even while looking at her, he continued his speech.
Jacob: "—how fast this world is moving forward with technology."
Behind the girl, two senior students started whispering.
Julia: "Look, look! He's staring at you even while giving his speech!"
Melissa: "Yeah, I can totally see that."
Jacob was actually looking at that girl, but these two over-reacting seniors thought he was looking at them instead.
Jacob was waiting in the school office for the principal. As he sat there, a sudden feeling struck him — this had to be the same girl he had seen outside A-man New York… and she had walked past this very school.
The principal finally walked in.
Jacob stood up and shook his hand.
Jacob: "Hello, Mr. William."
William: "Hey, son. You've grown so much… and much taller too."
They laughed together. Just then, the same girl walked inside.
Jacob immediately straightened up, adjusted his tie, and observed her carefully.
The Girl: "May I come in, sir?"
William: "Come in. Oh, so you finally listened to me."
She handed a stack of books to William.
The Girl: "I had a hard time finding these, but I managed."
William: "Thank you. I knew I could count on you."
The Girl: "You're most welcome, sir."
Then she left.
After she walked out, William turned to Jacob.
William: "She's a biology student, but she worked in tech for me. Helped me a lot. She topped this year too."
Jacob: "Your school's students take after you, clearly."
William: "How's John doing, by the way?"
Jacob's expression shifted.
Jacob: "My father passed away."
William's face softened.
William: "I'm really sorry, son. I had no idea."
Jacob: "It's okay."