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Review Responses:
cherry-tree-of-life - If you want to know more about the "scandal" from the past, then keep reading to see what Alice and Masquerade have to say. If you thought that was all Katie could do, then keep your eyes peeled because she has more tricks up her sleeve! Masquerade's current life situation will be explained soon, but he was basically overseas for a while (that's my go-to excuse).
MagicxMusicxMelody - I haven't heard that term "potato quality" in a long time! This chapter has a bit more info into what Hydron exactly did in the past. The root cause of everyone being is annoyed is Hydron...and other things. If you're referring to "Miss B", then you got it! Alice and Masquerade get along very nicely, but he's like every single older brother (of a younger sister) out there!
ladyluck1668 - Remember when you said that Alice isn't exactly the "goody-two-shoes girl" you thought she was? She's nice only during certain occasions, but her generosity will backfire sometime in the future. If you thought some girl-cousin talk between Alice and Chris was productive, then it's time for sibling talk between Alice and Masquerade in this chapter! And if you thought a jealous Shun was a sight to see, then wait until he acts on a grudge a few chapters later.
CookieDecor22 - Just when you think that this old case is done and over with, someone will mention it again! Unfortunately, thigns only get worse for Shun starting in the next chapter. But yes, this is Masquerade in front of you! He won't be anything like in Exiled Undercover. I'll think about giving everyone upgraded tech in the future... ^-^"
Chapter 6: Recalling Old News
xXx
Alice, Masquerade, Chris, and Shun all now sat at the same table after the confusing encounter earlier. After the redhead introduced her brother to her receptionist, she explained everything else. "I haven't been in the company building recently because Masquerade came back. He's been living overseas since college graduation and just landed yesterday for this month-long visit."
"Are you back because you want to inherit the company?" Shun asked bluntly. "Did you return for your grandfather's funeral prior to this trip?"
"Is that how you think of me? Firstly, I don't care about inheriting Testarossa Electronics whatsoever. Secondly, I did return for the funeral but couldn't stay long. I've already spoken with our family lawyer regarding what Alice and I each would inherit. Besides, I have my own company that my college classmate and I founded overseas. I'm back because of an upcoming collaboration with Testarossa Electronics... and to visit my family, of course."
"This is the third collaboration that I've seen ever since I started working here."
"Which means Alice is managing the company well. You, on the other hand—"
"I can't believe you came back without telling me!" Chris cried. "Where are you staying right now?"
"My apologies, Chris. I got busy with work inquiries since the moment my plane landed. It's almost noon right now, and I have two more nights at the hotel before I check out. Then I'll stay with Alice. I hope you didn't leave a mess in the guest room, Chris."
"Nah, you still have your own room."
"Did you drive yourself here or take public transportation?"
"I drove, but Shun—"
"Excellent. If the rest of you will excuse me, I'll be exploring the neighborhoods with Chris for the rest of my day. Come on."
"But I'm still on the clock!"
Alice smiled weakly. "Don't worry, Chris. Just text me exactly how you need me to fix your timesheet." After the blonds left, the interim CEO moved her chair to sit directly across from Shun. "I'm guessing Chris was your driver today."
"We were here earlier to meet her client for her own collaboration project. I'm guessing you drive your brother here."
"That's right. I'll drive you back to wherever you need to afterwards. What a coincidence that we all gathered here on a Saturday. I know this looks bad already, but I didn't want this collaboration with Masquerade's company to be entirely based on favoritism or nepotism either."
"You're afraid that Zenoheld and Hydron will bother you over this?"
"That's one of many things I'm worried about."
"Then why collaborate in the first place?"
"This was something that Masquerade, his founding partner Gunz, and I had planned a long time ago—before Grandfather passed away and way before Hydron reappeared. As you can see, family emergencies and company turmoil delayed everything until now."
"You literally just collaborated with Mira to launch a new solar-powered wireless charger. Your new collaboration with your own brother's company will definitely raise eyebrows. Can you even imagine what Hydron and Zenoheld will have to say?"
"I already know they'll give me pushback, but I make the final decisions. Uncle Zenoheld's just a shareholder, and Hydron's just an intern."
"Are you sure you're not just using Masquerade as defense against Hydron and Zenoheld so that you can become permanent CEO?"
"Shun..." The redhead's change of tone unexpectedly sent chills down the raven-haired receptionist's spine. "Your words, not mine."
"Even if you had that intent, I don't blame you."
That sentence made Alice tilt her head curiously. "Do you really think of me that way?"
"I'm just a receptionist, so what do I know? But it's obvious that Zenoheld and Hydron aren't playing nice now that you don't have your grandfather around. The harsh reality is that not all guys appreciate taking orders from a woman."
"Including you?"
"Alright... those are your words, not mine. But no, I'm not one of them. I'll take orders from anyone as long as everything makes sense."
"That's... actually quite vague. I did say you're self-sufficient and mentally acute, so I'm not worried about you. I actually worry about Hydron a lot because Uncle Zenoheld's helicopter parenting is doing more harm than good. Also, I don't tell people at work about Masquerade because he made it clear to Grandfather that he didn't want to work here. He was afraid that joining the company would create more bad blood between our side and Hydron's side. Even though I have my brother back temporarily, it won't affect company workflow at all."
"But it sounded like the bad blood started a long time ago and clearly hasn't been resolved, so I don't see how Masquerade choosing to stay or leave would change anything. Overall, you and your extended family are a huge mess."
"Aren't you glad you don't have complicated family problems like I do?"
"Speaking of family... How come you never asked me anything about my family? Aren't you even a bit curious? You also never asked me for an emergency contact."
"Judging by what you were doing when we first met, I kind of knew what might be happening at home for you. Therefore, I never asked. I don't need to know about your personal family matters if they don't pertain to work."
"You have a lot of trust in me..."
"And I trust you not to misuse it either. " The redhead checked her wristwatch. "Alright, time to go now."
-x-x-x-x-x-
On Monday morning, everyone gathered in the grand conference room for a major announcement from Alice. "I brought you all here today because I'd like to announce an upcoming collaboration between Testarossa Electronics and MGL Semiconductors. I'm sure most of you still remember my brother Masquerade."
Most of the audience nodded silently. "I feel like a total idiot for not knowing about any of this," Chris whispered.
"If this makes you feel any better... I completely forgot that Alice had a brother," Runo admitted.
After the interim CEO finished her introductions, Masquerade spoke next. "MGL Semiconductors was founded by me and my college classmate Gunz Lazar. 'MGL' is a combination of our initials. Semiconductors are not only used in consumer electronics, but they also play a central role in operating bank ATMs, trains, the internet, communications, and other parts of social infrastructure. What sets MGL Semiconductors apart from our peers and competitors is that our entire operations ranked number one in ethicality and sustainability..."
Dan struggled to hold in his yawn. "Can he please get to the point?"
"His speech is quite interesting," Baron complimented. "Sustainability is a hot topic, you know."
Hydron moved to the back row and discreetly called his father to explain what was happening. "Alice really enjoys not telling anyone about what she's doing these days."
"Masquerade is back? Keep your eyes peeled, son. It might look like he's only back for a so-called 'collaboration', but you can bet that he's helping Alice claim full rights to the company."
"I'm certain that she won't say anything because I'm here."
"If their plan is for Alice to become actual CEO, then find ways to make Masquerade leave as soon as possible."
After the meeting finally ended, most of the audience left immediately. "Hydron, it's been a while," the blond guest greeted. "I heard you became an intern here again."
"Yes, I'm very fortunate to become an intern again at my favorite company. But Masquerade, I had no idea you started a company overseas. Don't you wish you stayed domestically? It would be a lot more convenient."
"Some conveniences are actually more of a hassle, once you truly realize."
"Right... Anyway, I must return to work now."
Alice turned off the projector and approached her brother. "I see that you spoke with Hydron again."
"He hasn't changed at all."
"In my honest opinion, neither have you. Anyway, would you like a temporary office while you're here? I'll give you access to the guest Wi-Fi."
"That sounds excellent. But first, I need to call Gunz."
Alice was the last to leave the grand conference room until the next group came in, led by Shun. Once that group settled in, she asked the receptionist, "Do you have a minute?"
"What do you need?"
"Like I told you about the other day at the café, this upcoming collaboration project will upset some people. However, I'm asking my entire team and Hydron to put in full effort. I think you'll be a lot busier with phone calls, emails, and keeping track of everyone's meetings."
"You actually included Hydron?"
"Not me specifically. Masquerade also wanted Hydron another chance. Whether I include or exclude him, it won't change how he and Uncle Zenoheld treat me."
"I see... How exactly did that plagiarism scandal start?"
Surprised by the unwarranted question, Alice simply replied, "What?"
"Just when the entire world accused you of plagiarism, you somehow discover that Hydron was the original leak and eventually proved your entire company's innocence."
"That's right."
"Did you tell the public that Hydron inadvertently caused all this?"
The redhead froze as she recalled the statement she made a long time ago. "I never mentioned Hydron's name. All I said was that the competitor stole the idea from us, and that they would've known how to fix the errors if they were the original creators. I didn't even claim credit for solving the case. Everyone eventually learned that the other company released a product that wasn't even theirs. Do you think someone else was responsible for leaking confidential information?"
"Hydron might envy you, but he can barely get anything done or even approved without Zenoheld's help. Do you think he was any smarter back then?"
"So you think someone set him up to get him removed? If he leaked the information by accident, then it's unfortunate that someone tricked him into doing that. But if he had nothing to do with this and was set up, then that's a whole other problem. But Shun, why are you asking me about old information? I already told you how that incident changed the way I run the company."
"Whether Hydron was set up or not, you don't want that incident to happen again now that he's back, especially with your brother back as well and keeping an equally sharp eye on him. But who knows? Maybe someone originally wanted to set you up, but you were too smart to be framed, so all the focus shifted onto Hydron instead."
"I really hope that was just an accident and not staged... I'll talk to you later."
Alice took the elevator back to her team meeting room, where Masquerade was using his own laptop. "You look upset."
"Are you sure it's a good idea to include Hydron?"
"I might have zero authority here, but I need to teach that kid a lesson about work ethics and the meaning of teamwork. Why do you ask?"
"The last time he participated in a team project, we ended up with the plagiarism scandal."
The blond visitor frowned immediately. "That incident... Did someone bring this up to you? Because I know you avoid this topic at all costs."
The interim CEO sighed and took a seat next to her brother. "Even though we weren't at fault, this incident exists in Testarossa's history, so all new employees must learn about it—including Shun."
"That guy? I knew he seemed too... smart... to be just a receptionist."
"It's worse than that. Hydron looks down on him and keeps saying that a receptionist is all that Shun will ever be. Shun told me he doesn't mind because he really doesn't have the skill set to do what my team and I do, but Hydron's remark was unacceptable. But Shun also suggested that Hydron might not be that smart enough to purposely or even accidentally leak that information."
"How so?"
"I have no idea. It could all have been a setup meant for me or even Grandfather. You know these things work."
"I haven't been back in a long time, so the only people I can think of that would set you up are Zenoheld and Hydron. Maybe not Hydron since he's kind of stupid. But you said yourself that Hydron turned out to be the leak. No way would they set themselves up in the end... Or they knew you'll be lenient with them because they're 'family'. Get it together, Alice."
"You don't have to say that again..."
"And obviously, you didn't cheat or steal. The product concept was indeed yours to begin with, but I'm genuinely surprised that no one from the other company knew how to fix any of the errors. Your team was like a miracle cure. Now it sounds like you purposely set up that other company to go bankrupt."
"You can blame Shun for all these conspiracy theories."
"See? I told you he's too smart to be a receptionist, but what's done is done. Anyway, I have a team meeting in five minutes."
"Fine, this meeting room is all yours." Alice closed the door behind her and saw Shun leading a group of people to the public relations office with much enthusiasm. What exactly do you know, Shun? What are you implying?
-x-x-x-x-x-
It was a new workday morning when Shun literally just took his seat at the front desk and was approached by a group of people wearing business professional attire. "Good morning. My name is Mylene Pharaoh. These people and I are a few of many shareholders at Testarossa Electronics. Where's your grand conference room?"
"What time is your meeting again?"
"Nine-thirty. I know we're early, but if we came on time, then we'd be late."
"Give me one moment." After he checked the company calendar, he grabbed a few items from a desk drawer and led the way. "Were you expecting anyone else or any refreshments?"
"We don't mind waiting for Zenoheld to arrive. He also said he's ordering and bringing breakfast over."
"Interesting... Would you like me to arrange the chairs and tables in a circular fashion? Yesterday's final group made all the furniture face the screen because it was a training course."
"That would be highly appreciated."
Little did the shareholders know that the raven-haired receptionist planted a recording device under one of the tables before leaving. "Enjoy your meeting."
Shortly after, Zenoheld arrived with bagels, muffins, and coffee as promised. "Mylene Pharoah, you have some nerve making me order breakfast for this meeting."
"Since you were desperate in scheduling this shareholder meeting last minute, then you must be willing to go great lengths to make sure we all attend. Requesting complimentary breakfast was actually Shadow's idea."
"Can we get started now?! Food's getting cold!" the silver-haired shareholder yelled.
Zenoheld groaned. "I hope you all can eat and listen at the same time. I brought all of you here today because I wish to nominate my son Hydron to become the new official CEO of Testarossa Electronics."
All the other shareholders whispered amongst each other until a man wearing a green trench coat raised his hand. "Everything is fine right now with Alice managing everything. I don't see a need for change."
"But she's a woman, Mister Glenn!"
"So are Mylene and I," a woman wearing Quevedo-style glasses argued. "I don't see you complaining about us."
"Both Jesse and Lena have a point," Mylene reinforced. "Is that all you wanted to ask us today, Zenoheld? I don't see anything wrong with Alice as interim CEO as long as the company runs smoothly and we get our profits in the stock market. We'll decide whether to appoint Alice—or someone else—as actual CEO once all the legal issues are over."
"I can't even offer a deal?"
"Deal with your own son first."
Due to arguments and pushbacks from both sides, the meeting occupied almost the whole time slot. There was another reservation group waiting outside, led by Shun again as he cleaned the furniture and removed the recording device. "This conference room is all yours now."
"Thank you, sir!" greeted the entire crowd.
Later in the day, the raven-haired receptionist received a message from Alice. "Room 144 is an unoccupied single office space. I plan to let Masquerade use it whenever he needs a private space. Can you clean it before you leave today?"
"I'll see what I can do."
After asking Soon to cover the front desk for an hour, Shun walked over to room 144 and opened the door. Who left this room unlocked? That's not safe. But what surprised him next was how clean the office already was. Maybe I don't need to be away for a whole hour after all. All the shelves and drawers are fairly organized. There's no computer setup, but Masquerade should have his own laptop to use anyway. But I don't know where's a good place to relocate all these file boxes on the floor...
The raven-haired receptionist spent only five minutes disinfecting all surfaces. After pushing all the boxes to a corner for now, he walked around the computer desk to clean the keyboard tray, but it wouldn't slide out. Is this broken tray the reason why there's no computer setup here? But who actually used to work here? After much force, the keyboard tray finally came out, followed by a loud thud.
Under the desk was landed a manila folder with residual tape on it. The folder itself was sealed with a different kind of tape. Did this fall from the underside of the desk? Is that why the keyboard tray was stuck? Who taped this in such an obscure location in the first place? After cleaning the keyboard tray, Shun placed the lone folder in one of the file boxes and moved the entire stack outside into the hallway.
Suddenly, Hydron appeared from nowhere. "Amazing... Not only are you a receptionist, but you're also a housekeeper as well. I saw you cleaning the grand conference room prior to each reservation. Now you're cleaning an old office space. What else can you do?"
"Excuse me?"
"What did Alice offer you? I can add more."
"Like what? New house? New car? Three meals a day? Be specific."
"She actually offered you all that?"
"Your words, not mine. I like what I do as a receptionist. Besides, anyone can offer to increase my salary, but does that also mean my workload will double? I'd rather not—"
Now Alice walked by and stared at the two arguing individuals. "Is there something I should know about?"
"Nothing at all." With that said, Hydron left immediately.
"Thank goodness you're here," Shun replied. "Where do you want me to put all these boxes? There are so many files inside."
"That's why I'm here. I brought this trolley from the janitor's closet so I could move them to my team meeting room. Here, let me—"
"I got it. Are you going back to your office now?"
"Yes, why?"
"Open the audio file when you have time," was the last thing Shun said before taking the elevator.
Alice opened her hand slowly to see a small silver recording device. Shun must've slipped me this when he grabbed the trolley. It looks brand new. I wonder what's on it that's important enough to be recorded.
Me: Like every Asian drama out there... When someone plants a recording device, then that means BUSINESS. I won't go into detail about how some jurisdictions have ne-party versus two-party consent laws. That's for someone else to deal with!
Runo: I have a really old document in my hand that's about someone planting a recording device in someone's hair decoration!
Baron: Wait... how? What?!
Me: I have no idea where that document came from, but it sounds like something straight out of an Asian drama too. Next chapter will feature planning for another banquet (because why not?), crashing a press conference, and a home invasion—
Dan: CALM DOWN! Too many things going on!
Me: I don't think I need to give any (more) hints about whose house will get invaded, but the press conference will feature Masquerade versus Hydron in most hilarious way possible.
Runo: I'm not cleaning up that mess...
Me: Don't need to! The mess will clean itself up! By the way, I (finally) made a Tumblr account with username Innocent-Diamond-2090110! (don't ask why it's so convoluted) I promise to post at least once a week about the most random things possible! (in reality, mainly just anime and K-pop) You can ask me random questions too!
Chris: Leave a review and check out Flourishing Conquest!
Dan: You're not even in the new story!
𝄞 Dreamcatcher - 'OOTD' 𝄞