The government invited the three companies picked for the South City Resort project for lunch. They were briefed on the nature of the selection by the representative who spoke after the meal.
“The three companies represented here have passed the preliminary stage of the selection. A direct result of some previous works that displayed exceptional talent.”
“However, the president has highlighted the need to make the resort soulful, rich in culture, and the peak of tourist attractions in the city. You have been chosen to make some design models for the prestigious South City Resort.”
“One of the three designs would be picked and displayed on the national day where the project would be awarded to the winner. Before that day, you are expected to turn in the designs for vetting by the president. Accept my congratulations.”
The lunch came to an end, and soon, June was walking out of the place with Lucy. On getting to the car park, they were double-crossed by a black Prado Jeep that seemed familiar.
Sure enough, the tinted glasses wind down and April sat with a scorned look. June felt her blood boil but refused to give her a time of the day. She was not worth it.
June made to leave with Lucy but April stepped out of the car and dragged her by the arm. “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?” She gritted with furious eyes. “You little witch, who did you open your legs to? How did a small fly like you get considered for this project?”
Lucy couldn’t hold back. “Leave her alone! What do you want this time?! Haven’t you done enough?! Don’t you know when to stop?!” She yelled in her face, stepping in front of June.
April let out a frail smile at Lucy. “She speaks. I would think after what the Lontoc family have done to you, you’d learn to behave around a Lontoc. Did you forget Daddy so quickly?” She mused.
Driven by anger, Lucy swung at her but June held her back. “This is my fight. You will not interfere. Do you understand?” She said in a firm tone, looking right into her stormy eyes.
Although Lucy wanted to do much damage to the wicked woman who stood before her, she respected June enough to step back. Unfortunately, April took advantage of the situation and delivered a resounding slap on Lucy’s face.
“That will teach you to know your place.” She said with a smirk, which June wiped from her face with a follow-up slap that sent April staggering back.
“Do not think I will hold back if you as much as touch a strand of her hair. Do not test me, April.” June said with a bold outlook. At that moment, she was ready to go down and dirty if that’s what it took to place April firmly in her place.
She was done taking things lying down. Henceforth, she would not allow anyone to walk over her and challenge her sister’s stupidity in the manner she understood.
Things were about to escalate when some security officials noticed the situation and intervened. April was not appeased. She got into her car and shouted, “I will make you regret that sister! You Just wait!”
June watched her car zoom off and turned to Lucy who was sobered and moved by her boss standing up for her. “Are you hurt? Do you need to stop at the pharmacy? We can get some relief patches.” June said when she noticed the redness of her cheek.
April truly didn’t hold back. Now she wished she had done more than return the slap. Lucy shook her head, her eyes glassy as she hugged her. June was caught unaware of the sudden hug and affection from Lucy.
“Thank you so much!” She cried. “You have been the best thing that has happened to me! Thank you for defending me! Helping me! You are the best boss I could ever walk with.”
June felt awkward being at the end of such a covert display of affection. She returned the hug and tapped her back slowly. “You are my sister, Lucy. Never forget that.”
The duo shared a moment and soon got into the car and headed to the office. That day, they began preparations for the ideal project, brainstorming ideas as they worked tirelessly to bring an unforgettable design.
Meanwhile, April returned to the office, furious. The sight of her sister pissed her to no end. She hated her so much it physically hurts to see her happy and moving about after everything meted to her.
She vented her anger on her employees. “I need the best design! Make sure that the resort plan is the best of the best! Dig out all the materials in the archive, do whatever but make sure that LT Construction design wins the game or consider yourselves out jobs!”
The CEO’s angry demeanour shocked the team of designers. No one took April for granted. Everyone was aware of the Miss’ temper and no one wanted to be on her bad side. Including her assistant who went out of his way to appease her anger.
“We found some designs in the former CEO’s office.” He said, shaking in his boots. “It belonged to-”
“And why would I want to know about some silly old designs?! Don’t you have something better to do?” April fired without looking up.
“No ma! I just thought you might want to see them. Late Mr. Ethan left them in his office and ordered for them to be used only -”
“Where are the designs?” She looked up, ready to tear them and show how little she cared for the topic.
Her assistant’s face glowed and he immediately left the office, “Excuse me!”
April rolled her eyes and returned to work. Within a few minutes, her assistant returned with a file. He dropped them on the table with a light look on his face.
“Here they are, ma.”
April didn’t spare him a look and picked up the file, ready to destroy it when she saw a name she didn’t expect. On the front page, a handwritten letter in cursives that was familiar to her.
It was June’s writing. Her attention was peaked and she read through the words she perceived were directed at her late husband. It read,
“Dear Ethan. These are some designs I created from scratch. I’ve always thought of our anniversary location and what a perfect place it would be. I went ahead to design a beautiful and homey luxury resort. We can build it together and make it perfect. Just like the life I know we can have together.”
April scoffed at the note. Her sister was a pathetic loser who knew nothing of the man she said she loved. A smile drew on her lips at the thought of how shamefully she had been divorced and thrown to the streets.
The memory of her sister’s pain was always a good way to relieve her anger and stress. There and then, thoughts of how she could use the designs before her to inflict pain on her sister brewed within her.
The files contained clear designs of a luxurious hotel. It was designed beautifully and her silly sisters left end notes describing the purpose and theme behind every spot. It was brilliant as much as it was stupid. She was hoping Ethan would see them and return to her.
The notes reeked of desperation and need. Her sister was so tacky.
At the end of her assessment, April believed she had ammunition in her hands. A material she deemed capable of winning the slot. She just needed to touch it a bit and it would be as good as hers.
Her assistant saw the smile on April’s face and heaved a sigh of relief. He had done something right in this lifetime. He went on to speak. “There are many more designs like that, ma. Do you want to see?”
April was so caught up in her thoughts, that she didn’t realise he was still there. Her face soured. “Empty that office and bring every design to me.” She ordered.
“Yes, ma.”
“Get out.” She said when he remained in front of her.
They did it as the young man left the office and did exactly as she ordered. When April got her hands on more designs belonging to her pathetic sister, she knew she had all it took to break her from the inside.
“You just wait, June. You just wait.”