Never Judge

"Me." Katerina suddenly said as she stood by the door. She was in a white business suit and high heels, she had obviously just come from a meeting.

"Kat!" Francesca excitedly said as she saw the young woman by the door. She tried to get up to hug Katerina but Cedric noticed that Ram was holding her down with one arm.

"Be gentle Kat, she's just a kid." Cedric warned as Katerina glared at Mae who was still trying to understand what was going on.

"It's not her I'm mad at!" Katerina said as she marched over to her boyfriend. Despite being in heels Katerina still wasn't as tall as Eric so she had to look up when standing in front of him.

Eric grinned and quickly grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to him. He placed a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling her even closer to him.

"I missed you darling." Eric said as he tried to kiss her on the lips.

"I don't kiss guys with make up on." Katerina said as Eric ended up kissing her palm.

"Oh come one Katerina, we've made out multiple times with me in make up." Eric said as his other hand trailed around her body.

"Can the two of you please get a room?" Cedric complained as he watched Eric attempt and fail to seduce Katerina.

"You're lucky you have a performance later." Katerina threatened.

"If I didn't would you take me home and…" Eric leaned forward and whispered something to Katerina that clearly annoyed her. 

"Go sleep at your house tonight." Katerina said as she pushed him away and sat next to Francesca.

"Oh Kat, I missed you so much!" Francesca said as she hugged the other woman.

"I'm sorry I disappeared on you Francesca. I was in a bad place." Katerina said with a frown.

"It's ok Kat. I understand." Francesca said.

"How come she can call you Kat and I can't." Eric complained as he placed Katerina on his lap.

"Eric Chan you better put me down!" Katerina threatened. She was still mad at him.

Cedric watched and laughed as the couple bickered. He couldn't help but miss his own wife and son.

After a few minutes Cedric could hear the hall outside filling with people. The employees of the Reyes Group had arrived for their celebration.

Ray and Ayanna were outside greeting everyone while Cedric rested before the event.

"Cedric, Dave and I will head out first." Camilla said as she moved to leave and join the rest of the party.

Cedric nodded and let her go.

"Has it sunk in yet?" Ram asked Cedric.

"No, not yet. I still feel like any moment my dad is going to announce that his was some test he came up with to see if I am responsible enough." Cedric said with a laugh.

"You do know that among the five of us you're the best when it comes to business?" Ram asked his friend.

"Don't underestimate yourself or Ray. I'm inheriting a company that was already built and thriving. You brought life back to Lights Entertainment while Ray built his own companies." Cedric said as he shook his head.

"That's true. But Mor Co. was a small start up when it was handed to you, and don't forget, Prince Group wouldn't be successful at all if you hadn't purchased Constellations and developed it into what it is today." Ram said with a laugh. "To be honest, Light's wouldn't have thrived if Eric hadn't entered show business." 

"You would have found someone as talented as Eric." Cedric said.

"If Eric hadn't arrived, Francesca's old company, Ver Industries, would have been the top talent agency in the country because of her. Eric just has too much star power to compete with." Ram said with a laugh. "Don't sell yourself short Cedric. We all know how talented you are, you don't need to be humble." 

"Cedric, the party will start soon." Ian said, interrupting his conversation with Ram.

Cedric simply nodded and adjusted his disguise. Tonight he was just going to enjoy with his employees and push away any doubts he had about his position.

When Cedric entered the hall with Ram and Katerina, the employees stood from their seats and clapped for him. 

Cedric smiled behind his mask and nodded at them as he passed.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, calm down." The host said as Cedric made his way up the stage. "I believe our new CEO has some words for us."

The employees quickly became quiet as Cedric walked up to the podium and adjusted the mic.

"Wow, just wow. Isn't Kashmere amazing?" Cedric asked, to which the employees responded by cheering. 

"Well, you should all thank my brother-in-law, Ray, for building such an amazing destination, and for letting the Reyes Group come here." At that the employees clapped for Ray who stood from his seat and thanked them.

"We are the first company to take all of its employees on this island. I don't even know if any company has ever been allowed here." Cedric said as he looked to Ray who was shaking his head. "I hope you are all enjoying your hard earned break."

Cedric then proceeded to thank everyone for their hard work and the warm welcome he had received as the Reyes Group's new CEO. He promised to do good by them and to give rewards when the company did well.

His speech was short and simple. After which he told the employees he had brought several guests for them.

The employees were shocked when Eric Chan, Fancesca Rocci, and a popular boyband came out from backstage.

"This is a celebration for you as much as it is for me. So please, enjoy the night." Cedric said as he climbed down from the stage and sat on the same table as his sister and friends.

"You did well." Ayanna told him proudly.

"They better enjoy themselves while we can, I'm sure that the moment we get back to the capital we will all be swamped with work and missing Kashmere." Cedric said with a laugh.

"You wouldn't be so tired if you didn't have so many side plots." Ray teased. "Have you even finished getting back at those bullies?" Ray asked.

"No. I'm building something, but soon." Cedric said with a grin as he watched Eric perform on stage.