Never Judge

Ian sat at the front seat as he monitored the situation at Constellations. As Cedric had ordered, Ram sent several reporters to the area and they even spread the news to others that something important was going to happen at Constellations later that day at lunch. 

Due to the attention Cedric had intentionally drawn to the situation, a crowd had already gathered as Artemio and Paolo arrived. The security team of Constellations had set up a path for their guests to pass to avoid that press.

"The photographers have begun to post photos. Ram is overly efficient." Ian told Cedric who was resting in the back seat.

"Any comments?" Cedric asked. He kept his eyes closed as he asked Ian for updates.

"Of course people are speculating. The top rumor is that Juan holdings will be inherited by someone who is not from the family." Ian said with a laugh. "Although a lot of people are saying that it's a simple lunch, it could be any meeting."

"The others?" Cedric asked.

"It seems they arrived ahead of Artemio and Paolo, so they escaped speculation." Ian explained as he reviewed the reports sent by their people at Constellations. Earlier on that day Cedric had installed people to watch over the 

"Is everything set for our arrival?" Cedric asked as he saw the Constellations building.

"Yes." Ian said with a nod.

As Cedric's Rolls Royce Ghost approached the members of the media were thrown into a frenzy. This was the first time they would be seeing the new head of the Reyes family since the press conference announcing his appointment. 

"Ready?" Ian asked Cedric as the car slowed to a stop.

Cedric simply nodded.

Ian stepped out and opened the door. 

Cedric watched as the cameras flashed. He stepped out to hear reporters shouting question at him.

"Mr. Reyes, Mr. Reyes, how were your first days in office?" A reporter asked.

"Mr. Reyes, is it true that all the employees of the Reyes Group were treated to a trip at Kashmere?" Another reporter shouted over the crowd.

"Mr. Reyes, what are your plans for the Reyes group in the future?" To Cedric it seemed everyone was interested in what he was doing.

"Mr. Reyes, why are you at Constellations? Are you here to meet Mr. Juan, we heard that you have an active business partnership with them." A reporter finally asked.

Cedric grinned under his disguise. He stopped to face the reporter that had thrown the question at him.

"Yes. I'm here to have lunch with Mr. Juan and several other business partners." Cedric confirmed as he turned and continued to walk towards the entrance of Constellations.

Inside, Cedric's bodyguards had cleared a path for him towards his private room at the second floor restaurant.

"Brilliant." Ian said with a laugh as he commented on Cedric's response to one reporter. 

Cedric had only answered one question in order to capture everyone's attention. He wanted people to focus on the fact that Artemio Juan had brought someone other than his son to meet with the CEO of the Reyes Group.

Inside the private room Cedric's guests stood as he entered.

Cedric waved at them telling them to sit.

"Mr. Reyes, I did as you asked." Artemio Juan said as Cedric sat.

"Good." Cedric said simply.

"I called you all here for a different reason. What happened to the Juans is only the beginning." Cedric started to say as he observed everyone's reaction. "I want you to slowly announce the shift in inheritance." Cedric announced.

"Sir?" David Von asked, surprised with Cedric's declaration. They had expected that it would take years before Cedric asked for the shift in power.

"I will give more projects to your company, but in return, you must all announce that your sons will no longer inherit the company and that you have chosen a new and more deserving heir in their place." Cedric explained. 

"Our sons will retaliate!" Ernesto Garcia said in surprise.

"What can your son do to you?" Cedric asked.

"He knows most of the dirt on me and my company." Ernesto Garcia explained. His son Kevin, might not have been as active in company matters, but he made it a point to know about all of the dirt.

"I'll deal with him." Cedric said, assuring the older man. "Any other doubts or fears?" Cedric asked.

"Won't the media look into my relationship with my father?" Paolo Juan asked.

"I will make sure that the media doesn't find anything out. I just need you to stir things up." Cedric promised. "The fact that you are your father's son will only come out when I want to to be revealed to the public." 

"Thank you sir." Paolo said with a nod.

"Now, on the projects, Ian is here with all the details you might need." Cedric said as he called Ian over. 

Ian handed a tablet to each of the children, who were shocked at the projects Cedric had given.

Cedric had asked Ian to look for the largest and most profitable partnerships. He wanted these projects to be given, he wanted to send a message and this was the clearest way to send it.

"I am giving you preference." Cedric explained. "These projects are highly sought after, even my friends have asked for these, but I have chosen to give these to you for the sake of my sister and of our plans."

"Thank you sir." Tricia Sanchez said respectfully.

"Do not waste this opportunity." Cedric said as he stood to take his leave.

When Cedric exited Constellations again, the members of the press waiting were surprised, it was only moments ago that Cedric had entered the hotel, now he was walking out.

They all rushed to take photos of him leaving. Unfortunately for them Cedric's bodyguards were quick to usher the Reyes Group CEO into his car.

"Have they released the photos?" Cedric asked as Ian's door slammed shut.

"Yes." Ian said as he scrolled through social media.

"I want you to keep an eye on this." Cedric ordered as his car pulled away from the hotel.