Never Judge

By the time Cedric and Ian had returned to R Tower the internet was already full of speculation on why Mr. Juan and an employee met up with the head of the Reyes Group.

"Have they released the statement?" Cedric asked Ian as he looked out of his office windows.

"Not yet. But, I think they will in a few minutes." Ian informed Cedric as he arranged several documents on Cedric's desk.

"Good." Cedric said with a nod. "Let's go to my next meeting first." Cedric announced as they moved from his office to the boardroom. Today would be the first time Camilla would present Mor Co.'s future plans.

All of the department heads of Mor Co. were nervous, in the past Cedric guided them closely on what to do and what next steps to take. After he took on the role as the head of the Reyes Group they were let off their leash and allowed to do as they saw fit before presenting their plans and ideas to Cedric.

Cedric drummed his fingers on the table as he listened to them present, he maintained his frost demeanor despite being proud of what they were presenting to him. It seemed that they had grown from the time Cedric had first arrived up to the time he left to take on a much bigger role.

"Leave." Cedric said as they finished their presentation. "I want to speak to VP Montero." 

All the department heads suddenly became nervous as they did as Cedric said. When it was just Cedric, Camilla, Ian, and Dave left in the room Cedric finally let out a smile.

"I'm proud of where Mor Co. is headed." Cedric said with a grin. He was proud of his first company reaching such heights. 

"Well, no one would be at this level if it weren't for you." Camilla said with a grateful smile. She too had been nervous that Cedric didn't like their proposals. The team had worked night and day for today's presentation, and if Cedric didn't like it, all of their efforts would simply go to waste.

"All of Mor Co.'s employees were good from the start. My dad made sure to put some of the most difficult requirements in place since the company's founding. We just didn't base it on the traditional metrics like grades and the name of your university." Cedric said with a shrug. He had noticed the unique requirements for Mor Co. when he had first applied to be an assistant. The exams were different and questions seemed to dig deeper than he was used to. 

"So everything we presented is approved?" Camilla asked.

"Yes." Cedric said with a nod. "How is your hunt for an assistant? I need Dave here in R Tower soon. Mae will not be able to handle everything when Ian leaves." Cedric asked Camilla.

"We have some promising candidates, I plan to choose one by next week and return Dave to you a month after that." Camilla promised.

"Good, now go back to Mor Co. and share the good news." Cedric said with a grin as he stood up and left, followed by Ian close behind.

"The statements are out." Ian informed Cedric as they walked back to his office.

"Any reactions yet?" Cedric asked Ian.

"A lot." Ian said as he scrolled through the various social media platforms. "The market is reacting too. The stock prices for those companies are now rising and it seems it has had an indirect effect on the Reyes Group. Our prices are also going up due to a new found confidence of investors in your management style."

"Help them sustain this. I want it kept up till the next phase." Cedric instructed as he entered his office. 

A week passed and the momentum stayed the same, it seemed that the less power his bullies were given in a company, the higher their father's company value rose. 

Ian was reporting their progress to Cedric, when Mae knocked and announced the Capt. Damien had arrived and wanted to speak to the CEO.

"I'll see him. Give me a few minutes." Cedric told Mae as he moved to change into his disguise.

"It's been awhile since Damien approached us with news. I hope he found something good." Ian told Cedric as he gathered some documents from Cedric's desk. 

"Let's hear what he has to say. Bring him in when you come back from taking those documents out." Cedric ordered as he did some last adjustments to his disguise.

Ian nodded and left. After a few minutes he returned with Capt. Damien in tow.

"Capt. Damien." Cedric greeted as he shook the man's hand.

"Mr. Reyes. Thank you for seeing me, and congratulations." Capt. Damien said with a nod.

"You have an update?" Cedric asked as he motioned for the officer to sit. 

"Yes. I've found out how far the conspiracy within the police force runs, as well as who has been sending them money." Capt. Damien announced.

"Who?' Cedric asked as he leaned forward.

"From what I have discovered, it reaches even some high ranking officials but not all. And the man who has been sending them their monthly pay is a certain Mr. Cruz, I believe it is the same man that was running the loan shark operation." Capt. Damien said.

At the mention of a Mr. Cruz, Cedric and Ian looked at each other, the coincidence was just too much.

"Capt. Damien, are you sure about this?" Cedric asked.

"Yes. They seem to be the same Mr. Cruz. Unfortunately, beyond who he is and his involvement with MT Summit there is very little information that I can dig up." Capt. Damien said with a frown.

"Luckily, we have more information." Ian told his friend as he crossed his arms.

"I had someone more capable look into it." Cedric explained. 

"The King of the Underworld?" Capt. Damien asked. The police force had been trying for years to identify the man that led the underground business in the country, but they couldn't even catch a glimpse of his true face, he was always at least five steps ahead of them.

"The man's son had a connection to me." Cedric explained. "Ian, set up the bait we planned. I want this investigated thoroughly."