Never Judge

As Cedric had ordered, Ian and Camilla began reaching out to Anton's company for a partnership. Capt. Damien on the other hand decided to continue to listen in on what was happening in the police force. 

"It seems today is full of plots." Ian commented as he handed Cedric a copy of his schedule. He and Camilla would have lunch with Anton and Lorisa, Mor Co. had chosen Anton's company as one of their contractors and the businessman wanted to treat them to lunch.

Normally Cedric would not agree to this, but he needed to extract information from Anton, and he was hoping that Anton would say something he shouldn't while trying to win the favor of the Reyes Group's CEO. 

In the evening he had a dinner planned with the fathers of his bullies as well as their illegitimate children. Cedric wanted them to finally make a move and announce the change.

"Make sure everything goes as planned." Cedric said as he handed Ian back the tablet with his schedule. 

The public had come to realize that Constellations Resort was a favorite of the new Reyes Group CEO. Many thought it was a metaphor, Maharlika Hotel, where his father had often set up meetings, symbolized the old men of the industry, while Constellations, the new and vibrant hotel symbolized the youths finally taking their place in society.

When Cedric first heard the theory he couldn't help but laugh. The only reason he preferred Constellations was because he owned a part of it and had his own room to conduct business meetings. 

When he and Camilla arrived for lunch with Anton and Lorisa the couple greeted them respectfully, a far cry from how they treated Cedric when they encountered him unmasked.

"Mr. Reyes seems like such an outstanding man." Lorisa praised, as they waited for their food. 

Cedric simply nodded acknowledging her statement. He didn't want to seem too of character by socializing with them. People knew that the new CEO of the Reyes Group was cold and distant to others. It was this very characteristic that made so many women chase after him, they liked the frosty demeanour and the face shrouded in mystery.

"Thank you for allowing us to treat you to lunch Mr. Reyes." Anton Cruz said, his tone full of respect and admiration.

"I hope you understand that my boss is incredibly busy and rarely meets his business partners after a deal has been closed." Camilla said, reminding Anton and Lorisa how important their meeting was.

"Oh, yes, yes, we are very thankful and very fortunate." Anton Cruz said as he vigorously nodded his head, annoying Cedric.

"Mr. Cruz, are there any other companies that you wish to recommend for us to partner with?" Cedric asked.

"At the moment, none sir." Anton said as he thought of how he could use this opportunity to his advantage.

"Anton, babe, why not dad's company?" Lorisa asked.

"My dad's?" Anton asked as he tried to recall if there was anything his father needed. 

"Yes babe." Lorisa said as she urged her husband.

"What company is this, does your family own it?" Camilla asked.

"Well, my dad wasn't born rich, as a matter of fact he was born poor, and until now he works as a messenger for a company. I keep asking him to resign but he refuses, I don't know how a big partnership like this could help my dad's position in his office." Anton explained. He was clearly unsatisfied with his wife bringing the matter up. In Cedric's observation it seemed that he was ashamed of his father's humble beginnings.

"Anton, don't you remember the conversation with dad? He said that he was being asked to work on a big project related to the Reyes Group. If he manages to close that, they will let him retire in peace." Lorisa explained to Anton.

"Lorisa, you must have misheard." Anton scolded his wife.

"What company is it? If there is a pending partnership, we can help speed it along." Camilla told Anton. "I'm sure my boss won't mind, he is very much satisfied in our partnership." 

"MT Summit. It's a small company. You don't need to look into it. I would need to speak to my father first." Anton said as their food began to arrive.

Cedric eyed the couple suspiciously, it seemed that Lorisa wanted to push Anton to help his father, while Anton was trying to either hide something or use the opportunity to gain favor with the Reyes group in another way.

"Very well, you know how to contact us if your father needs help with the matter." Camilla finally said letting the topic go. "It won't be a problem for us to push a project along."

"Mr. Reyes, won't you eat?" Lorisa asked as she noticed that the waiter had not served any food to Cedric.

Cedric grinned under his disguise, it seemed that they were hoping to learn the Reyes Heir's true identity over lunch. There was no chance of that happening, he still had many plans for them, and if Anton or his father was involved in any of the recent plots his identity as Cedric Reyes was what could keep him safe in the long run.

"Miss Lorisa, eating would mean I would have to take off my mask. My privacy is more important than a meal." The CEO's answer stunned Anton and Lorisa, they had assumed that since he had accepted their invitation to lunch he would also eventually show his true face to them. 

"My boss is a very private man Miss Lorisa. I suggest you don't push him." Camilla said right before taking a sip of her soup.

Lorisa was clearly embarrassed by the fact that she had assumed that they were of importance to the Reyes Group. They forgot that they were simply business partners, nothing more, and in one sentence the CEO of the Reyes Group managed to shame her.

The rest of the meal was eaten in silence, with Ian occasionally entering the room showing Cedric some files or asking him to sign some things. 

When everyone was done eating Lorisa and Anton didn't know what to do next they just sat looking at each other as the CEO signed some documents Ian had just brought in. Camilla on the other hand was responding to some messages on her phone.

"Mr. Anton, my boss and I are serious about helping your father's company." Camilla suddenly said after a long awkward silence. 

"Yes, I will inform you as soon as I can." Anton Cruz said with a nod. "Shall I get the bill?" Anton asked. He had, after all, invited them over for lunch in order to thank them for the partnership.

"No need. My boss has already settled the bill." Camilla said as Cedric stood and left.

"Till next time Mr. Cruz." Cedric told his guest as he left, leaving the couple and Camilla in the private room alone.

Anton and Lorisa were left stunned at what had just happened. They didn't know whether to take it as a good thing or a bad thing. 

"My boss is odd." Camilla suddenly said. "People don't know this, but he is quite eccentric. Everyone thinks he's some hot mysterious CEO, but in reality he's just an oddball."

"Miss Camilla, I don't think it's appropriate for you to say these things." Lorisa said.