RIVALS - Chapter 8 Author: R.Umali June 30, 2000 Authors Note: Okay guys, I quickly edited this, since I didn't want to hurry Jillian into doing so. SO excuse the typos… Anyhow, I hope you guys like it… Let me know… umalific@hotmail.com… Thanks for the wonderful emails… I really appreciate it… ************************************************************ The sun was just rising over the ocean when Serena woke but stayed in bed sighing to her happiness. Yesterdays surprising event had left her overwhelmingly happy and cheerful. She couldn't stop thinking about all the happy chatters and remembrance her and her friends had. Then of course there was Darien. Serena couldn't help but stare at her hand, the delightful sensation that Darien left just keeps lingering. It was 6:20am when she finally got up to open the balcony doors; she inhaled deeply welcoming the new day. 'What another surprising day it will be' she thought. "Morning Dare" said Michael walking out of an elevator to join not only his boss but his best friend as well. "Same to you" he said sipping his hot cup of coffee and noticing his friends' bright and happy smile. "So why thou so happy?" "Cause thou saw Mina wear her gifts" said a cocked eyebrow Michael. "I see," he said putting his coffee down as a young man came. "Good morning Mr. Jacobs, what will it be?" asked the young man "The usual David" "Black with a little sugar, you got it" said David as he retreated back to his steaming coffee gadgets. "So what do you think of Serena?" asked Michael smilingly. "What do you mean?" asked Darien grinning back holding his professional composure. "Oh come off it Darien, It's so obvious how interested you were yesterday" he said stopping as David delivered his coffee. "Interested! In what ways was I giving that notion?" asked a Darien as he picked up his coffee. "Oh come on Darien, I saw the way you looked and stared at her yesterday" said Michael as he stirred his coffee "and what was that hand kissing gesture? You never do that, in fact I've never seen you kiss any woman's hand before" stared Michael "oh but wait, you have…what was her name…Stephanie..Yes that's her name," said Michael as he stared at the smirking Darien as he put his empty cup of coffee down. "and I assumed that, the gesture was to insure a deal with Dynamic Motors and not with any other interest. Of course it was a 'total' shocker that the president was Stephanie's father," said a sarcastically bewildered Michael. "Why did you assumed that it was all business?" asked a composed Darien. "Well after you signed them in as a company investor, you left her quicker than your usual timing" stared Michael at the smiling Darien "well am I right" "Indeed you are" waving to David for another round of coffee "I just simply didn't have time for immature women like Stephanie. She irritated the hell out of me…" said Darien as David and poured more coffee onto his third cup. "all she chatted about was how she was the most beautiful woman in Tokyo and Daddy bought me this and Daddy bought me that. God I thought that deal was never going to end," said Darien as he picked up his cup and gently sipped his very hot brew of coffee. "Didn't her father notice?" asked Michael "He did" said Darien as he wiped his mouth and chuckled at the same time "but for the wrong reasons… and…." Trailed Darien as the persistent Michael interrupted. "Okay enough about that, back to my original question" he said acting sly "WHAT….DO… YOU… THINK… ABOUT… SE…RE…NA" exclamated Michael. "Mike you seem to think you know me so well" said Darien sitting back "why don't you tell me what I think about Serena, and Ill tell you if its right or not" said a sly Darien. "Oh goodness" said a tiring Michael "okay I play your games…To make the long story short, I think you've fallen for her" he said waiting for Darien's reaction. "Fa… FALLEN" said the chuckling Darien "come on Mike, I thought you knew me better than that… You know in my lifetime I haven't and will never fa….al" was Darien's last word when his attention was reverted elsewhere.. "Dare…Hello" said Michael as he followed Darien's gaze. Coming out of the elevator was Serena, she was elegantly business attired and held a delightful smile on her enchanting face. Michael noticing Darien's intense gaze wanted all the more to prove his theory of Darien, which he so strongly denies. "SERENA" said Michael waving to her. Serena recognizes the two men and happily walks towards them. "Michael…what are you doing" asked Darien who was watching Serena come closer. "Proving my theory………… Hi Serena" said Michael "Good morning Michael" she said to him "Good morning Darien" she said as she slightly turned his way. "Good morning to you too Serena" said Darien still sensually drinking in her beautiful sight. After a few moments both Serena and Darien just seem to stare and had all along forgotten the third presence with them. Michael couldn't help but smile within, he knew Darien felt something for Serena, but was trying to get him to admit it was the hardest. Darien and Serena was content smiling at each other when a sudden kick by Michael disturbed his serene thoughts of Serena. "ouch…Michael" said Darien noticing what Michael was mouthing (ask her to sit down) "Huh… Oh I'm sorry… where are my manners" said Darien as he stood "would you come join us for some coffee?" asked Darien who was pulling out the seat next to his. "Yeah, our treat" said Michael "Thank you both for the offer, but I can't" said Serena "Where are you off too?" asked Michael noticing the brief case in hand. "I've got some business to take care of," said Serena with a smile "Business what kind of business?" asked Darien curiously "Let's just say that I'm in finance" smiled Serena knowing all to well who Darien is "Well it was nice seeing you two handsome me but I must go, or I will be late for a meeting" she said walking away but stops before stepping out the door "Darien, I don't drink coffee… But I'll take a rain check on hot coco" gleamed Serena before stepping through the glass entrance. 'Why Ill be dammed' thought Michael as he watch something in Serena's eyes flicker and quickly turned to watch Darien's face smile in acceptance as she walked out the doors. It might have been minutes before he returned his attention back to Michael who was still grinning. "What?" asked Darien "and you say you haven't fallen…. Yeah right!" The doors to Tsukino Financial automatically opened as she entered the lobby. It was a large litted lobby with marble settings all around. Serena notices the large reception table and walks professionally to be directed in the right direction. "Hello may I help you?" asked the woman cockily noticing Serena's brief case and business attire. "Yes I'm here to see Mr. Kina," said Serena "Mr. Kina is not seeing any more applicants. The position has been filled," said the receptionist brushing Serena off. "Miss…… I have an appointment to see Mr. Kina," said Serena irritatedly "Appointments….huh that's what they all say… But then its my head on the platter when Mr. Kina gets angry" sneered the woman "I will not have you bother him" "Miss……" hissed Serena as she looked at her badge " Miss CHOW! Mr. KINA is awaiting for my arrival" she said losing her patience with the rude receptionist "I would think he would be very upset to keep him nor 'I' waiting" stared Serena aggressively. "and who might you be" questioned the brave woman. "MY name is" said Serena before being interrupted. "SE..RE..NA" said the old familiar voice as he walked coolly towards her. As Serena turned around to Miss Chow, "TSU…KINO" she said then turning back around to greet Mr. Kina. "Good morning Mr. Kina-sama" said Serena followed by a hug. "Its been awhile my dear, but I cant miss these trademark of yours" he said while pointing at her bunned pigtails "you're so grown my dear…and why are you still down here?" said Mr. Kina turning to Miss. Chow "Didn't I specifically say that I have an appointment with Serena Tsukino and that she be escorted to my office immediately" he said "Why is she still down here" he asked quite annoyed. "Umm… Sir, I…" nervously saying "Mr. Kina" said Serena "Miss. Chow didn't want to leave the desk unattended while she escorted me" said Serena while giving a glance to Miss Chow. "Very well" said Mr. Kina "Next time please call someone to deal with the phones rather than having important clients or members waiting" "Yes Sir" said Miss Chow lowering her head in shame and embarrassment. "Good, now lets go Miss Tsukino you assistants awaits for your arrival" he said escorting her to the elevator. "What could be taking them so long?" marked Jayson "He said that we meet at 9am it is now 9:15," said Ami "Calm down you two, I'm pretty sure there is a good explanation for the hold up" said Mina "Guys, how do you think this new CEO will be?" asked Molly nervously "I just hope she isn't one of those snobby rich type," said Mina "Yeah like that Beryl from Azusa. I have friends that work for her and they say that she is the worse person you can ever work for" said Ami "I know, I wonder what Darien sees in her?" asked Molly "Molly, you know that Darien only uses her," said Mina "But you know what's funny? Darien and Beryl are about the same. You would think they were made for each other," said Ami "Don't let Darien hear you say that" said Jayson "Why not" asked Mina "Darien hates Beryl and for you to mention that they're made for each other, I think he'd blow a gasket" said Jayson "Oh….that reminds me, did you guys see how Darien stared at Serena yesterday? Asked Mina "Yeah, he was almost drooling," said Ami "Did you guy's see how angry he was when Mr. Mancini asked Serena had a boy…" finished Mina before being interrupted. "Goodmorning everyone" said Mr. Kina as he entered the room. "Good morning Sir" said the four "Its nice to see that your all comfortable and not nervous" "Well Sir, we are kind of nervous," said Molly "You should be" he said in a serious tone as the others got quiet 'this is going to be fun' thought Mr. Kina realizing how uncomfortable they were. "This new boss of yours is tough, she will not take anyone of your B.S." he marked as he watch everyone stiffen "she is very high maintenance and requires a lot from her assistants. She will require all of you be on call even when you are not working. Especially you" he said staring at Mina "You since you are the highest rank, you will be her closest assistant and join her at every function. She will not take any one being tardy at any meetings or you will face the consequences" he said hardening his tone at every word" Mr. Kina went on about the new boss, reiterating how tough she was, even though he had lied a bit. He just loved seeing them squirm in their seats. Serena on the other hand smiled a laughed as she looked on through the window watching them frighten at every word. She was in a mirrored enclosure where she can see them but they can not see her. "and that is why she is so successful at her duties" ended Mr. Kina, satisfied of his antics "now are you ready to meet her?" he said smilingly at their frightened features. The four slowly nodded and watch Mr. Kina press a button summoning his secretary. "Yes Mr. Kina" "Andrea, send her in" "Yes Sir" The air in the conference room seems to grow thinner and thinner as they wait the arrival of their new boss. All sweating in nervousness as the time seems to stand still. Finally, the door slowly opens and they watched in anticipation. "May I introduce our new boss?" said Andrea cracking a smile on her lips. She couldn't help but notice the uneasy feeling in the room while Mr. Kina tried to hold his laughter in. "May I introduce Miss…. Tsukino" said Andrea to the four. The four looked at each other holding their breath as a familiar face walked in. All four assistants eyes bulged out in surprise as they recognized their friend. "SERENA' said the four with their mouths agape. "That's me," she said smiling "Your….your our new' said Molly "BOSS" said Jayson as Serena nods and was quickly tackled by Mina into a hug. "Oh you little brat, that's why you didn't tell us what you do for a living" "I couldn't help it, it was Mr. Kina's idea to keep it a secret" said Serena as they all turned to see MR. Kina chuckling. "Mr. Kina" said Ami facing a laughing man "What's with all this tough stuff" said Jayson "Serena tough" I find that hard to believe. "Well some things I told you were a little made up, I just liked seeing you all quiver in fright….Oh you guys should of seen you faces" he said chuckling once more. "SO everything you said was all a joke?" asked Jayson "Well somewhat" said Mr. Kina motioning everyone to sit down. Serena took the end seat facing Mr. Kina. "What do you mean some what?" asked Jayson "Andrea please pass out Serena's bio," said Mr. Kina as Andrea handed everyone their own profolio of Serena and he began once more. "Serena-chan is what that bio describes her to be. She is very talented at her job and is a very tough person to deal business with. She is as it profiles her as a profit maker for she has closed many deals that has given us profits beyond what we have imagined. She is a sharp shooter, very detailed and very precise, she doesn't miss a thing" said Mr. Kina. He went on and on about her experiences and successful past but his last statement caught her attention. "Though she is the daughter of Kenji Tsukino, as all of you know is the owner and president of Tsukino Financial Inc. don't think she has acquired her position because of mere blood line. She's smart and very well educated about our financial world. Through our boards and panels she has been highly recommended by our investors and advisors. Which of course included me?" he said smiling at Serena. "and being recommended and have all the advisors agree to it is a very hard compromise at times. But Serena's profile revealing her successful track and the board can only agree and accept her as the only candidate for the position" Serena watched and skimmed through her bio as well, noticing that someone else had created this profolio and not the one that she had made herself. "Well everyone except your father Serena," said Mr. Kina as Serena's head lifted. "Your father didn't like the idea at all, if it wasn't his hesitation I would of retired a year ago" he said with a smile. "You mean to tell me this has been going on for a year," said Serena, shock ritten all over. "Yes it has been a never ending battle with your father who finally gave in when I told him that I will only retire if you take the position" "I see, Mr. Kina may I ask who created this profile?" "Why, Andrea and I did" said Mr. Kina "we have been following your work carefully" "I see, Thank you Mr. Kina," said Serena "No need to thank me Serena, it is your loyal clients that insisted. Besides I wouldn't be happy to leave Tsukino Financial in the hands of others" he said a brief silence came and gone. "Well that's enough of that, now I will leave the five of you to get acquainted and let Andrea know if you need anything" he said a she stood to leave and motioned Serena to the head table, which was originally his seat "Serena, it is now yours" he said with a smile, as Serena got up and professionally took her seat. "Thank you" she said as Mr. Kina smiled. "Your welcome my dear" he said while walking towards the door "Serena, they are excellent assistants, go easy on them" he said as he left the still stunned assistants and a smiling Serena behind. They watched as the door close and all eyes traveled to Serena. "I can't believe this," said Molly "Serena, our Boss" said Ami "that's Miss Tsukino to you" said Serena half jokingly and half-stern "Wow, Rei's gonna flip when she hear this" said Jayson "Oh, I almost forgot.. no one is to formally know until tomorrows retirement party for Mr. Kina" said Serena to her assistants "Why?" asked Molly "I don't know but its Mr. Kina's wishes" said Serena "No wonder you couldn't tell us, you're the dam wonder girl that everyone's talking about," said Mina "Yeah and with Rei and the Chiba guys there, they would all flip knowing the daughter of the great Kenji Tsukino is taking Mr. Kina- sama's place," said Jayson. "I still can't believe that Serena is the daughter of Kenji Tsukino," said Molly "You mean to tell me that you guys didn't know?" asked Serena as she watched all of them nod their heat form left to right. "We've just thought your name was just a coincidence," said Mina "and besides Serena, when we were growing up we acknowledged your dad as Mr. Tsukino not Kenji" said Ami "Oh goodness" said Serena rolling her eyes "but anyway guys just because I'm your best friend doesn't mean I'm going to give you guys any slack… I want all of you to get to work now!" said a comically and demanding Serena. All four stared at her stunned as she smiled; the four seek revenge by throwing wadded paper and pencils at her. "This is going to be fun," said Jayson "Seriously guys, I get pretty demanding regarding business so you'll need to adjust to my moods at times" said Serena "I might be different in the office then when I'm out playing and hanging around with you guys" said Serena "But I do need a few things by next Friday" said Serena. "and what is that" asked Molly "Well for starters, I want reports on all major accounts and compile all others. I want them categorized by the initial investments" she said as they started jotting down on their note pads "Mina, I want all reports on investments from a million plus. Ami I want you to do the 900 thousand to 500, Jayson I want you to do the rest. With this I want their exact company profits for the past year and include the past four months. Molly, I need all investment applications to halt till I can review their application and profile myself. I don't want any new deals until I approve them," said Serena "Why?" asked Molly "Mrs. Andrea may I see you for a moment" said Serena pressing a button on the phone. "I don't want any dirty money being invested, I want to make sure the money their putting in this company is legitimate" respond Serena to Molly " I don't like being the center of attention from the government, especially the tax department" she said as the door opened and walked in Andrea. "Yes Miss. Tsukino" said Andrea with a pencil and a notepad "Molly I also want you to compile reports on all Tsukino branches and Andrea I want you to get profiles on the supervising managers" "Yes, ma'am" said Andrea as she scribbled on her pad "I want them on my desk no later than Friday afternoon." She said to the surprised assistants "Then I want to schedule a meeting with all at their earliest convenience" said Serena giving them other instructions and duties. Three men stood behind the mirrored wall smiling and greatly satisfied at their choice of hire. "Her first day and she's already being the leader we anticipated her to be," said Mr. Thompson "The position fits her perfectly," said Mr. Sison "It does doesn't it" remarked Mr. Kina "and I think…that's it for now" said Serena to her assistants with their mouths open. "What did I say something?" asked Serena "I still can't believe that Serena is our boss," said Mina "Oh you don't, well let me see I think I need reports done on…," thought Serena loudly for everyone to hear. "No….No… we believe it, we believe it" said Mina and the others. The all laughed as they heard a loud grumble and turned to a blushing Mina. "Umm, I was so nervous this morning that I forgot to eat breakfast," she said as Serena flipped her wrist to look at her watch. "Oh my gosh, no wonder your stomach is grumbling, Its almost lunch" said Serena "Hey why don't I take you all out to lunch" "Well since it's your treat, how can we decline" said a hungry Mina "but wait, with all these surprises you keep springing up, you don't have anymore in plan do you?" she asked "No more surprises" said Serena to her friends "Are you sure?" asked Molly "You know I don't think I can't take another surprise from you" said Ami. "Well its okay with me, just as long as you say you're pregnant" said Molly. "As a matter of fact I was gonna tell you that next" she said as the others slowly walked towards her. Serena ran outside the conference room to stand behind Mr. Kina talking to Andrea. "Mr. Kina HELP! They've turned against me" she giggled. "I see that you're getting along quite well," he said as Serena dodged Mina whom caught one of her pigtails. "Gotcha you evil rabbit for a boss you…" said Mina "Okay……Okay… No more surprises" said a laughing Serena "Oh, Andrea, if its okay with Mr. Kina lunch also includes you" "Thank you Miss. Tsukino, but I'm meeting my husband for lunch today" "Oh, okay Ill take you to lunch some other time then. But Andrea" she said waiting for her to turn around. "Yes" "Serena will do" she said "Mr. Kina, I'm going to take the team to lunch so we can get better acquainted before I throw more stuff at them" "That's good, take your time," said Mr. Kina waving his good byes as the elevator door closes.