Once Upon a Memory

seis

Third Person's POV

Araneta Properties Inc. was in the final stages of securing a luxury development project—an exclusive residential and commercial space that promised to be the most prestigious in the city.

With Marcos Global officially relaunching and Irene actively working on high-end interior projects, investors saw an opportunity.

A collaboration between Marcos Global and Araneta Properties made perfect sense.

For Greggy and Irene, it was anything but that.

Irene sat in her office, rubbing her temples as Patty and Rachel stood in front of her desk, watching her reaction carefully.

"No." Irene's voice was firm as she placed the folder on her desk.

Patty sighed. "Babe, we know this is uncomfortable—"

"No, you don't," Irene cut her off. "You don't know how it feels to be in a room with someone you used to—" She stopped herself. "—to be in a room with Greggy, pretending nothing happened."

Rachel crossed her arms. "Pero Irene, Marcos Global needs this. Investors are already talking about how this deal will solidify your comeback. You said it yourself, you want to rebuild your father's legacy."

Irene exhaled, staring at the folder as if it personally offended her. She knew they were right. This project would put Marcos Global back on the map. But working with Greggy? Seeing him almost every day? It felt like walking into a battlefield unarmed.

She leaned back in her chair. "Hindi ba pwedeng ibang kumpanya na lang?"

Patty smirked. "Wala ka nang ibang choice." Rachel smirked. "At saka admit it, you can't avoid him forever."

Irene picked up the folder, flipping through the pages. This wasn't just any deal—it was the biggest project Marcos Global had secured since their relaunch. She closed her eyes briefly before opening them with determination.

"Fine." Patty and Rachel exchanged victorious looks.

Meanwhile, at Araneta Properties, Seb and Paulo were the ones delivering the news. Greggy leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming on the desk. "You're joking."

Seb shrugged. "Wish we were, pero investors are pushing for it."

Paulo grinned. "Alam mo, Gregs, maganda 'to. Your company needs the best interior designers, and well—" He raised a brow. "Marcos Global is the best."

Greggy exhaled sharply. "There are other firms."

Seb smirked. "Sure. Pero investors want this firm."

Greggy clenched his jaw. From a business standpoint, the collaboration made sense. But personally? It felt like a disaster waiting to happen.

After a long silence, he finally said, "Schedule the meeting."

Seb and Paulo exchanged looks. They knew that tone—Greggy was bracing himself for war.

The conference room at Araneta Properties was filled with executives from both companies. Irene entered, composed and poised, but internally, she was bracing for impact.

Greggy was already there, sitting at the head of the table. He looked up when she walked in, his expression unreadable. Irene held his gaze for a second before looking away.

Patty and Rachel flanked her sides, while Seb and Paulo sat beside Greggy. The atmosphere was professional—on the surface.

The discussion began, with teams presenting their design proposals, logistics, and project timelines. Both Greggy and Irene maintained their business personas, responding with sharp, calculated remarks.