Never Judge

Adrianna did not know what to say. Margaret was right. She might be able to escape the Hernandez name but everyone else in her family would not, at least not until Cedric, as the Reyes Heir, publicly recognized them as his.

"Adrianna, this isn't my point. What I really wanted to say is that I'm sorry, but I'm still mad at you and I can't forgive you just yet. But I want to, I really do. It was your husband that saved us and our family really was wrong." Margaret said in a calmer tone. 

The whole table was suddenly silent, everyone knew that there was nothing wrong with what Margaret had said, but they knew that they had no right to interfere with the couple. Especially since Cedric's whole identity had already caused a rift in the past.

"Margaret, you're right." Adrianna said slowly.

"Adri, you don't need to say that." Margaret said in an embarrassed tone.

"No, not. You're right. But, I can't let people know Cedric's true identity yet. Please give me time, but I promise you, I'll find a way to make things better. Why don't you join me and the sisters this weekend? They want to hangout." Adrianna offered.

"I'll try." Margaret said with a smile. Adrianna suddenly realized that it had been such a long time since she last saw her cousin smile genuinely. 

Cedric on the other hand was sitting in a makeshift office at the site of the new Mor Co. Tech Hub. Several members of the management team were presenting the progress of the site on Mor Co.'s end. 

"Sir, at the rate we are going we can open in six months." Ian proudly announced.

Cedric looked at the plans and the reports, Ian was right, that was the fastest they could do without sacrificing the quality of their work.

"Very well. How about the employees? Have you begun hiring?" Cedric asked.

"Yes sir." It was the Human Resources head that answered his question. "We've hired several industry leaders from Japan and America. As for local talents we are hunting down the top graduates from both the state run schools as well as from private institutions. As per your instructions, we are only looking for the best." 

Cedric smiled, he was proud at how competent his management team was. He had promoted some of the younger employees that showed true potential and skill. Those that were older of course still had the experience and were not pushovers either, so Cedric had them moved to the main businesses of the Reyes Group. 

"This is good. You can all go now and take the rest of the day off." Cedric told his people happily. They all thanked him and left, when it was just Cedric, Ian, Camilla, and Leon in the room Cedric took off his disguise and relaxed a little. Camilla came over with a cup of coffee while Leon brought over their lunch. 

"What do we have left on the agenda?" Cedric asked Camilla.

"The other companies that will be building in the Tech Hub will present their progress as well as their business plans. Then the other Reyes Group companies, and finally we will take a tour of the area. " Camilla reported.

Cedric sighed and placed down his utensils. "Did their bosses come along?" Cedric asked.

"We were told that Mr. Laurence, Mr. Abad, and Miss Chan would be coming over." Camilla said as she stifled a laugh. She knew that if his friends were coming over her boss would be teased non-stop. 

"How about Alexi and his sisters?" Cedric asked, he knew that the Sebastian's had both political and business interests in the area and would often be nearby.

"They didn't send any word." Camilla said.

"Keeping a straight face is much easier when they aren't around." Cedric said with a sigh as he returned to eating his meal.

After lunch, the first to arrive was Ram together with some of his staff. Unlike when they were normally together, Ram wore a serious face and sat on the seat to Cedric's right.

"I'm looking forward to Light's Entertainment and Abad Networks' presentation today, Ram." Cedric said as Ram's employees stared as the mysterious Reyes Heir spoke casually to their boss. Of course they all knew that the two men were friends but seeing someone speak so casually to their CEO still shocked them. One employee even snuck a photo of the two dashing young men, even if they couldn't see the Reyes Heir's face they could already guess that he was good looking.

"I'm sure you won't be disappointed." Ram said with a grin as he signaled for one of his employees to begin their presentation. 

They showed Cedric their plan to create a training center for their new talents, the center would have practice facilities and dormitories with complete amenities. They would also be building studios and sets where they could tape their shows. These studios will also host tours in order to boost the industry in the area. 

"I hope you don't plan on using the area for your lesser known artists or shows." Cedric told Ram. 

"Of course not." Ram said with a laugh. "Eric will be the first artist to record a movie in the facilities." Ram said to assure Cedric. Of course that assurance was not needed, Ram just wanted to say it in front of his employees.

"Good." Cedric said expressionlessly. "You may go." 

"Go ahead. I'll stay with my friend." Ram told the people who had just presented. They of course simply followed their bosses orders and left.

The next company that was penciled in to present was Ray's, unfortunately he was running late because Ayanna wanted him to taste the cake she wanted for their wedding. Camilla informed Cedric that Nicole and her team had already arrived and were prepared to present to him. Cedric nodded and told Camilla to let them in.

When Nicole entered dressed in a business attire and looking serious Cedric wanted to laugh. He knew that Nicole often took on a more serious personality when not in front of family and friends, but Cedric was surprised to see her looking more like Katerina.

"Mr. Reyes, thank you for giving us your time." Nicole said quite formally. Cedric saw Ram smirk beside him and Nicole reacted with an annoyed look.

"Proceed." Cedric said calmly.

Nicole nodded to her team as she moved to sit on Cedric's left. Nicole's team presented how they were planning on building a hospital within the Tech Park. It would be one of the most advanced hospitals in the country despite not being within the capital. 

"We're also planning on placing one of Miguel's hubs here. As you know there is one in the capital in the main Saints Hospital and another on Kashmere, this would be the second. It will be staffed by one of his teams and it will have all the equipment Miguel might need to conduct an operation." Nicole explained.

"That would draw a lot of VIPs to the area. Good." Cedric said, praising Nicole's idea.

"I have one more." Nicole said as she stood up and asked the employee to shift over to the next slide.

"As you know, my mental facilities have been doing well. People are slowly accepting that mental health is an important factor." Nicole began. "I want to build the main hospital and rehab center here."

"Why?" Cedric asked.

"It's far enough from the capital to help patients detach but it's also in an area that will be like a mini city that could help them reintegrate." Nicole explained.

"Ian, help Nicole find a suitable location within the Tech Hub." Cedric instructed. Ian simply nodded in reply as he jotted down some notes. 

Cedric watched as Nicole looked lovingly at Ian. He wanted to laugh and tease her but there were people from the hospital still with them.

"You can join me on the tour of the vicinity, for the meantime, sit down, Ian will get you some tea." Cedric said as Ian jumped into action and prepared Nicole's favorite tea.

Nicole sent her team away as well since there was nothing for them to do anyway. 

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