Jay pov.
*Flashback ends*
I probably shouldn't have called kuya grumpy. If he came to know he might bury me alive. But whatever, he's not going to know anyway.
I head straight to my wardrobe in my room to get ready for the gala. Usually, I don't bother with looks, but this time's different. This time, is the first time the world sees the woman behind the work that saved millions of people.
This time, the world sees the empress of the empire. The CEO of JJM. So I also have to (unfortunately) look the part. I stood in front of the dresses for a long time, unsure of what to wear.
Then, I did what I always do. Look at all the dresses until I find something that felt right, and not just looked right. I was walking along the racks when I saw a dress and stopped in my tracks. I walked over and tracked my fingers over the fabric. I put it on.
This is the one.
It was a deep, wine burgundy red. An off shoulder dress with sparkles and a split that opened from my thigh. It looked absolutely elegant in a dangerous way. (Check comments)
The dress looked like every inch of its thread and every stitch on the fabric was weaved only for me. It fit me perfectly, hugging my waist and loosening below to flow around, trailing behind like a beautiful hallow.
And for the first time in a very long time... I felt beautiful. Because the dress itself wasn't too attention seeking. Nothing too much. But the way it looked on me- the way it shaped me so beautifully, that was what looked amazing.
Then I applied some very light natural makeup. Actually, I didn't even want to wear any makeup, it makes my face feel all stuffy and suffocated. Also, it takes way too much time. I'm too lazy to do it, AND I'm also impatient.
So I just wore powder, lip gloss, and slightly winged eyeliner. I chose a pair of dark red heels from the closet. They had pearls in them, so I decide to accessorise using pearls. I added a pearl beaded bracelet and a pearl two- layered necklace. I wore mama reycee's white watch on the other hand. Simple. Elegant.
Then I moved on to my hair. I wanted to just leave it like that and leave to the venue, but just then Percy (who was very ready in his room) sent a message.
From: Drama king
If you don't wear a good hairstyle for once, I'm disowning you.
From: Drama king.
... Ok fine I won't actually disown you. BUT FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE DO SOMETHING TO YOUR HAIR!!
So I sighed and did something with my hair. I am NOT listening to that guy whine about my hair for the rest of the evening. Because knowing him? He definitely would torture me until I do it. (Check comment for hairstyle)
Percy also got ready. He was wearing a black suit and pants. And he genuinely did look good. For once. I'm not telling him that though, that guy already has a big head. Jare also looked handsome. He was also wearing a smilar suit pant- but his was grey. (Check comments)
The minute they saw me descending the staircase, both of them froze. Like literally malfunctioned. Their eyes widened.
"Who are you and what have you done with our sister who hates fashion?" Percy asked.
I rolled my eyes. "Quit being dramatic."
Jare shook his head. "He's not being dramatic Jay."
Percy's eyes softened. "You look beautiful, baby sistah. And also scary. Like dangerously scary."
I smirked. "Good. I should. Now, shall we leave?"
Jare grinned. "They're all going to die from shock. And he is going to literally faint seeing you like this."
'they' was section E. David's coming for the Braselton company, Yuri's coming for the Hanamitchi, Ci n is coming representing the Peralta's, Felix is also coming because he will inherit his father's company, Eman will be coming as his restaurant is the catering for the gala (I made sure that they hire Eman, his cooking's delicious!). So, Yuri invited the entire section E, seemingly.
You see, this gala was also an awards ceremony. That's why you could invite your friends and family. I don't know which place I'd be winning, but they told me I'd won an award. Percy had too for SOP- and he was also revealing that he is the CEO.
Jare was here representing the Mariano enterprise- as the COO (Chief Operative Officer- the next highest position after CEO) since my aunt the current CEO is probably traveling the world without caring about the company. Though if she did care, I suppose she would have noticed Jare and I were already inside the company.
Anyway, usually when I won awards, I'd have sent someone from my company to collect it, and so would Jare and Percy- but now we decided it was time that we stopped hiding.
We got in seperate cars and reached the venue. We slipped into one of the rooms at the back without anyone noticing. We didn't want to attract attention before the announcements was made
It seems that Kwanan had come representing the Watson company for the event. Great. Just what I needed. More drama. Well, I suppose he's here to reveal that he's secretly the CEO of MKW. I already knew that.
Anyway, the prizes were being announced. Braselton company and Peralta's company were both 5th place as they had the same number of votings. Both David and Ci N went to accept the trophy. 4th place was the Mariano enterprises and Watson enterprises. Kiefer went first. Then Jare went. The moment Jare and Kiefer stepped in to accept the prize- section E cheered the loudest.
They already knew that me and Jare worked there because of what happened with the Hanamitchis. So they weren't surprised. But what they didn't know that we're not just workers there. We are the heirs. We are the Mariano's.
Then, third place was won by Fer corp- and the Hanamitchis. This time Aries, Kuya Angelo and Yuri went forward.
Then the host- CJ, announced the second place.
"And now, today there are three reveals of the three most successful companies happening today. I guess we're all in luck for having three legends in one frame. One of them has won second place."
Percy, who was still inside the backstage room with me, shut his eyes tightly and held his breath. I knew how much his company- SOP- meant to him.
"And the second place goes to- COP founded and owned by none other than- Percy Collins!"
Percy let out a relieved sigh, gave me a quick grin, then slipped out of the room. Now I was left standing there.
Author's pov. (yeah, ik I don't write much in author pov... But this is necessary hehe)
"Now, since this is the first time you're going public, the people have a few questions for you. One of them being- what does SOP stand for?" CJ asked Percy.
Section E stared in shock. Percy just laughed.
"Well, you all know Percy Jackson right? The demigod of Posiedon?" Percy asked. CJ nodded with a nostalgic smile.
"Of course. The books written by Rick Riordan, right? They were my whole childhood." CJ said.
"Mine too! And since my name is Percy, and since I resembke Percy Jackson a little with the blue eyes and black hair, I decided to name my company related to that." Percy said, expecting the others to catch on.
Cj and the others still looked a little confused. So Percy finally said it.
"My company, SOP, stands for Son Of Posiedon."
Cj laughed. Then after a few more questions (one asking him whether he's single, he said no, btw. Guess who's still hung up over Freya?), And accepting the award, he walked over to where section e was sitting and joined them.
Then.. the ultimate announcement everyone had been waiting for. The first place. It felt like the whole room was holding it's breath.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for, the faces behind the success. The name behind the fame. The first place is tied between the two greatest legends of all time. Let us all welcome, the winner of the gala and the legends of the business. The first place goes to-" a beat of silence. Then- "The owner and founder of MKW, Mark Kiefer Watson everybody!"
A ripple of shock crossed the room. But nobody seemed too surprised. In fact, it made perfect sense for Kiefer to be a CEO. He had always seemed like one. Always had carried the power and authority of a leader.
Then, once Kiefer had got the trophy and went to stand in the side of the stage- Cj continued.
"And next, here comes the most awaited, most famous, most important business icon of all time. The founder and owner and CEO of JJM. The empress of the empire everybody. Let's give it up for-" the word empress sent another ripple of shock through the crowd. They had all expected an emperor. A man. Not a woman.
"Jasper Jean Fernandez!" He said. For a second, the whole room was confused- including section e. Because Jean Fernandez? That seemed familiar to them, obviously. But isn't her name Jasmine Jean Fernandez? Who's Jasper Jean Fernandez. The whole room was buzzing.
Then, the doors opened. The minute she stepped out, the whole room went into a stunned silence. Every step she took screamed confidence without being flashy. She looked beautiful. Beautiful and dangerous. Because didn't look like a princess- no- she looked like a queen.
Her crimson gown caught the lights, accentuatimg her figure perfectly in all the right places. Her eyeliner sharp, eyes even sharper, her face looked composed and powerful. She looked.
Kiefer couldn't take his eyes of her. Seeing her like this- like a goddess- it did something to him. Every instinct in his bones screamed at him to go and hug her, to fall in the comfort of her arms and to offer her the comfort of his warmth. But he held back and admired her from the side stage, letting her have her moment with a fierce pride building in his chest.
My woman. He thought. My beautiful, strong, powerful, dangerous woman. My wife. Mine.
She looked- drop dead gorgeous. There was no other way to describe it. She looked ethereal- like a goddess. Every single person in the room seemed completely captivated by her. Her presence itself didn't demand respect, it commanded respect.
If the before reveals had sent a ripple of shock through the crowd, this one sent a whole wave of tsunami crashing over the room. They were all completely flabbergasted by her beauty, dumbfounded by the very power and effortless elegance radiating of her every step.
For once, even section E was speechless. Because this- this wasn't the girl who argued about subjects and was obsessed over food. This was the woman who ruled the whole industry.
"Hello miss Jean!"
She smiled, and that made her look even more unreal. " Please, call me Jay."
CJ laughed. "Okay miss Jay. You won first place, and you've finally revealed yourself to the world! Would you like to say anything? A speech?"
"Yes, actually. I would like to say, that this company is a result of a good cause. As some of you here prabaly already know, I'm in the CBI. And my main goal was to completely extinguish the human trafficking system." She said.
"But to do that, I needed more resources, more power, more authority. But make no mistake, this isn't simple a lousy solution, this company was, is and always has been my dream. It's my dream, because my mom was a lawyer and I've always wanted to start a law firm."
She purposely avoided mentioning that her dad owned a business. That would raise questions as to what business. And she couldn't reveal that she was the daughter of a Mariano.
"And for thise of you here underistimating me for being a girl- don't. You have been warned. Because if any one of you think that I've been hiding in the shadows- you're wrong. I am the shadow. And now I'm choosing to step into the light. If I know how to navigation myself in the dark- I sure as hell can work well in the light."
Her Hazel- green eyes pierced through every single person in the room. Then, she smiled. "I hope I was very clear. On the other hand, I would also like to thank each and every one here for showing up to see my success, and supporting me. Hoping for more cooperations and collaborations. Enjoy your evening." She said. Then- she bowed slightly and left the stage, after a few photographs which were required for the media- she left the event. Texting Jare and Percy that she's leaving- she was just about to get in the car when a wrist caught her arm.
"Jay Jay- you look breathtaking." Kiefer said.
Jay turned around, but there was forced distance I'm her eyes now. "Mr Watson, I think we should collaborate on our companies. It would benefit both of us. If this is something regards personal then..." She looked down for a second before gathering the courage and forcing herself to meet his eyes. "Then there's nothing left to talk about. Good bye. Consider the deal of collaboration and do let me know."
Saying that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking rythemically against the marble floor, leaving Kiefer there with his heart sinking.
(Make sure to check comments for the dress and hairstyle.)