Chapter 2 Rodriguez Empire

Rodriguez Empire

Six Months Earlier

Valentina P.O.V

Five Days To The Wedding

Valentina stood in front of her one-of-a-kind antique mirror, carefully tucking the last strand of her long ash brown hair into the stylish silver beret which was a perfect match for her flowy, knee length chiffon gown and crystal ankle strap heels. After she was done, she took a step back to admire her handiwork, a satisfied smile spreading across her lips.

"I mean seriously, how does one manage to look so stunning every single day". She smirked, blowing a prideful kiss to herself.

A loud knock on her door interrupted her moment of self admiration.

"Come in". She called out with a hint of irritation in her voice.

Ava, her personal maid, carefully stepped into the room. "Good morning ma'am"

"Have the driver prepare the car, I'll be leaving soon". Valentina ordered, her eyes fully focused on her collection of designer bags, carefully arranged on her shelf.

"Which one to choose?". She mumbled, her eyes moving from the Vivianne Royale collection to the Aurora vita and back again.

Ava stood quietly, her hands folded in front of her as she tried to find the right words to speak to her arrogant boss without upsetting her more.

"Don't just stand there, get out". Valentina scolded.

"I-I'm afraid that won't be possible ma'am". She stammered.

"Excuse me". Valentina paused, her harsh gaze falling on Ava who could only bow her head in fear.

"Forgive me ma'am, but the master of the house ordered us not to let you leave without joining the family for breakfast. And the madam also...."

"Madam?". Valentina fumed, taking a step closer "How dare you call that gold digger the lady of my house?".

"Am so sorry Miss Valentina, I-I really didn't mean to offend you". Ava pleaded desperately.

"Oh, you're not sorry yet". She sneered, a cold smile spreading across her face "But you will be after I am done with you".

Ava was caught off guard as Valentina forcefully shoved her aside, almost sending her off balance before storming out of the room, her heels loudly clicking on the polished marble floor. The household staff knew better than to get in her way whenever she was in a temper.

At the dining room, Thiago Rodriguez, the kingpin of the Rodriguez empire and mastermind behind their vast fortune, sat at the head, reading the morning news headlines. He was dressed to impress in a well tailored Italian suit adorned with a gold, Rolex watch. Everyone who knew him could testify that even in his late fifties, he still had a way of showing off for the day's work.

Olivia, his wife, was seated next to him gracefully sipping her favorite black ivory coffee. Her bouncy black hair slightly touched her shoulder, and her eyes focused on her schedule for the day.

The quiet atmosphere around them, along with the delicious scent of freshly baked mouth watering pastries, made the usual peaceful mornings at the Rodriguez Mason until trouble in the form of Valentina came barging in.

"Ah, Valentina dear, I'm glad you're joining us for breakfast today". Thiago smiled, setting his newspaper aside.

"Good Morning to you papà". Valentina leaned in for a kiss, before sliding into the chair opposite Olivia.

"Valentina darling, we didn't expect you to join us for breakfast today so, you'd have to forgive us for not setting a place for you at the table". Olivia said, a half smile on her face.

"It's alright Olivia, I didn't come here to have small talks and pretend to like you." Valentina fired back "I'm just here to make something clear to my father and then I'll be on my way".

"What is this about, Valentina". Thiago asked, raising a brow.

"Father, I understand that you care deeply and only want what's best for me", Valentina said firmly but respectfully "But with my wedding just a few days away, you can't keep holding me back like this. I'm an adult now, I make my own decisions".

"Mi corazón, you'd have to forgive your old man". He said with a sigh. "It's hard for me to accept that you're getting married soon and might not be around as much".

"Don't be so dramatic papà, I am only getting married, not moving to another state." Valentina teased "And even if I was, it still wouldn't change the fact I am the only daughter of the most powerful business tycoon in the entire country and no one would be able to get rid of me so easily".

Thiago chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I'm telling you my dear, I'm afraid that even selling our entire fortune wouldn't be enough to compensate for losing you".

"Of course".Valentina tossed her head back in pride, a smug smile spreading across her face. "All the wealth in the world couldn't possibly match up to me. I'm a Rodriguez, after all".

Olivia snorted loudly, rolling her eyes and muttering a few words. "Let's just eat and leave the chit chat for later. The food's already getting cold."

Olivia gave a slight nod to the servants standing by the table and they immediately began to serve the dishes.

"You know what Olivia". Valentina leaned forward, her brow snapped together "It's just no fun seeing people try to fit in where they clearly don't belong. Don't you think so too?"

Olivia shifted uncomfortably, but still managed to maintain her composure. "You're the only daughter of this family Valentina, you really shouldn't be worried about anyone trying to compete with you?"

"For your own sake Olivia". Valentina glared "I hope you're right".

"Alright... alright ladies, I think we've said more than enough now. Let's eat already". Thiago interrupted, breaking the tension.

Valentina glanced at her watch. "I really should get going now".

Thiago raised a brow. "Are you really not gonna stay for breakfast?

"Am sorry papà, but I already planned to have breakfast with William today, I can't cancel it now".

"In a few days time, you and William will be married and starting a new life together." Thiago said "Is it too much to ask for one last meal together as a family?"

"Papá, we'll always have time to make new memories together". She said softly "But for now l really need to get going". She wrapped her arms around him in a warm hug, holding him close before reluctantly letting go.

"Te amo, mi corazon". He whispered gently

"Love you too". Valentina replied, quickly rushing out of the house.

"That child". Thiago chuckled, shaking his head "She always knew how to sweet talk her way out of things".

Outdoor, Valentina settled into the back seat of her plush Mercedes-Benz S-class. Once they'd left the Mason behind, she quietly rolled down the windows, letting the cool breeze tousle her hair.

"We're arriving soon miss Valentina". James her personal driver said, as soon as the tall, modern building, housing The Thompson Realty was in sight.

She nodded, turning her attention back to the outside view. She couldn't help but smile inwardly as she thought of William Thompson, her Fiancé and the CEO who had managed to capture her cold heart.

Valentina glanced at her watch as soon as the car stopped right in front of the sleek building, noting she had arrived on time as always.

James carefully opened the car door, and Valentina stepped onto the sidewalk. Her dark glass sparkled as she stylishly made her way into the building.

"..... Oh my goodness, Miss Valentina looks so gorgeous today".

"... I love the glasses".

".....I wish I could pull off a look like that".

The employees of Thompson Realty exchanged hushed comments as they watched Valentina enter the elevator leading to the first floor.

"Those people really have nothing better than to gossip every single time I come here, like lives depend on it". She scoffed.

The door opened and she stepped onto the first floor, home to the company's top executives and various administrative departments.

"Good morning Ma'am". William's assistant,

Rose welcomed her with a warm smile on her face.

Valentina brushed past her, without so much as a word or glance.

"Miss Valentina". Rose said, quickly stepping in front of Valentina, blocking her path. "My boss is preparing for a meeting, I don't think he'll be able to see you now".

Valentina slipped her glasses to her nose, taking a good look at the secretary who dared to act so boldly in front of her.

"Rose? Is it?".

"Ye...yes ma'am".

"How long have you worked for my Fiancé?". Valentina asked, her icy tone made Rose shiver in fear.

"Uhmm, I've been working here for two..no.. three years now....ma'am". Rose stammered, her eyes dropped for a brief moment.

"Well Rose, let's make this simple". Valentina said, taking a step closer. "If you have plans on making it a third... oh, I mean a fourth year.. You'd do well to stay out of my way".

Rose nodded immediately, as if her life depended on it.

Valentina lips curled into a cruel smile.

"You look like a smart woman, I'd hate for this to be last time I'd get to see that pitiful face of yours".

"Of course ma'am". Rose murmured, stepping aside "This way please". She said, gesturing towards the office door.

Inside The office

"Is it just me, or do you keep getting more handsome every time I see you?". Valentina teased, settling into the chair opposite William.

"Why are you here so early?". William asked, his eyes focused on reviewing the stack of property deeds and contracts in front of him.

"Seriously Mr Cold?". She said with a playful smile "That's no way to greet your fiancée, after I've driven all the way here for breakfast with you".

William glanced up at Valentina, their eyes locked for a moment before returning to his files.

"Val, I've got a lot on my plate today." He said "I'll be meeting with some important clients to finalize The Harrison Acquisition, review the quarterly reports and meet up with the marketing team to discuss the new campaign strategy. Can we maybe raincheck breakfast?".

"Hey, I am not just a pretty face here". Valentina protested. "I've got responsibilities, deadlines and a business to run - just like you. But somehow, my schedule isn't as important as your client meetings".

"Alright then, Miss CEO". He said, leaning back in his chair "Tell me, why aren't you at the office right now?".

"Well, It's because I...."

"You left all the work for Diego again, didn't you?". William interrupted.

"Why do you always have to bring that Diego into every single thing I say or do?". Valentina asked, feeling a flash of irritation.

"For goodness sake Valentina". William said with a sigh. "Diego is your only brother and my best friend too. You can't keep letting him carry the weight of your company on his own."

"Well excuse me". Valentina scoffed "Diego is the one who begged to be CEO and now that I let him have it temporarily, he comes running to you to talk me out of it?".

"You know what Valentina?. William said, shaking his head in frustration "Sometimes I get so tired of trying to talk you out of these things. It's like you never listen".

"Classic William Thompson, always quick to judge me". She smirked, her lips trembling at the corner. "It's always 'Valentina's fault' or 'Valentina's Problem'. Just when are you going to start owning up to your own mistakes?".

"Me?" William asked in disbelief "What exactly did I do wrong this time?"

"We're getting married in five days." Valentina said, frustrated "But it looks like you're more concerned about setting up meetings and listening to my selfish brother complain about me all day, than about your own wedding".

"That isn't true Valentina". William protested "You know I care about the wedding just as much as you do".

"Oh really now?". Valentina asked, her voice filled with sarcasm "Then I guess you wouldn't mind telling me how many of your friends and family members you've bothered to check if they are even invited, assuming you've looked at the guest list at all?.

"Val, I..."

"Or maybe you've just been too busy searching for the perfect wedding suit and ring, you haven't been able to pick one out yet. Not that you haven't even thought of doing it at all, right?" She interrupted, letting out a cold and angry chuckle.

"I... I haven't". He admitted, guilt written all over his face.

"That's the problem here". Valentina spat, angrily turning her face away. "You haven't even tried to do anything for our wedding. It feels like you don't even care at all".

William quietly reached out for her hands, but she snatched it away. Her fingers, still drumming angrily on the table.

"Val, am sorry okay?. He reached out for her hand again, this time holding onto it more tightly. "I realize now that I haven't been there for you like I should. But I promise that from now on, I am not gonna let anything get in-between us ever again".

"You're not gonna take it back. Are you?." Valentina asked, struggling to keep a stern look as if she knew she'd be forgiving him soon enough.

She couldn't fool herself into thinking she could be mad at him even for a second. And deep down, she blamed herself for being too soft, and letting her emotions get the better of her whenever he was around.

"Of course not". William said, a gentle firmness settled on his face. "I won't let you down ever again, that's a promise".

"Well alright then". Valentina's face brightened up "You can start by taking out for breakfast"

"You really got me there didn't you?". William chuckled.

"You bet I did". She said with a smirk.

"So, where would you like to go for breakfast?. William asked, setting his files aside.

"Well, I was thinking about that fancy restaurant, Creación. You know, the one that serves my favourite Tortilla Española".

"Sounds good. I'll make reservations".

"Perfectó".