Never Judge

As they entered Cedric noticed that every seat in the room was filled, this meant that no board member was absent that day. He began to wonder what topic could have been so important for everyone to show up, even in the Reyes Group shareholder meetings not everyone attended.

Cedric gave a meaningful look to Miguel who understood immediately what Cedric wanted to ask.

"It was supposed to be Nicole's extension meeting today. She was only placed as VP on a probationary condition. If you ask me, no one can do a better job than Nicole." Miguel whispered to his friend.

Their arrival attracted everyone's attention and their eyes were darting between Cedric and Ian. 

"At least you're taking half of the attention." Miguel teased.

Cedric was not naive, he knew that most of them wanted something from the Reyes Group and would eventually use this opportunity to speak to him. Right now however, the star of the show was Ian. He was an unknown to them.

Nicole who stood at the head of the table smiled when she saw the new arrivals. Ian arriving with Cedric would definitely help in convincing the board that Ian was not just some random guy she liked.

"Ah, brother, you brought Ian over." Nicole calmly greeted.

Cedric could see the surprise in Ian's eyes, he clearly did not expect Nicole to have such a powerful presence when dealing with business matters.

"Luckily Ian and the Reyes heir were not too busy, they even managed to drag Katerina Sebastian to come as well." Miguel boasted. Cedric knew they were dropping names to create an impact on those members that did not expect Ian to be truly familiar with the Reyes family. Katerina being around was a plus, even if she had truly come for Nicole as her lawyer. 

"I hope you can make it quick Nicole, Ian and I have business to attend to." Cedric said in a cold tone. He wanted to convey to the board that Ian did not just work for the Reyes Group, he wanted to show that Ian was a valuable part.

"Of course big brother." Nicole said informally. The four of them then walked up beside Nicole, Ian stood to her right and gripped her hand tightly. Nicole looked up at him and smiled. 

"Ladies and gentlemen of the board, this is the father of my child, and hopefully my husband in the future, Ian Lim." Nicole said in a powerful voice as she introduced the man beside her.

"Miss Chan, we know your intention is sound and by the looks of it Mr. Lim is quite well connected, but the real question is, if he is capable." A board member asked, he was an elder man who clearly had other intentions in questioning both Nicole and Ian's capabilities. 

"He is capable." Cedric answered from behind the couple. Everyone was surprised to hear the Reyes Heir speaking up for this man, the Reyes family was notorious for being cold and distant geniuses. Even Ayanna Reyes, who was a woman, was notoriously scary to non-employees of the group. 

Everyone had heard rumors about the Reyes Heir, some good, some bad, but there was one thing they all agreed on, the young man was capable. Since his return, Mor Co. had been constantly doubling their profits and the company's value had soared. So to hear this man vouch for Ian would naturally lead the board members to simply nod in agreement.

"With all due respect Mr. Reyes, this man is a capable employee, but what guarantee do we have that he would be capable in managing Saints Hospital?" A female board member asked this time.

Cedric threw Ian a look as if asking 'Should I or are you capable of answering?'. After working for Cedric for over a year Ian already knew what his boss was saying, it was as if their minds were already connected at this point.

"I am not just Mr. Reyes' assistant." Ian said in a firm tone. He would not back down, he would not let these people look down at him any further. "The expansion project of Mor Co. was managed by me, as a matter of fact I am still managing it together with my duties as Mr. Reyes' assistant. The only reason for our delay is the unfortunate incident that happened at the Saints Hospital there. Despite all of this, we have managed to contain the situation and we are already working on furthering the expansion." Ian's voice was clear and all the board members understood, he was a truly trusted employee.

"Mr. Lim isn't just any employee." Cedric added. "His father and mine are friends, the same goes for us, Ian is my friend. And as you all know our friends always benefit." Cedric was clearly giving Ian an unfair advantage over the poor board members.

"If the Reyes Heir says he is capable then he is capable." A different board member added, clearly he was convinced by Cedric's words. 

"Miss Nicole, will you be permanently handing over the reins to Mr. Lim? If he is truly capable, why not let him run the company." The first board member asked.

They all knew this was bait, if Nicole agreed then he would say she was selling the company to a man that had no ties to the Chan family, someone who could turn on them and give everything to the Reyeses. If Nicole refused then they would be back at the beginning where they would be asking someone else to step in.

"I cannot take over fully for Nicole." Ian suddenly said. "I am an employee of the Reyes Group and thus I can only help Saints temporarily while Nicole gives birth to our child." As Ian said this he looked lovingly at Nicole.

"Saints will always be at the hands of a member of the Chan family." Nicole added. "Miguel will also help Ian while I give birth, I'm sure the Reyes Heir would be willing to loan him for a while."

Cedric simply nodded in response to say that yes, Ian will work for Saints for as long as you need him.