Marked Confidential

The grand ballroom of a five star hotel for the Hidalgo-Sy Corporation Anniversary exuded sophistication. The elegant chandeliers casting a warm golden glow, tables adorned with pristine white linens, and a sleek black and gold theme that screamed power and prestige. The event was in full swing, with esteemed guests mingling, glasses clinking, and the air buzzing with an undercurrent of anticipation.

Adrielle stood at the side of the room, clad in a stunning black ensemble of an off-shoulder gown with a modern cut that accentuated her poise and elegance. The moment she stepped in, all eyes had naturally gravitated toward her; she was effortlessly captivating, exuding the kind of authority that made people either admire her or fear her.

Beside her, Cassandra stood in striking contrast, wearing an ethereal white gown. If Adrielle commanded attention with her presence, Cassandra owned the room with her sheer confidence and precision. There was no denying it that tonight, they were the power duo of the business world, and everyone knew it.

Liv, who had been casually sipping champagne while observing them, let out a low whistle. "Mag partner nga talaga kayo, pati kulay ng outfit pinag isipan."

Cassandra raised an unimpressed brow. “It’s called contrast, Liv. Ever heard of aesthetics?”

Adrielle smirked. “I told you, Cass. Even if we don’t coordinate, we still match perfectly. Ayaw mo pa ipakita sa akin yung isusuot mo para hindi matchy. But we still end up perfectly complimenting each other.”

Cassandra shot her a look, but the small smile playing on her lips gave her away.

“Okay, okay, tama na yang married energy niyo bago pa ako masamid sa champagne ko.” Liv rolled her eyes dramatically before nodding toward the crowd. “By the way, two important guests just arrived.”

Adrielle followed her gaze and, sure enough, spotted them.

Maiven Lee and Calista Ventura.

Both were familiar yet distant faces. They are people from her past life before business school, before Cassandra. Maiven had always been a silent but formidable presence, known for her strategic mind and ability to turn any business venture into gold. A self-made business hot shot, building a name for her self from ground up. Meanwhile, Calista was the embodiment of charisma, effortlessly drawing people in with her easygoing nature.

After graduating, both had taken their talents abroad, diving into the global business scene. And now, they were back.

Adrielle straightened, her CEO mask slipping effortlessly into place as she made her way toward them.

“Maiven, Calista.” Her voice was smooth, professional, but there was a hint of warmth in her tone. “I see you two finally decided to return.”

Maiven, ever the composed one, offered a small smirk. “Couldn’t resist the business opportunities here. Besides, we heard you and your company have been making waves.”

Calista grinned. “And you know us. We love being where the action is.”

Adrielle chuckled, shaking her head. “I should’ve known.”

Cassandra, who had approached silently, finally spoke, her tone sharp yet assessing. “You’ve done well abroad. But what brings you here specifically?”

Maiven’s eyes flickered toward Cassandra, their expressions unreadable. “Let’s just say we’re looking for the right place to invest. And we trust Adrielle’s judgment.”

Adrielle took that moment to officially introduce Cassandra.

“You’ll be working closely with both of us if you decide to invest,” she stated, her voice carrying authority. “This is Cassandra Min Sy, my co-CEO.”

My co-CEO.

Cassandra barely reacted, keeping her expression neutral, but Adrielle felt the shift in her presence. A subtle change that is barely noticeable to anyone else, but Adrielle knew Cassandra too well. It wasn't resentment or doubt. It was something else. Something that passed too quickly for Adrielle to fully grasp. So she did the only thing that felt right.

Adrielle subtly reached out and gently squeezed Cassandra’s hand. A silent gesture—I'm here. We're in this together.

Cassandra’s fingers curled around hers in response, almost instinctively, before she let go, the moment passing as quickly as it had come.

But Maiven and Calista had seen it.

The slight flicker in Cassandra’s eyes, the silent understanding between them, the way Adrielle’s subtle reassurances never needed words.

Calista smiled knowingly. “You two really work well together.”

Maiven, always one to observe first, nodded in agreement. “It’s rare to see co-CEOs complement each other the way you do.”

Cassandra, back to her usual self, let out a small chuckle. “We make it work.”

Adrielle smirked. “That’s an understatement.”

Liv, watching the entire exchange, leaned toward Jen and Mira and whispered, "Parang boardroom battle na agad to, ah."

Mira chuckled. “Classic CEO Adrielle and Cassandra.”

Jen nodded. “Hindi pa nga naguumpisa yung program, pero intense na agad.”

The event officially started, and as expected, Adrielle took the stage for the opening speech.

Her voice was steady, calculated, and full of conviction. She spoke about the company’s growth, its milestones, and the vision moving forward. There was no unnecessary flourish just direct, compelling words that held the audience captive.

When she stepped down, Cassandra greeted her with an approving nod. “You never miss, do you?”

Adrielle smirked. “Of course not.”

The night continued with an engaging lineup. There were presentations, recognitions for outstanding employees, and even a short video showcasing the company’s journey. Throughout it all, Adrielle and Cassandra remained poised, their every move measured under the watchful eyes of the board of directors.

Then came the closing remarks. It is Cassandra’s turn.

Unlike Adrielle, whose strength was in precise execution, Cassandra’s words were sharp, deliberate, and left no room for doubt. She spoke with the kind of confidence that made people believe in the company’s future. And by the time she finished, there was no denying that the room was in the palm of her hand.

Liv, ever the menace, leaned toward Adrielle. “Psh, alam mo, kung hindi ko lang alam na mag asawa na kayo, iisipin kong mortal enemies pa rin kayo sa business.”

Adrielle exhaled, shaking her head. “Competitiveness doesn’t just disappear, Liv.”

Cassandra, who overheard, smirked as she returned to Adrielle’s side. “What’s wrong, Dri? Jealous of my speech?”

Adrielle gave her a pointed look before responding coolly, “Just remember, Cassandra, I set the stage. You just wrapped it up.”

Cassandra chuckled. “And you love it.”

Liv groaned. “Diyos ko, tama na yan, wala tayong time para sa mag asawang nagbabangayan sa corporate setting.”

Maiven and Calista, who had been silently watching, exchanged amused glances.

“Yup,” Calista murmured, “they’re definitely married.”

As the event came to a close, Adrielle and Cassandra found themselves standing side by side, looking over the ballroom.

“It was a good night,” Adrielle murmured.

Cassandra hummed. “A successful one.”

A comfortable silence settled between them before Adrielle spoke again. “Maiven and Calista… they’ll be a good addition, don’t you think?”

Cassandra glanced at her, then back at the two women speaking with Liv. “We’ll see.”

Adrielle smirked. “Of course, you don’t trust easily.”

Cassandra shrugged. “We didn’t build this empire by being careless, Dri.”

Adrielle laughed softly, reaching for Cassandra’s hand again. And just like that, the next chapter of their empire began.

The day after the company anniversary event, Maiven and Calista extended an invitation for lunch, wanting to catch up in a more casual setting. Adrielle, ever the composed one, accepted without hesitation, while Cassandra, always the strategic, agreed, knowing it would be a good opportunity to gauge the two potential investors outside of a corporate setting.

They met at an upscale yet cozy restaurant, the kind that struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The four of them settled into a private booth, the atmosphere light and relaxed, a stark contrast to the high-stakes environment of the previous night.

As soon as they sat down, Adrielle casually introduced Cassandra again.

"Maiven, Calista, you both already met my co-CEO," Adrielle said smoothly before adding with a hint of playfulness, "and my wife."

Cassandra shot her a look but didn’t correct her. Instead, she smirked and extended a hand. “Nice to meet you again, officially this time.”

Maiven chuckled as she shook Cassandra’s hand. “So you’re the one who finally managed to tie down Adrielle Hidalgo, huh?”

Calista leaned forward, grinning. “She was an untouchable force in college. Everyone who tried, failed. But you—” she glanced at Cassandra with playful admiration, “—you actually did it.”

Adrielle rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. It’s not that dramatic.”

“It is,” Maiven countered. “You were a mystery back then. Always busy with debates, presentations, and—” she smirked, “—watching my games.”

Cassandra, who had just taken a sip of her drink, nearly choked as she turned to Adrielle. “Wait, what?”

Adrielle, unfazed, lifted her glass gracefully. “I liked volleyball.”

Maiven and Calista burst into laughter.

“Tama ba yun?” Calista grinned, tilting her head. “Because back then, people thought you were watching for another reason.”

Cassandra leaned back, crossing her arms, clearly enjoying this turn of events. “Do tell.”

“Oh, she was always there,” Maiven said, playing along. “Front row, best seats. And if I remember correctly, there was even a rumor—”

“That I had a crush on Maiven,” Adrielle finished nonchalantly, taking a sip of her wine.

Cassandra raised a brow. “Did you?”

Adrielle smirked. “No, but it was fun letting people think so.”

Maiven chuckled. “Well, you were good at keeping up the mystery. Though, if I remember correctly, I wasn’t the only one you could’ve thrown under the bus.”

Adrielle opened her mouth, about to drop a name, but when Maiven shot her a warning look—subtle yet effective—she let it go with a knowing smirk.

Calista cackled. “Oh, she was definitely about to say a name.”

Cassandra, not one to be left out, tilted her head at Adrielle. “Go ahead, Dri. Who was it?”

Adrielle sighed dramatically, resting a hand on Cassandra’s. “You know I only have eyes for you, Cass.”

Calista groaned. “Ugh, the married energy is insane. We can’t compete.”

Maiven shook her head in mock defeat. “Unbelievable.”

"But hey Cali, I heard you already got married as well." Adrielle said casually sipping on her wine.

"I did. It was just a simple celebration with Lei's family and a few of our friends. You were invited pero masyado kang busy."

"Sorry, Cali. We'll visit sometime." Adrielle sincerely replied while Cassandra nodded casually reaching out for Adrielle's hand.

"Pwede kang bumawi kay Maiv." Cali teasingly said.

"Wait-what?"

"You heard it right. She's finally tying the knot!" Calista nudged Maiven with a teasing look.

"It was a long journey but.. Yeah.. Make sure you'll be there. You too Cassandra." Maiven, now scarlet, forcing herself not to smile but failed miserably.

The conversation continued in easy banter, the four of them catching up on old times, recalling college stories, and exchanging teasing remarks. It was rare for Adrielle to be around people who had known her before her corporate rise, and even rarer for Cassandra to see her like this, relaxed, playful, effortlessly blending into a world outside of boardrooms and business meetings.

And, of course, in the middle of their banter, Cassandra made sure to slice Adrielle’s steak without a word, pushing the plate toward her in a way that felt second nature. Adrielle, in turn, subtly reached for Cassandra’s glass of water, making sure she stayed hydrated.

Maiven and Calista exchanged amused glances but didn’t say a word. It was clear that these two were a well-oiled machine, even outside of the office.

The lunch ended on a light note, filled with laughter and shared memories. But the warmth of the moment lingered as they left the restaurant, stepping back into the reality of their present lives.

By the time Adrielle and Cassandra arrived home, they were met with pure, unfiltered chaos.

A blur of fur launched itself toward Adrielle’s legs was Atticus, moving with elegant yet demanding precision. He barely spared Cassandra a glance, instead brushing against Adrielle as if gracing her with his presence. Meanwhile, Yuki, was sprawled lazily on the couch but immediately perked up at the sound of the door, her tail wagging wildly before she bounded toward Cassandra, nuzzling into her side.

Cassandra chuckled, ruffling Yuki’s ears. “You had a nice nap, didn’t you?”

Adrielle sighed, picking up Atticus, who, despite his usual air of indifference, allowed it. “And you—” she raised a brow at the cat, “—stop pretending you don’t care. You literally waited by the door.”

Atticus merely flicked his tail and let out a slow, unimpressed blink.

Cassandra smirked. “He’s so you.”

Adrielle scoffed. “Excuse me?”

Cassandra gestured toward Atticus, who had settled comfortably in Adrielle’s arms like a king upon his throne. “Moody, selective with his affections, but ultimately a softie underneath all that attitude.”

Adrielle narrowed her eyes, but the way she absentmindedly scratched Atticus behind the ears earning a very pleased purr which kind of proved Cassandra’s point.

Meanwhile, Yuki flopped onto Cassandra’s lap, belly up, eyes half lidded as if expecting to be pampered.

Adrielle smirked. “And what about Yuki?”

Cassandra grinned as she scratched Yuki’s belly, earning an affectionate nuzzle. “Loyal, affectionate, and down for whatever—definitely me.”

Adrielle rolled her eyes. “If you say so.”

Yuki let out a content sigh, while Atticus, ever the diva, yawned before jumping down, gracefully walking toward his designated perch near the window.

Cassandra laughed. “Alright, alright. Let’s get them treats before they cause trouble.”

Adrielle shook her head but smiled, following her wife into the kitchen.

Chaos or not, this was home.