Delays

Severa's POV

The construction site was alive with movement. Dust and the scent of freshly turned earth filled the air as heavy machinery roared in the background. The excavation was still ongoing but nearly complete, with deep trenches marking the foundation of the future resort mall. Soon, the structural reinforcements would begin, setting the stage for the massive framework that would rise in the coming months.

I adjusted my hard hat, my eyes scanning the site as I approached the lead engineers, Manuel and Hector, who were poring over blueprints on a folding table under the temporary project tent. They looked up as I arrived, acknowledging me with a nod.

"How's the progress?" I asked, setting down my clipboard.

"We're wrapping up the excavation in the next few days," Manuel replied, pointing at the map. "By the end of the week, we should be ready for the initial structural phases. But..." He hesitated, exchanging a glance with Hector.

I narrowed my eyes. "But what?"

Hector sighed. "We've got another delay with the steel beams. The delivery from ED Corp should've arrived by now, but we got word this morning that there's been another hold-up."

My jaw tightened. That was the second time this happened. The first delay had been minor—a logistical mix-up that was quickly resolved. But now, another issue? And it was with the same supplier?

"Did they give a reason this time?" I asked, trying to keep my frustration in check.

"Just vague explanations about logistics and processing. Honestly, it sounds like they're stalling," Hector said.

I frowned, tapping my fingers on the table. ED Corp was supposed to be one of the most reliable suppliers in the industry. Celine had personally secured the contract, ensuring everything would be smooth. Yet here we were, with another delay.

"Fine. I'll look into it," I said, already making a mental note to contact Celine and Eugene.

Before I could say anything else, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Pulling it out, I saw my brother's name flashing on the screen.

Sebastian Yllana.

I stepped away from the engineers, answering the call. "Kuya? What's up?"

"Sev, I need you back in the city for a couple of days," Sebastian's voice was firm but calm.

I frowned. "Why? What happened?"

"It's nothing serious, but I need you to handle a few meetings on my behalf," he said. "Celine's already aware. She agreed you can step away for a bit."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Balancing my family's business with this project had been manageable so far, but now, with construction moving into a critical phase, leaving wasn't exactly ideal.

"Fine," I said. "I'll drive back tonight or early tomorrow."

"Good. See you soon, Sev."

As I ended the call, I turned and nearly bumped into Eugene.

His expression was unreadable, but his arms were crossed, and there was an intensity in his gaze that made me pause.

"How much did you hear?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Enough," he said simply. "You're leaving?"

"For a couple of days," I replied. "Family business."

Eugene didn't respond right away. Instead, he studied me, his sharp gaze lingering as if he was debating whether to say something else.

"Alright," he finally said. "I'll handle things here."

I hesitated, then shifted my stance. "Actually, before I go, we need to talk about the steel beam delays. This is the second time ED Corp has stalled. What's going on?"

Eugene's jaw tensed slightly, but his expression remained neutral. "It's being handled."

"That's not an answer," I pressed, crossing my arms. "Is there a bigger issue I should be aware of?"

Eugene exhaled slowly, his gaze steady but unreadable. "There are internal matters within ED Corp that I can't disclose right now. But I assure you, the materials will arrive soon, and the project won't be affected."

I frowned. That was a textbook non-answer. "Eugene, if something's wrong, I need to know. This project is too important for surprises."

His lips pressed together briefly before he said, "I understand that. Trust me, Severa—I've got it under control."

I studied him, trying to gauge if he was being honest or just trying to placate me. But his expression gave nothing away.

"Fine," I finally said, though I wasn't entirely convinced. "But if there's another delay, I won't just ask—I'll dig into it myself."

His lips quirked slightly. "Understood."

Without another word, I walked past him, heading back toward my car. But as I drove away from the site, a nagging feeling settled in my chest.

Eugene was hiding something.

And I intended to find out what it was.

The drive back to the city was long, but as soon as I arrived at my family's office, I knew there was no time to waste. My brother was already waiting for me in his office, his usual composed expression in place.

"Nice of you to show up," Sebastian said, smirking as he motioned for me to sit.

I rolled my eyes and took a seat. "You didn't give me much of a choice, did you?"

He chuckled. "Nope. There are a few meetings you need to attend on my behalf. Most are routine, but the lunch meeting with investors at Valeria's is the most important. I want you there."

I sighed. "Fine. When's the lunch?"

"Today. 12:30 PM. Try not to be late," he said, grinning.