Never Judge

The province where Fernando's family lived was a five hour drive south from the capital. At first Mae had suggested that Cedric take the chopper to the province while they went by car.

However, Cedric was not a fan of flying everywhere. He enjoyed being on the road and a part of him still refused to accept how rich he was now.

He had lived the poor life for far too long, and most of the comforts his wealth afforded him now felt like a waste.

When Cedric's convoy arrived at the small province, they turned many heads. People were not used to seeing such luxurious cars since the province was quite poor.

"Boss, do you still have the energy to drop by our office in this province first?" Mae asked as she scrolled through her phone.

"A quick tour should be fine." Cedric said with a nod as he looked out of the window. "I want you to be able to visit Fernando's family within the day."

"Mae, ask Dave to prepare our hotel." Ian instructed. "He and Mien don't need to join us. They can rest while we go to the office."

"Got it." Mae said with a nod as she typed away on her phone, informing Dave of Ian's instructions.

"John, after dropping us off at the office, hand over mine and Ian's bags to one of the security vehicles to take to Dave. He'll know what to do." Cedric told his driver who simply nodded in response,

The trip to the local Reyes Group office was quick. Cedric and his group were greeted by the area manager and he gave them a quick tour.

It was clear that the man wanted to take advantage of Cedric's visit and he didn't hesitate to boast what achievements they had made despite being in a poor area.

"Mr. Reyes, this place has the potential to be the commercial hub of the south." The manager said. "But not a lot of companies are willing to invest, not even our own."

"We'll see what can be done." Cedric said with a nod as he looked around at the hopeful faces in the room.

"Sir, actually if it helps, I've completed all of the information about our province and the reasons why the Reyes Group should increase its investment here." The manager told Cedric as he handed him a hard drive and some documents.

Ian reached out and took it from the manager.

"Look through it and corroborate it with the information you can get." Cedric instructed Ian, who simply nodded.

"Sir, the mayor also contacted us after hearing about your arrival." The manager explained. "He wanted to host a welcoming dinner for you tonight."

"I will be busy tonight." Cedric said in a straightforward fashion. "I'll be free tomorrow."

"I'll tell the mayor then, sir." The manager said with a nod.

"The boss has some other appointments today." Ian informed the manager. "Please prepare his office for tomorrow. We will be staying here for at least a week."

"I want to see how we can further expand the company across all our regions. Yours is just the first of many." Cedric said with a nod in a less intimidating tone.

The manager simply nodded and walked Cedric and his group out of the building.

"Sir, thank you." The manager suddenly said as Cedric took a step towards his car.

"Hmmm?" Cedric asked as he looked at the manager.

"This place has never been visited by someone as important as you. For the longest time our province felt neglected." The manager explained. "By just being here you give us hope."

Cedric was at a loss for words with what the manager had told him. In all honesty he didn't come to the province for them. He came because of Fernando, but for some reason the entire province was now benefiting.

He maintained his composure as he gave the manager a slight nod and got into his car.

When Ian and Mae climbed in after him, Cedric was finally able to breathe comfortably. He let out a sigh and frowned.

"How many other places in the country are like this?" Cedric asked Ian.

"What do you mean?" Ian asked with a confused look on his face.

"How many places have we neglected? What that manager said made me realize that we have only been focused on the capital and several key cities then we chose to expand internationally." Cedric said with a sigh.

"Cedric, it's always been this way. Are you planning on changing it?" Ian asked.

"I can, can't I?" Cedric asked his assistant.

"It won't be easy." Mae said from the front seat. "Many of these provinces lack the infrastructure for us to do anything aggressive. Add to that the fact that there is a poorer population in most of them making it difficult to expand."

"Get on the phone with the other prince." Cedric ordered. "Between us there has to be a way to get money flowing back into these provinces."

"People will laugh at you and doubt you for this plan." Ian warned Cedric.

"Do you think I care?" Cedric asked back.

"Alright, no need to be so cranky." Ian told Cedric as he rolled his eyes.

"Boss, do you still have some energy in you?" Mae asked as she stared at her phone.

"More meetings?" Cedric said as he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

"No, but I think we need to head on over to Fernando's family home." Mae said with a frown.

"Did something happen?" Ian asked.

Their original plan had been for them to rest and visit in a few hours. For Mae to suggest a change in plans, something big had to have happened.

"Yes. His whole family is apparently moving. Tonight." Mae said, the urgency clear in her tone. "I've asked Dave and Mien to go on ahead. They should be able to stop them."

"Did they sell their house?" Cedric asked.

"No, but everything seems to be packed." Mae said with a frown.

"John, get us there as soon as you can." Cedric instructed his driver. To which the man simply nodded and stepped on the gas.