Away from the blinding cameras and the buzz of the ongoing event, Miles lashed out furiously at the almighty Luzon Mendoza as if the latter were an intern with zero job experience, who had just committed an unforgivable blunder.
"Seriously! Ghost?" Miles' voice snapped like a whip, sharp and unforgiving.
"Forgive me, Miles. I know my family and I have messed up big time." Luzon clasped his trembling hands together, his anxious gaze darting to the left and right to ensure no one was spying on them.
"Messed up!" Miles' jaws clenched. "This is no mess up, Mr Mendoza. You just spat in the face of the legendary Ray Bardin."
"No!" Luzon shook his head, his forehead slick with sweat.
"Then what do you call insulting his representative in the presence of greatness and billions of people watching all over the world?"
"It was an honest mistake. I swear."
"Honest mistake!" Miles clenched both fists.
"Y–Yes." Luzon nodded vigorously, with hands still clasped pleadingly.
"So you call ridiculing the chairman representative of Griff Bardin Holding by calling him a ghost, while making a caricature of his presence, a mistake."
At this point, Luzon almost went down on his knees to beg for forgiveness.
"I swear to the heavens, Miles. We were not referring to him at all. My family and I would never dream of insulting Mr Jomari. We were so excited to receive him until we saw that red-haired woman in a green dress beside him."
Miles paused as if trying to remember who Luzon was referring to.
"Are you in any way referring to Miss Ivy Cruz?"
"Ivy Cruz!" Luzon raised a brow in confusion, causing Miles' gaze to darken.
"The red-haired woman in green dress, like you so graciously put it, is Miss Ivy Cruz. She is Mr Nathaniel Jomari's personal assistant."
"What?" Luzon felt a cold shiver run down his spine causing the hair on the back of his neck to stand.
Miles' brow furrowed impatiently as he asked. "Is there something you are not telling me? Do you by any chance know Miss Ivy Cruz?"
Luzon swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat as he ransacked his brain for the best possible way to explain his family dilemma without sounding insane.
"Miles, I know what I'm about to say might sound crazy but please hear me out."
"I'm listening."
"I used to have a daughter-in-law who looks exactly like Miss Ivy Cruz."
"What!"
For a split second, Miles held Luzon's gaze, as if searching for a sign of comical humour. But when he saw nothing but seriousness, he burst into laughter.
"Miss Ivy Cruz and your daughter-in-law look alike? That's a good one, Luzon. But it doesn't explain your reason for calling her a ghost."
"Well, I haven't finished my story yet. Five years ago, my widowed daughter-in-law, who went by the name of Carmelita Mendoza, was indicted for committing adultery and carrying another man's child. She was banished from the family for bringing shame to the family's name. However, instead of leaving the city to start a decent life like we all anticipated, Carmelita jumped off a high-rise building and took her own life. She died that very night in her suicidal jump. So you can imagine our shock seeing her alive in the flesh."
Luzon explained, concluding his story.
Mile was silent for a while as if he was thoughtfully processing the tragic story. Then he turned to face Luzon, staring at him eyeball to eyeball.
"Up until today, I actually thought you were intelligent, focused, and principled. Turns out you're just a delusional lunatic with the mental stability of a cracked mirror. Mr Nathaniel Jomari will see you and your pathetic family on Monday morning. Be ready to explain yourself and ensure to keep your insanity outside the boardroom because Miss Ivy Cruz will be there. Good evening."
Miles turned around and walked away leaving Luzon completely disoriented and beaten.
-
-
Back inside the hall, the award ceremony was already in full swing, marked by musical entertainment, prestigious company recognitions, award presentation and stirring acceptance speeches, amid elegant dining, and lively networking among guests.
With Mira no longer in the way, Ken confidently approached Hiraya's table, formally introducing himself to Nathaniel.
"Mr. Jomari, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Ken said, extending his right hand with a poised smile.
"And to whom do I owe the honour of meeting?" Nathaniel asked, standing up and accepting Ken's hand in a firm handshake while Hiraya observed from the corner of her eye.
"Kendrick Silva, CEO of Silva Groups Manufacturing company. We specialize in engineering precision hardware solutions for tomorrow's technology needs."
"Kendrick Silva–of course..." Nathaniel gestured for him to take the empty seat beside him. "...I've heard of Silva Group Manufacturing Company. You're one of the top tech hardware engineers in the country. Impressive work you're doing."
"Thanks for your kind words and congratulations on the award and acquisition of AML Dynamics. Ray Bardin's revolutionary insights are the only reason AML Dynamics is being recognised among the top tech companies today. A big kudos to this mysterious legend." Ken said, raising his wine glass in the air while stealing furtive glances at Hiraya, whose expression remained unreadable.
Nathaniel smiled, impressed by Ken's confidence and articulation. "I've been meaning to connect myself with great minds like you. How would you like a synergy between your company and AML Dynamics?"
"That sounds promising." Ken offered a firm nod, his tone measured yet warm. "I'm definitely open to a partnership. Our joint strengths can complement each other in more ways than one. How about we schedule a proper meeting outside of this place?"
"Brilliant! I'll have my personal assistant..." Nathaniel gestured at Ivy without breaking eye contact with Ken. "...schedule a meeting. She will communicate the date, time and venue. But in the meantime, feel free to contact me on any of these numbers." He said giving Kendrick his contact card.
"Awesome!" Ken finally shifted his attention to the beautiful angel who was now taking instructions from her supposed boss.
"Ivy, get Mr Kendrick's contact and meet me in the car."
"Yes, sir." Hiraya's voice was sharp, yet soft and sweet.
"It was a pleasure meeting you again, Kendrick," Nathaniel said, standing up.
"Same here." Ken also stood up and shook hands. "Have a good evening."
"You too." Nathaniel left and Ken wasted no time taking his seat beside Hiraya.
"Miss Ivy Cruz, right?" Ken managed to keep the excitement out of his voice as he spoke in a formal yet subtle tone.
"Yes, Mr Silva," Ivy replied in a neutral voice, her gaze steady and devoid of familiarity. "Please can I have your number? I'll text you the date, time and venue once my boss relays that information to me."
"Certainly. I'll type it into your phone." Kendrick replied extending his right hand, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Hiraya unlocked her iPhone and managed to place it in his open palm without making skin contact. She watched him slowly type in his number while occasionally looking up at her.
"Here." Ken returned her phone, still holding her gaze. "By the way, I got your message the last time."
Hiraya furrowed her brows in mock puzzlement, tilting her head slightly, as if the statement had caught her off guard.
"What message, Mr Silva?"
"That would be a discussion for another day. I wouldn't want you to keep your boss waiting."
"Hmm...Okay." Hiraya graciously stood up and picked up her clutch. "Have a good evening Mr Silva."
"Let me walk you to your car." Ken rose to his feet, extending his right hand towards her, a warm smile framing his face.
"That's very generous of you, Mr Silva, but I'll have to decline. I wouldn't want to give your girlfriend any reason to feel insecure. Enjoy your evening." Hiraya gave a polite smile and left.