Chapter 28 318 missed calls
?? DAY 4OF THE EVENT: MARCH 8
The fourth day marked the official beginning of the Strategic Alliance Phase.
The atmosphere inside the Grand Convention Hall was thick with ambition and calculation.
The presentations were over, now came the true business of the summit.
Securing the perfect partner to qualify for the Final Bidding.
As the Heiress of De Luca Group, a legacy known for engineering perfection and luxury hospitality. I was fully aware that I was the Crown Jewel of this event. Every company here knew one thing, whoever stands beside De Luca, stands at the top of the industry.
And I was not wrong at all, halos lahat sila ay nagpapakita ng intention saakin.
I stood near the refreshments table, holding a crystal glass of water, my eyes scanning the room, analyzing every player.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors at the main entrance swung open with authority.
My gaze shifted, and for a fraction of a second, my breath hitched.
Walking in was a man who commanded immediate attention.
He was dressed in a bespoke charcoal suit, tailored to perfection, radiating immense wealth and absolute authority.
His hair was neatly combed back, his posture radiating confidence and arrogance.
He looked so different, so polished, so powerful, nothing like the broken, impoverished man I remembered from my childhood.
But the features... the cold, calculating eyes... they were unmistakable.
The father of Iris. The man who abandoned his wife and daughter without a word, leaving them to drown in sorrow and poverty while he chased his own selfish ambitions.
He walked with a slow, deliberate stride, greeting a few organizers with a practiced, charming smile. And then, his eyes cut through the crowd and locked directly onto mine.
We did not greet each other. There was no nod, no wave, no acknowledgement. To the rest of the world, we were total strangers. But the moment our eyes collided, the air around me turned freezing cold.
Throughout the rest of the morning sessions, Eric sat on the opposite side of the hall. He never approached. He never sent an assistant over with a proposal. He never even pretended to be interested in partnering with me.
While EVERYONE ELSE in the room was desperate for my attention, fighting to get close to me... Eric Valenti simply sat back... and STARED.
His gaze was heavy, unblinking, and terrifying. He wasn't looking at me like a potential business associate. He wasn't looking at me like a long-lost acquaintance.
He was looking at me like I was an obstacle. A problem that needed to be erased. Para bang sinusuri niya ako sa lahat ng sulok, I know he's preparing to go against me.
He has no intention of joining forces with me, he doesn't want to build with me... He plans to destroy me.
Then I will play with you, not for the sake of my reputation–but for something more. How dare you sit there, rich and powerful, looking at me like I am the enemy?
And yet, despite the storm of hatred raging inside my chest, I made a solemn, silent vow.
I will never tell Iris he is here.
She thinks he is dead to the world.
And I will keep it that way. If she finds out he is alive, successful, and thriving without her.
.. it will shatter whatever peace she has left.
I will carry this secret, and this hatred, alone.
I will protect her from the monster that shares her blood.
By afternoon, the swarm began. Just as predicted, I became the center of the universe. Representatives from multinational corporations practically fought for space around my table.
Representative from Apex Developers approached me. "Miss De Luca, we have followed your family's legacy for decades. Partner with us, and we will allocate our entire European division's resources solely to your project. We can build cities, not just hotels."
Then followed by the Head of Euro-Tech Construction "Miss De Luca, listen to me. We possess patented materials that reduce construction time by forty percent and costs by half. No one else in this world has what we have. Join us, and we will dominate the globe together."
CEO of Global Interior Solutions attempted as well. "Your aesthetic vision is legendary, Miss De Luca. Let us be the ones to bring it to life. We will give you unlimited budget, unlimited access... just say yes."
I listened to every proposal with a professional smile.
sunod sunod at walang tigil. Pagkatapos ng isa at may susunod naman, nakakapagod pakinggan but my answer is constant.
"Let me think about it" polite smile, nodding appropriately, but my mind was split in two.
On one side, I analyzed their offers, on the other, I was hyper-aware of Eric Valenti.
Every time I looked up, he was there. Watching. Assessing. Plotting.
"Play your games, old man," I thought coldly. "But remember who you are dealing with. You messed with the wrong family. And you certainly messed with the wrong woman"
As the day ended, my eyes naturally drifted toward the two figures who were the only real competition in this game. Mr. Henderson... and Gabriel Sterling.
But in the shadows behind Sterling, Eric Valenti watched... and smiled a dark, knowing smile.
?? DAY 5 OF THE EVENT: MARCH 9
The fifth day mas naging intense. The clock is ticking,the deadline for partnership registration was merely forty-eight hours away. The pressure to choose was suffocating.
I sat in the private VIP lounge, scrolling through the final details on my tablet.
I did a background check to every company who gave me an offer.
But most of them barely made it. I also checked Eric Valenti's company, he's not even that good.
His company is trash, I don't even know why he got qualified in this event.
who pulled strings to get him in here?
By now, I had filtered all of their offers and eliminated every single company except TWO.
Only two names were worthy of standing beside De Luca.
I have the first option, HENDERSON GLOBAL GROUP
I list down all the pros of this offer. Immense land assets, impeccable century-old reputation, loyal clientele, and a philosophy that prioritized legacy over quick profit. Mr. Henderson was known as a man of his word.
And there is also STERLING INTERNATIONAL
He has unlimited capital, absolute global dominance, cutting-edge proprietary technology, and resources that no other company on earth could match. But... their reputation was stained with rumors of ruthlessness, hostile takeovers, and unethical dealings.
I was deep in analysis when a warm, distinguished voice broke my concentration.
"You have quite the queue of admirers, Miss De Luca. It seems the entire industry is at your feet."
I looked up to see Mr. Henderson approaching, a gentle, knowing smile on his face. He carried an aura of stability that was rare in this shark tank.
"Mr. Henderson. Good afternoon. Just trying to determine which admirer is actually worthy of the dance. It seems everyone wants the prize, but few are ready for the work."
Mr. Henderson chuckled softly, pulling out the chair opposite me and sitting down. His expression shifted immediately from friendly to strictly professional.
"Wise words. Let us cut through the pleasantries, Zarya. You know who I am. You know what Henderson Group represents. Integrity. Stability. Quality."
He leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together on the table.
"If you choose to align with us, you are not just signing a contract.
You are gaining a family. We do not abandon partners when the market crashes.
We do not steal ideas or cut corners. We build things that last..
. just like your father taught you."
His eyes searched mine, reading my thoughts.
"I know you are looking at Sterling. It is the logical temptation. They have money that cannot be counted. They shine bright like a diamond. But remember this... Diamonds can cut glass, but they can also shatter under the right pressure. I offer you stone. Solid. Unbreakable."
I nodded slowly, appreciating his honesty and dignity. "I value your words above anyone else's, Mr. Henderson. Truly. I am weighing every variable. The future of my family's name rests on this choice. I promise you... my decision will be strategic, and it will be final."
"I have faith in your judgment, my dear. I will await your call."
As he stood to leave, my phone buzzed aggressively against the table. It was my father who's calling me.
My heart skipped a beat. My father rarely called during summit hours, knowing how busy I was.
Tinuro niya saakin na wag magsagot ng mga calls during important times, but he did. What is it now?
"Excuse me for a moment, please."
I stepped out onto the wide balcony overlooking the city of Milan. The cold wind whipped against my face as I answered.
"Pa? Is everything alright?"
"Zarya, I received an update that the rules has been changed. Tell me... the deadline is approaching. Have you made your selection yet?"
"I am very close, Pa. It is down to Henderson Global... and Sterling International."
There was a silence on the line that felt heavier than the clouds above. When my father spoke again, his voice had dropped to that low, it almost felt like he was commanding the Gods.
"Listen to me very carefully, Zarya. This is not a recommendation. This is an ORDER."
I straightened my posture automatically.
"Yes, Pa. I am listening."
"You partner with ANYONE... but you NEVER... and I mean NEVER... sign anything with Gabriel Sterling. Do I make myself clear?"
I frowned, surprised by the intensity of his disgust. Alam ko namang rival ang Sterling and De Luca, but I never thought it would be this deep na kahit si papa na never nakialam sa desisyon ko when it comes sa company ay may masabi.
"Pa, logically speaking, they are our equal. Their resources could push our project to heights we cannot reach alone. Pa, maybe this is the time to make alliance with our rival."
"Because Gabriel Sterling is a disease, Zarya! He does not believe in partnerships. He believes in OWNERSHIP. Once you sign with him, you cease to be a leader, I almost fell into that same trap Zarya. Just trust me."
His voice softened slightly, but the steel remained.
"And there is history there... dark history I do not wish to burden you with now. But trust the wisdom of your father. Henderson is a man of Honor. Sterling is a man of Greed. Choose Honor."
"I understand, Pa. You have made it very clear."
"Good. Make them see why a De Luca is never to be underestimated. I am proud of you already."
As the call ended, the doubt in my heart evaporated. I had my path, made by him again.
??DAY 6 of THE EVENT: MARCH 10
Day 6 was D-Day. By 5:00 PM, all sealed Partnership Agreements had to be submitted to the Council Administration Office. The air in the building was electric, charged with the nervous energy of billions of dollars at stake.
At exactly 3:00 PM, I walked into the administrative wing accompanied by Mr. Henderson. We walked side by side, our heads held high. The whispers of other delegates followed us like a wave.
"It's confirmed. De Luca and Henderson."
"God help the rest of us. That is an unstoppable force."
"Sterling is going to lose his mind."
I heard murmurs from others, I can feel all of their eyes on us as we walked together.
We signed the final papers, shook hands with the Council Secretary, and walked out as official allies.
However, just as the heavy glass doors closed behind us, a figure stepped out from the shadow of the marble corridor, blocking our path.
Gabriel Sterling.
He was dressed in a suit of deep midnight blue, looking every bit the ruthless King of his industry. He moved with predatory grace, his eyes locking onto mine, completely disregarding Mr. Henderson's presence.
"Ciao...Well, well, well... Look at this fairytale ending. The Princess and the Noble Knight, riding off into the sunset."
Mr. Henderson stepped forward immediately, placing himself protectively half a step ahead of me.
"Mr. Sterling. Keep your tone respectful. The contracts are filed. The alliance is sealed. De Luca Henderson are now the leading force in this competition."
Gabriel let out a low, mocking chuckle that echoed off the stone walls. He tilted his head, his grey eyes flashing with malice and amusement.
"Oh, I know. I saw the documents. I saw the signatures... which is why I am here to speak to HER."
He took a step closer, invading my personal space. His scent expensive cologne and danger filled my nose.
"Zarya... Zarya, Zarya. Choosing him over me? That was a blunder move, Principessa. A massive, historic mistake." His eyes narrowed, analyzing me like I was a puzzle he intended to solve and then burn.
"You think this man can protect you from the wolves?
Can he provide the kind of power, the kind of legacy, that I can offer?
You have just aligned yourself with the past..
. while I AM THE FUTURE."
His voice dropped to a silky, dangerous whisper meant only for my ears.
"You have rejected me. And in my world..
. Rejection is an act of War. I promise you, little Princess.
.. you will regret not standing by my side.
There is no victory for those who oppose Sterling.
Prepare yourself... because I am going to make your life very, very difficult. "
I did not flinch. I remembered my father's words. He buys owners. He destroys leaders. I stood my ground, staring straight back into his terrifying eyes.
"Mr. Sterling, in business, one chooses partners based on values as much as assets.
Mr. Henderson offers Integrity. Stability.
Honor. Qualities that your empire clearly lacks.
" I tilted my chin up, matching his arrogance.
"I have made my choice, and I stand by it.
If you view this as a war... then I am ready to fight.
And I assure you... De Lucas does not surrender easily. "
For a split second, genuine surprise flickered in his eyes, quickly replaced by a darker, twisted fascination.
"Brave. Brave like your father. I like brave.
.. until it becomes stupid. We shall see, Zarya.
We shall see who survives the battlefield.
" He glanced past my shoulder, and I knew instantly who was standing there.
I turned my head slightly. Further down the hall, leaning casually against the wall, stood Eric Valenti.
He wasn't smiling. He wasn't frowning. He was just watching us with cold, predatory calculation.
Once they were gone, Mr. Henderson let out a breath he seemed to have been holding. He turned to me, looking deeply concerned.
"do not fear him. I promised you my alliance, and I promise you my shield. Together, we are strong enough to withstand anything he throws at us."
"Thank you, Mr. Henderson. I do not fear them. Let them plan. Let them plot. We will build something so great... they cannot tear it down."
??DAY 7 of THE EVENT: MARCH 11
The seventh and final day of the Summit was the Closing Ceremony. The Grand Hall was packed one last time with delegates, investors, press, and industry giants. The tension of the previous days had settled into a clear hierarchy. The lines were drawn. The armies were chosen.
At the center stage stood Mr. Alessandro Morelli, Chairman of the International Hospitality Development Council. He raised his hand, commanding absolute silence.
"Distinguished guests, partners, visionaries... The Strategic Alliance Phase is officially CLOSED."
A ripple of murmurs and applause washed over the crowd.
"Our administrators have verified all submissions. The list of eligible joint ventures competing for the Grand Coastal Strip Project has been finalized. We have witnessed history being written these past days. But mark my words... what has happened so far... was merely the introduction."
He paused, his eyes sweeping over the room, lingering specifically on our table and then on Sterling's.
"As you all know, the construction and development of a masterpiece of this magnitude requires immense preparation. It requires financial structuring, architectural perfection, and logistical mastery. It cannot be rushed."
He leaned into the microphone, his voice booming through the speakers.
"Therefore... THE FINAL BIDDING WILL NOT COMMENCE TODAY."
I straightened in my seat. Beside me, Mr. Henderson nodded slowly, having expected this.
"All qualified firms are instructed to return to your home. You have exactly ONE MONTH."
One month.
"For the next thirty days, you will prepare your proposals, solidify your resources, and refine your vision. On the first day of the following month, we shall convene once again in this very city... for the ULTIMATE BATTLE OF EXCELLENCE."
The applause was thunderous, shaking the very chandeliers above us.
"Good luck to you all. May the best vision win."
As the ceremony ended, the atmosphere shifted into a chaotic mix of celebration and cold calculation. People stood, shaking hands and exchanging business cards.
I looked across the room.
Gabriel Sterling stood atop the steps of the stage. He caught my gaze and raised a glass of champagne in a mocking, sarcastic toast. His expression was cold, challenging, and utterly dangerous.
Beside him, Eric Valenti stood tall. He whispered something into Sterling's ear, his eyes never leaving mine. There was no doubt in my mind... They were talking about me.
They partnered each other. What a bold move.
I turned away, gripping the edge of the podium.
I had my alliance.
I had my father's trust.
I had a war to win.
And deep down, as I looked at the two most dangerous men in the world plotting my destruction... I realized with absolute certainty:
The real game... had only just begun
After the event, Mr. Henderson and I talked for a bit about the schedules of our meeting. It was just a casual talk, and he insisted of adjusting. Siya ang pupunta sa pinas to have meetings.
Pagkatapos ng pag uusap namin ay agad naman akong bumalik sa suite ko to pack my things.
My mind was still buzzing with the events of the Closing Ceremony, securing the alliance with Henderson, the threatening words from Sterling, and the cold, murderous glare of Eric Valenti.
Pakiramdam ko ay parang kakalabas ko lang sa isang gyera at nakaligtas ako.
.. pero pakiramdam ko rin ay pagod na pagod na ang buong pagkatao ko.
When I finally stepped inside my Presidential Suite, the silence of the massive, luxurious room greeted me. It was beautiful, yes... but it felt so cold. So empty.
I walked straight to the minibar, pouring myself a glass of cold water. My body was exhausted, but my mind was way too alert to sleep just yet.
"Zarya. You survived one battle. You deserve a reward," I told myself, trying to convince my own heart to calm down.
Actually... I had a plan. Plano ko sanang bisitahin si ate Yana, but due to my very busy days here ay nakalimutan ko.
I already booked a flight tonight, at exactly 11:00 PM, I had a confirmed ticket. Pero para makabawi narin sa kaniya for all the stress I've given to her. I planned to cancel my flight back to the Philippines completely. Gusto kong lumayo muna.
But then... my eyes landed on my bag.
My phone.
For the entire seven days of the Summit, I placed my phone on Total Isolation Mode. Bago ako umalis papunta dito, I promised myself not to get distracted.
I turned off all notifications. Silent mode. No social media. Nothing. I poured every drop of my energy into winning here.
But now... the Summit was officially OVER.
With a heavy sigh, I reached into my bag and pulled the device out. I pressed the power button, watching the screen light up and reconnect to the network.
Parang meron talagang pumipilit saakin na buksan ang personal phone ko.
And then... HELL brOKE LOOSE.
The sound of my phone was endless. The vibration in my hand was so constant, parang hindi tumitigil ang sound ng cellphone. My screen was flooded, emails, alerts, voice mails... everything was piling up so fast na halos mag-error na ang system.
Nanlamig ang buong katawan ko.
"Anong nangyari?"
My hands started shaking as I tapped the Call Logs.
And there... my heart literally stopped beating.
Parang pinunit ang dibdib ko nang makita ko ang pangalan at missed calls niya. I stared at it, eyes blurred by tears, my blood turning into ice.
Bakit siya tumawag??
318 times.... dinial niya ang number ko. 318 times... umaasa siya na SASAGOT AKO.
Napahawak ako sa bibig ko para pigilan ang hikbi na gustong kumawala.
"Iris......"
Dahan-dahan kong tiningnan ang oras ng mga tawag.
Sa umpisa, madalang lang. Pero habang tumatagal ang mga araw... naging desperado na siya.
She called at 2:00 AM. She called at dawn. She called while I was defending my proposal. She called while I was signing contracts.
Hindi siya tumigil.
But... there was NOTHING ELSE.
Walang text. Walang chat. Walang voice message.
"Bakit?" sumigaw ang isip ko.
The pain was suffocating.
Pero hindi pa doon nagtatapos ang bangungot ko.
My thumb scrolled further down... and saw Xylla's NAME.
I immediately opened our chat. Her messages were flooding the screen, sent throughout the whole week.
??xylla:
"ZARYA!! pumunta kanina si Iris dito sa office mo.
??xylla:
"Zarya, you need to come home. Iris is going out of her mind. ??"
??xylla:
"Simula nung umalis ka... pabalik-balik na siya sa ospital araw-araw. Pumupunta siya dun, nagtatanong kung andun ka, tapos aalis na lang bigla. She looks so lost."
??xylla:
"Tinanong niya ako tungkol sa'yo. Paulit-ulit niyang tinatanong kung nasaan ka. Out of frustration... I told her, 'Umalis na, Zarya. Pumunta na sa Italy.'"
??xylla:
"Zar, she's been in and out sa office mo. Pumupunta siya dito but she barely visits her mom, she always goes straight to your office."
??xylla:
"Pinuntahan pa niya ako sa bahay kagabi sa bahay, she looks so tired, she's been looking for you Zarya, akala niya hindi ka na babalik. She might thought you left her again without a word."
While I am here trying to forget about her, she also breaking. She was already drowning... at wala ako para sagipin siya.
I dropped the phone on the bed. I didn't reply. I didn't text back. There was no time for explanations.
Everything made sense now.
The 318calls.
The desperation.
The fear in her heart.
I just grabbed my things and left the suite.
I went straight to the airport, I just want to go home...to see her.
She wasn't just missing me. She was terrified that I became exactly like the man she hated most.
As I walked toward the Immigration counter, wiping my face roughly, I made one promise to myself.
When I get back...
I will make sure she knows. I will NEVER... ever... leave her behind again.