BOOK 1 | ESOTERIC

Chapter 38

| CHAPTER XXXVIII |

"Light Betrays Chaos"

STELLAN

Kung saan saan kaming table napunta dahil pinapakilala si Eris sa mga bisita. I was thinking if hindi ba pwedeng mamaya na lang dahil malamang sa malamang she would eventually stand in front of everyone. Then perhaps I thought they were doing this for formality. What do I know anyway about parties like this?

I am being introduced as well and all I could do was smile and tell them the phrase 'it is nice meeting you'. May mga nagtanong pa nga kung ka ano ano ako and what do I do—thinking that I am a businessman too—and I would answer honestly. That I am just merely her butler. Eris has no words against it so I did the same thing to the following guests. For almost an hour, that is all we did. It's almost 8 and the party has finally started.

"Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!" Mr. Allaire greeted all the guests. He is in the middle, the spotlight is on him habang may hawak na wineglass. "First of all, I would like to thank everyone for coming here to this gathering to celebrate this company's...achievement. For all you know, this is a very important day for the Golden Apple Winery. And for all the employees of this company! You guys sure know how much this day means to all of us. Especially to our founder...Erebus Deveraux."

There are claps. But soft ones. It is not a clap of celebration but rather a clap to honor their late founder. I glanced at Eris, nakatingin lang siya kay Mr. Allaire.

"Erebus Deveraux has been dreaming of forming a partnership with Dolce Noir. And fortunately! We finally formed a partnership with them!" This time the claps became louder. Everyone is celebrating with their yells. Mr. Allaire is just smiling while his eyes are closed, feeling the cheers he is hearing. As if those cheers are for him. "Indeed! I am grateful for Mr. Marcantel because not because of him, obviously there will be no partnership. Mr. Marcantel, can you come here with me?!"

We still haven't met the owner of Dolce Noir. I looked all over the place, trying to see where he is. Then I found this group of people giving a way to someone.

And there, I found an old man who I believe is in his 60s walking to where Mr. Allaire is. Nakangiti siya and waving his hand, acknowledging the cheer everyone is giving him. Para siyang artista o hindi naman kaya ay tumatakbong candidato. Kahit ako ay napalakpak. He does look like someone who can own a large company. I do not know him nor have I any idea about the wine business but I respect him for that.

"There he is! The man who granted our late founder's dream!"

Mr. Marcantel stopped beside him. His smiles haven't vanished yet. He is pleased. He is loving this. Mr. Allaire gave his mic to him.

"Ah...good evening everyone!" Everyone cheered using their claps and voices. "How lovely it is to hear such cheers for me and for my company. If only I knew Golden Apple is as loving as this I could have formed a partnership with this company years ago!" He jested, making everyone laugh. But Eris, she remained stoic. Arms crossed, listening quietly. "You know...I have already heard of this company years ago...and I have to be honest! I wasn't that impressed. As a businessman, you need to broaden your mind and think 10 steps ahead. You always need to assume the outcomes. You cannot commit grave mistakes. Why? A simple mistake could put my company's life at stake! But this company? Even if I tried so hard not to commit any mistakes this company still made me commit one. Doubting this company is the biggest mistake in my life.

"Golden Apple has become so successful that I could even hear the name of this company in France. I own a company but it still makes me surprised how a small and simple company can turn into a large one over time. But your late founder, Erebus Deveraux made it happen! It always depends on the people inside the company because they are the ones who are deciding and strategizing for the sales to increase. If only the late founder was here, I would be bowing my head as I shake his hand. He is a great businessman! I heard the news and it breaks my heart how his life ended just like that. It is such a waste."