KABANATA 77

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Mabilis na nagdaan ang mga araw at linggo, at kasalukuyan nang ginaganap ang business party ng kanilang kumpanya.

Ezekiel stood at the entrance of the grand ballroom. Ang kaniyang mga mata hanggang ilong ay nakatago sa isang makintab na kulay ng white diamond na masquerade mask. Kaagaw-agaw pansin ang pormal na puting suit na suot niya ngayon na may kinang pa dahil sa disenyo ng mga maliliit na diamond.

Ang mga inimbitahang importanteng tao ay gano'n na lang din kagara at elegante ang mga kasuotan na nagniningning sa gabi sa loob ng magarbong hotel building.

Dahil ang mukha ng bawat isa sa loob ng party ay nakatago sa loob ng maskara, kinakailangan niyang bulgar na ipakita ang yaman niya at kung sino siya sa pananamit pa lamang. Kaya naman tuwing binabati niya ang mga nagsisipagdatingang tao ay gano'n na lang kaganda ang trato sa kaniya at pagbibigay ng respeto.

Sa loob ng lugar ay nakakasilaw na mga ilaw ang nakapalibot na sinasabayan pa mga eleganteng disenyo. Maririnig din ang pagtugtog ng mga obra ng musika na siyang nagpapasigla sa okasyon.

"Welcome to the Masquerade, my esteemed guests," he said, his deep voice resonating through the room. "Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate our business success but also to address a pressing issue that has been with us for a month now."

Ang pagka-interes ay naglipana sa paligid, habang ang mga bisita ay nagpalitan ng mga tingin, may idena na sa kung ano ang tinutukoy ni Ezekiel. Habang tumatakbo ang gabi sa loob ng hotel, nakipag-usap siya sa mga stakeholder, kliyente, at mahahalagang bisita, pilit na inaayos ang mga pag-uusap tungkol sa kompensasyon at katarungan.

A stakeholder, Mr. Thompson, approached Ezekiel, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Mr. De Silva, I must say, this party is quite impressive. But I sense there's more to it than meets the eye. How was Mrs. De Silva doing now?"

Ezekiel's smile remained, but his eyes grew serious. "Mr. Thompson, you are perceptive. Tonight, as we celebrate our achievements, we also acknowledge what happened in my family's history. My mother, once a trusted member of our organization, was involved in embezzlement and fraud." He continued, his voice unwavering. "Though her actions were ruthless and unforgivable, I believe in the power of redemption and fairness. Tonight, I announce a compensation fund for those affected by her actions."

May ngiting sumang-ayon ang matandang lalaki. "I must say that is the best approach now. As her son, you must take great strength to confront such matters. Your commitment to righting the wrongs is commendable. I would be honored to contribute to the compensation fund."

Ezekiel nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of those affected."

"Anyway, I see that you're alone here; hadn't you brought your wife? I have watched you go for an interview live on Showbiz that you have always avoided. So I know for sure that your actress wife will be here to support you on this occasion." Pag-iba nito ng usapan.

Nanatili ang ngiti siya sa labi. "She always supports me behind my back, so..." nagkibit-balikat siya. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, just asking casually. But, not gonna lie, my wife is a fan of hers."

"Oh, wow. I'll make sure to regard her to my wife then," he clasped his palms with a smile. "Then, please enjoy the party."

"I sure am enjoying it now!"

As the night progressed, Ezekiel engaged in discussions, ensuring that the compensation fund was transparent, fair, and provided a sense of closure for those impacted.

Kalauna'y napuno ng tao ang hotel at mas lalo pang umingay ang lugar hatid ng pag-iiba ng musika. Dahil lahat ng imbitadong tao sa loob ay nakasuot ng maskara, halos hindi nila alintana ang mga taong kinakausap at tangi lamang silang nasisiyahan sa pakikipag-interaksyon iba't-ibang taong may estado hanggang sa lumalim ang gabi.

SOLD TO THE ABANDONED BILLIONAIRE HUSBANDTahanan ng mga kuwento. Tumuklas ngayon