Noah's POV
"Good evening, Sir."
"Welcome home, Architect."
This event wasn't intended for me, but they did. I appreciated their gesture of wanting to celebrate my coming home. Too bad, this just happened because my dad had to leave.
The opening program has begun. Along with that, I was given a grand entrance, and I was asked to give a short speech... Which I haven't really been prepared for. Mom likes to attend gatherings like this, as her advocacy has always been in line with funding organizations and charities. The only time she cared to dress up and gave away a huge sum of money that had something to do with Dad. Unfortunately, Olivia needed her presence at home, so she sent her accountant to donate and attend this auction this year, on behalf of her.
After my speech, the main event has started. I was aiming for a place where I can stay for a vacation with Olivia. I was waiting for that to come up. Everyone participated and became bidders... Even that woman, who caught my attention the moment she bid for that Bulgari wings of Rome necklace. She's astonishing, even though she's far away from me.
She stood beside Architect Rodriguez and her older brother. It made sense to me now as to why Architect Melody had the same surname. I've only seen Ela's brother before, but I've never had a chance to meet him when we were together, so I assumed he was the husband of Architect Melody. Also, I distinctly remember that he was a lawyer. He was suggested to me by Dad years ago when I was hunting for an attorney for our company's legal department. But he humbly declined to because he started his law firm at the time. Small world, after all....
I was trying to get near to them, but I was busy entertaining these fucking rich old people. They've all been trying to kiss my ass since my dad died. Tsk.
Finally, I went to where Engineer Asuncion was. I saw him talk to her a bunch of times, so I figured they knew each other.
"Are you together?" I simply asked.
"No, sir." He replied right away.
"Was she your plus one?" Before he could answer, Architect Melody caught me staring, so I went to her out of respect.
"Ay, Architect. Good evening po," Architect Melody greeted me first.
"Good evening. Stunning you are, Architect Rodriguez."
I noticed how Ela froze from where she was standing, the moment she heard my voice. I was just behind her but she's simply amusing.
"Ela," I announced. I was the only person who used to call her that name, so she must know who I am by now. Leo followed me and I saw how he held Ela's shoulder, so she could face me.
"It was nice to see you, Ela." I shook her hand while she only held mine. She was faking her smile and it was really amusing to watch, I couldn't help it.
I even heard Leo asked, "Magkakilala kayo?"
I was about to answer for her but she immediately replied, "Just an old friend of mine."
As much as I wanted to stay, one of the investors asked for my presence so I excused myself. Even from a distance, I could see how stressed she was. Architect Melody and Engineer Leo were even trying to calm her down.
This should be fun... She was flustered upon meeting me unexpectedly.
After a while, she left the crowd. I didn't want to lose sight of her so I followed her. My presence really bothered her... She must really hate me.
