As Elio sat beside his mother, still lost in thought, his phone buzzed on the table. He glanced at it briefly, it was James, his assistant, calling.
He picked up, his voice low. "Yeah, James."
"Good morning, sir. I'm just checking in, you have the marketing team at ten, a board check-in at twelve, and the Singapore branch call is still on for two. Should I prep the files?"
Elio closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. "Shift everything to tomorrow."
There was a short pause. "All of it, sir?"
"Yes, everything. I won't be in today."
"Yes sir."
He hung up and tossed the phone back to the table, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'm going upstairs to rest," he said quietly to Lila, standing up without waiting for a response.
His mother watched him, concern etched in every line of her face. "Okay. Just get some sleep, Elio. You need it."
He gave a small nod and walked toward the stairs, shoulders heavy, mind still tangled. All he wanted now was silence… and maybe a little escape from the weight pressing on his chest.
As Elio climbed the stairs without another word, Lila remained seated on the velvet couch in the quiet of the mansion's grand living room. Her eyes stayed fixed on the staircase long after her son had disappeared, a mother's instinct telling her all was not well.
She reached for her phone, her fingers moving with quiet purpose, and with a press of a button, her voice echoed through the calm air.
"Talia, come in please."
Within moments, her assistant appeared, Talia wore a fitted black blouse and neat skirt, her notepad already in hand, sensing this wasn't a casual check-in.
"Yes, ma'am?"
Lila looked up at her, calm but firm. "Find out what happened last night, what Maya was doing there, who she met with, every detail. I want to know exactly what happened. But keep it discreet."
Talia gave a small nod. "Understood," she said, then slipped out quietly.
Left alone again, Lila stood slowly, walking to the large window overlooking the garden. The mansion was peaceful on the outside, but her thoughts were far from it. They were racing, drifting into the past like ghosts she'd tried to bury long ago.
Her jaw tightened as memories came flooding in, "she is just like her mother, That bitch, Anita Langford," Lila murmured. Anita Langford was Maya's mother and dangerously manipulative. Once, long ago, she had tried to ruin Lila's relationship with Edward. Back then, it was whispered at parties, little lies twisted into truths, her graceful smile hiding her sharp tongue. Lila had fought hard to stand her ground, and she won, but not without scars. "I won't let you mess with my son, I promise you that, Maya. She sighed.
"I should've known she would try something like this," Lila whispered to herself. She had always kept a close eye on Maya. Even in college, Lila saw the patterns. Maya never liked boundaries. She was always too close to Elio, always finding ways to be in his circle. Lila had warned Elio once, but back then, he brushed it off because they were just schoolmates.
Now here they were, a night gone wrong. Elio was clearly hurt and he looked like a man trying to hold himself together. And Lila knew her son, when he got quiet, it meant he was breaking inside.
She pressed her fingers to her temple, shaking her head slowly. "Exactly just like her mother…" she murmured. "Charming on the surface… dangerous beneath."
Her thoughts returned to Isabella, Sweet, quiet Isabella, the girl who once brought light into Elio's eyes. The girl he couldn't stop talking about when he was younger, it was the love her son had for her that made him strong enough to fight through every challenge he faced, he now has his own empire. Then their love had been quiet but strong… until the family rivalry tore them apart.
Lila sighed heavily and moved away from the window. Her heart ached for her son, caught between two women, one who meant everything to him, and the other who wanted to own him. She wouldn't let Maya pull Elio into the same trap Anita once tried to set for Edward, not again, not her son.
That evening, Elio sat in his study at the mansion, trying to focus on the pile of documents in front of him. The room was quiet, except for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. He had opened the files to distract himself, to take his mind off everything that had happened the night before, but no matter how much he read, his thoughts kept drifting back to Isabella… and Maya.
He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, trying to shake the feeling. He was halfway through reading a contract when his phone buzzed on the table beside him.
It was an incoming call; the name flashed across the screen: Mr. Dominic Harlan, the CEO of Lexton Global, a company Elio's enterprise had done business with in the past. Elio answered quickly.
"Good evening, Mr. Harlan," he said.
"Elio, I hope I'm not calling at a bad time," Dominic's voice came through, friendly but firm. "There's a private gathering tonight, just a few of us in the industry. It's more of a networking dinner, but I'd love to have you there. There's also a contract I'd like you to look over and possibly sign. It could be beneficial to both of us."
Elio hesitated for a second, considering. He didn't want to socialize, but business? Business was clean. The business didn't lie or leave you tangled in emotions.
"That sounds fine," Elio replied. "What time?"
"Nine. I'll send the address. It's at the Palmera Suite."
"Alright. I'll be there," Elio said and ended the call.
He stood up, stretched his arms, then picked up his phone again and dialed James, his assistant.
"James, meet me at the mansion in thirty minutes," Elio said. "We have a gathering to attend tonight. Get the contract file ready and bring a fresh suit."
"Yes, sir," James replied.
Elio dropped the phone and walked to the window, staring out at the city lights beginning to flicker on as night slowly covered the sky. He was still hurting, still lost in the mess his emotions had become. But for tonight, he would hide it behind a clean suit, a strong handshake, and his usual cool confidence.
James arrived at the mansion with the documents and a freshly pressed suit, he headed straight upstairs to Elio's room, carrying a sleek black suit carefully laid over his arm. He knocked once, then entered when he heard Elio's voice.
"Your suit, sir," James said, placing it gently on the bed.
"Thanks," He said quietly.
"Get the car ready," He said walking to the bathroom
"Okay, sir," James responded and walked out. After a few minutes, he came out, took the suit, and began changing without a word.
Once dressed, he adjusted his cufflinks, walked to the mirror, combed his fingers through his hair, and walked out of the room. On his way down, he met his mother in the hallway.
"You're going out?" she asked.
He gave her a faint nod. "Yes. Business meeting."
Lila watched him closely, "Alright. Be careful."
"I will," he said softly, already heading for the door.
"James followed behind him. "The car's ready, sir."
As Elio gets out Lila calls James and asks him, "Can you do me the favor of telling me, people Elio meets especially Maya"
James nodded, "Okay, ma," he replied and walked out to meet his boss.
Together, they walk to the car, Elio's face calm, but his chest heavy. Work was just a distraction, but tonight, it would have to be enough.
When they arrived at Palmera Suite, their car pulled up smoothly in front of the grand entrance. James stepped out first, holding the door for Elio, who adjusted his suit jacket as he climbed out.
The building's golden lights reflected off the polished floor, and the cool evening air carried the soft hum of distant music. Elio didn't speak as they walked inside; they just nodded at the doorman and headed straight to the reception.
The receptionist, a young woman with a professional smile, looked up as they approached. "Good evening, Mr. Wilson," she greeted politely. "You're here for the Mr Harlan gathering?"
Elio nodded once.
"It's being held in Conference Room 9B on the third floor," she said, tapping her screen. "The elevator is to your right."
"Thank you," James replied for them both.
Elio said nothing. His eyes were distant, his mind still not entirely in the room. As they moved toward the elevator, James glanced at him but didn't ask questions.
As they entered the room, the soft murmur of important conversations filled the air. The space was elegant, with high ceilings, crystal lights, and a warm golden glow. A few heads turned as Elio walked in, his presence always drawing subtle attention.
He greeted a few familiar faces with a firm handshake and polite nods, his expression calm and composed. These were top industry names, CEOs, investors, and business moguls, all gathered for the exclusive evening meeting.
Mr. Harlan noticed him and walked over with a wide smile. "Mr. Elio, glad you made it," he said, offering his hand.
Elio shook it, replying with a respectful smile, "Wouldn't miss it, sir."
"Come, let me show you your seat," Mr. Harlan said, leading him toward the main table.
As Elio approached, his eyes caught a familiar figure sitting across from the seat prepared for him, Mr. Bartlett, Maya's father. Their eyes met for a brief second. Elio kept his expression unreadable as he greeted him coolly, "Good evening, Mr. Bartlett."
Mr. Bartlett gave a tight smile. "Mr. Wilson."
While the gathering buzzed with laughter, soft clinking of glasses, and quiet conversations, Elio remained composed, occasionally responding to questions or sharing a few words with the people near him.
Just as the main course was being served and the wine continued to flow, Mr. Harlan's assistant, a young woman dressed in all black with a discreet earpiece, moved through the gathering with quiet elegance. She didn't draw attention to herself, her steps were light, her voice lower than the hum of conversation.
She leaned close to each person she needed, whispering discreetly, "Mr. Harlan would like a moment with you in Room 4B."
When she reached Elio, he was listening to a discussion about international partnerships. She placed a gentle hand near his chair and said softly, "Sir, Mr. Harlan requests your presence in Room 4 B. Just down the hall to the left."
Elio didn't ask questions. He caught James' eyes briefly and rose smoothly, buttoning his suit jacket. He wasn't the only one leaving. A few others stood too, following the assistant quietly through a side exit, away from the music, and into something that clearly carried more weight than the celebration.
When they entered Room 4B, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The lighting was warmer and quieter, and the room had a long table set with bottled water and folders placed neatly at each seat. A few well-dressed men and women, clearly seasoned business moguls, were already seated, chatting lightly among themselves.
Mr. Harlan stood at the head of the table and waited for silence. Once Elio and the others were seated, he began smoothly, "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for stepping aside for this brief but important meeting. I want to introduce someone I've had the pleasure of working with for several years now. Mr. Elio Wilson, CEO of E.I Enterprise."
All eyes turned to Elio.
"E.I. Enterprise has consistently delivered excellence," Mr. Harlan continued. "Mr Wilson is sharp, forward-thinking, and trustworthy, qualities that are rare to find combined in one man these days. He turns to face Elio; tonight, I've invited you here because I believe there's an opportunity for a solid partnership, and Mr. Wilson is the one I trust to take it forward."
One of the older moguls nodded. "I've heard of E.I Enterprise. Quiet but efficient. Impressive numbers last quarter."
Others murmured in agreement. Another added, "If Mr. Harlan vouches for him, that's more than enough for me."
Elio stood, adjusted his suit, and gave a respectful nod. "Thank you, Mr. Harlan. Thank you all for your consideration. E. I Enterprise believes in long-term partnerships and results. I'll do everything in my power to make sure this potential collaboration brings growth to everyone involved."
There were nods around the table and the mood turned positive. The moguls seemed ready to move forward. Eli
o took his seat again, calm on the outside, but grateful on the inside. This was exactly the kind of progress he needed, and he wasn't going to waste it.