Chapter Ten.:

Elena's POV

Flashback 

I sat in a corner of the cafeteria as I watched everyone. Every other person were eating lunch like kings except me who had just two fingers of banana and a bottle of water. That's what people who enter Ivy league schools by scholarship are made to go through. I felt so out of place in this school but I had to take the opportunity when they offered me scholarship. My eyes scanned around the rich children as I ate my banana and my eyes met with hers. It was the Lawson heiress, I always wanted to be like her. She looked away after a few minutes. I had to make her my friend that way I stop being an outcast. 

After school I took a bold step to meet with her. I stood in front of my locker watching her. As she was about to go out through the exit, I walked backwards, and bumped into her making her books fall

" I'm so sorry." I said as I helped her pick the books up.

" It's fine" she said with a small smile as she took the books from my hand.

" My name is Elena"

" I'm Esmeralda" 

That was how it all started.

End of flashback

I stared at the picture of Esmeralda that was still at the bedside stool. Antonio had refused to remove her picture since her death. It was obvious that he somewhat misses her. 

" I'm glad your dead, you could have still been alive if only you stayed away from Antonio and you were not so rich and good looking." I said to the picture. Recently, I and Antonio have been having series of misunderstanding. Most of them always led to Esmeralda, I couldn't believe she was still tormenting me from the grave .

" Elena aren't you done yet?" Antonio said walking to where I stood in front of the vanity.

" Almost baby" I said with a small smile. 

" I really don't want to go to this event, Reyes industries is becoming a laughing stock." Antonio whined. Like the baby he was. I heaved a sigh before turning to him.

" Everything is going to be fine, we are rich and powerful, that's all that matters." I said cupping his cheeks.

We were going to the launching of Martinez corporation new product. Martinez corporation was one of our biggest rival company in the industry. I glanced at myself one more time in the mirror as I put on my gold earrings. I was dressed in a baby blue flare gown and black heels.

" Let's go" I said picking up my bag and intertwining my arms with his. Antonio didn't want to go but it was mandatory as sister companies. As for me I was really looking forward to seeing the CEO of Cruz group. They were one of the fast rising companies in the industry and they were gradually turning to our competitor. Yet, no one has the slightest idea of what the owner looks like, not even the people working there. 

Antonio and I arrived at the hall where the product launching was holding. Immediately we entered the hall I noticed judging eyes were turning to us. The whispers and the side glances didn't escape me. I decided to ignore all of it and focus on the reason I was here. The hall was filled with many familiar faces, most of them were other CEO's from smaller companies. I glanced at Antonio and he had a bored expression on his face.

" Smile Antonio." I whispered to him when I saw Miguel Martinez walking towards us. 

" I don't care" he murmured when he found out the reason I told him to smile.

" Miguel!" Antonio said stretching his hand for a handshake which Miguel hesitated before connecting his hand with him. 

" Antonio it's good that you decided to show up." Miguel said while they both stared at eachother. It looked like they were doing a staring competition and I could sense the tension getting thicker. 

" I'm Elena." I chirped in trying to cut through the tension. 

" Congratulations on your new product." I said again before Miguel diverted his attention to me.

" Thank you Elena" Miguel said with cold expression before walking away to greet other guests. 

" That went well I guess." I said nervously. We went arouythe hall greeting more people before the main event commerced. 

It was time for the CEO of Martinez corporation to make his speech, I let our a breath of relief as the event was gradually coming to an end. 

" I want to thank everyone for making time to come for this event. So now I want to specially thank and recognise one of the people that made the production of this product possible" 

" Let's give a round of applause to the CEO of Cruz group." I knew the person wouldn't remain a mystery. A lady climbed the stage and walked to the podium. 

It was a woman!! I kept my eyes fixed on her during the remaining part of the event. I wanted to have a word with her. Immediately after the event I walked straight to her. 

" Hi!" 

" Hello!" She said with a cheerful smile. 

" I'm Elena of Reyes industries.

" I'm Tal..."

" Yes I know you, we all know who you are. You are the CEO and the brilliant brain behind Cruz group." I said interrupting her.

" Actually I'm just a representative. It was actually nice to meet you." She said before walking out with her escort. I stared at her retreating back like I had just seen a ghost. Even for an event like this that could open more business opportunities for a company, the owner of Cruz group sent a representative. 

My phone vibrated jolting me out of my thoughts. I pulled out my phone from my bag. It was a private number, I clicked on the answer button and placed it over my ear. 

" Hello" 

" Elena, you are wasting my time." I froze. I knew exactly who it was. I could always remember the voice. How did he contact me. 

" I'm working on it" 

" This might be the last warning Elena, don't test me."