Chapter 3

Six years ago...

In a match, you will definitely know only two last words, win and lose.

The same goes for business.

Successful entrepreneurs don't do things that ordinary people do. Their way of thinking and acting tends to be unique, some consider them special.

They only share their methods without explaining their thinking when running a business. This fact is certainly surprising considering that many people tend to just follow the attitude of entrepreneurs without knowing the secret behind the success of these entrepreneurs in developing their business.

Different people, different ways.

If most entrepreneurs use general methods to build their business, this is different from what a successful entrepreneur named Xander Martin did.

In the business world, Xander is known to be cruel and merciless to any of his business rivals. Xander's business acumen deserves a thumbs up.

Xander tends to work with a mindset that is difficult for opponents to predict. And that was enough to overwhelm his opponents when they faced Xander.

Like now, when Xander started his clever business tactics. Where he is holding a closed meeting with the president of the largest shareholder of the Butterfly Hotel. Xander's target is a five-star hotel because he has been in the business world for many years.

Mr. Gardie Smith, was seen coughing several times. He is old and starting to get sick. However, he did not lose interest in the business.

The Butterfly Hotel is Gardie's only proud company. A hotel whose success he pioneered early. The only company he was proud of. Managing and growing this hotel seems to be a part of his life. That was why Gardie felt the need to be alert when a quarter of his shares now belonged to Xander.

Gardie keeps trying to defend what's rightfully hers from some young businessmen who are good at gaming, like Xander.

"I'm old and useless," Gardie said with a light laugh after taking a drink of the hot ginger water served by the waiter Xander.

"Are you feeling better now?" Xander asked in a flat tone.

Gardie nodded several times. "Okay, let's start now," Gardie gave the signal to start their main conversation.

Xander was still silent with a cold and flat face. He waited to see what Gardie would say about their corporate cooperation.

"Sorry about earlier, I'm not making you suffer, just don't touch my two properties, I'll withdraw from the show as you wish, Xander," Gardie said with a bow, smiling, He was very confident after the management to dig up some valuable information about Xander's tactics in order to bring him down this time.

“President Gardie, even if you hold 10 percent of the shares in my company currently, your position is not comparable to mine because I am still the main shareholder, but in the end you are still the owner of this hotel , if you are going to disrupt the opening ceremony today, what is your real motive?" Xander replied with a slight frown. He stared cynically at the face of the old man in front of him at that time.

Gardie laughed heartily. A laugh that shows success. "Actually, it's simple, Xander?"

Xander's fingers tapped on the table indicating that the man was deep in thought at the moment. And Gardie smiled even more.

But Xander isn't if he doesn't have other good maneuvers to paralyze his business opponents. Xander forced a smile. His scornful gaze grew colder and more penetrating.

"President Gardie, I only own 20 percent of the shares in the Butterfly Hotel, but I am not discouraged even though I am only a minority shareholder. Because I am no longer interested in your company,"

Gardie laughed again. "Dear Mr. progressing fast? It's not that easy, Xander..."

"For your three unlicensed properties, you still didn't get the license, right?" Xander interrupted suddenly. At any point it is about to begin

"You mean?"

This time it was Xander who smiled. The Abunda Group has always been your contractor, right? However, they are also looking for an opportunity to acquire your proud Hotel, those three properties can be considered good sellers, so everyone wants to have their own shares, as far as I know, they own also 32 percent of the shares in the Butterfly Hotel, right? If they get the shares that I own, it might not be in the Smith family anymore your company.

"Think of your children and wife, if you're willing to work with me, you might still be able to keep the Butterfly hotel as yours. But..." Xander moved his head forward. His eyes narrowed. Gandhi's old face began to look anxious and he wanted to laugh.

"If you insist on destroying me because of that scandal, don't blame me if tomorrow, Butterfly will be in Dantes company forever!"

Gardie is cornered.

His triumphant laugh suddenly disappeared.

His threat now fell upon himself.

The old man grabbed the tissue from the table with trembling hands to wipe the bead of sweat that suddenly dripped down his temples.

“Mr. solve all of this without having to threaten the continuity of my company!

Remember Xander, my husband who is currently dying in the hospital, she is still your mother! She won't be able to survive when she finds out that her husband's company has been ruined by the doings of her own flesh and blood!"

Upon hearing this, Xander's jaws immediately tightened. His hands clenched until his knuckles turned white.

"I AM Xander Martin, I HAVE NO MOTHER OR WIFE! I don't need a way out to save myself!" Xander said with great emphasis. He was angry at Gardie's sentence.

Furious!

Xander stood up and was about to leave the room, but Gardie's voice stopped his steps.

Gardie also stood up and took Xander's place.

“Mr. Gardie had no other choice. Xander's threat really shook his nerves.

Xander accepted the offer of a hand with a forced smile.

Maybe, this time I can be kind enough to not destroy Butterfly! But just look Gardie, the destruction of my father's life, due to your actions, will be avenged just as the Butterfly was destroyed at my hands!

That's my promise.

Xander said to himself.

"What's next on my schedule, Harvey?" Xander asked as soon as he got into his super luxury car.

Xander sat in the back seat while Harvey was next to the steering wheel.

Harvey Santos, Xander's trusted person in the company. He is Xander's right hand and the place where Xander will share his sorrows and sorrows in his life.

Everything about Xander from the very personal, Harvey knew.

"Denver handles all the meetings at the office. Earlier, Miss Melody picked you up at the T-Five Hotel. She just performed at the Boy Band Black White concert, shall we go straight there?" he looked at the face of his boss who had a handsome face but rarely smiled.

Xander seemed to be thinking clearly.

Melody's figure often frustrates Xander. Xander knew that Melody's beauty was inevitable.

Melody Cartes is a leading actress in the Philippines who is currently on the rise. The multitalented actress has long been rumored to be in a close relationship with Xander, although this relationship has yet to receive a clearer confirmation from both parties concerned.

In Xander's eyes, Melody is nothing more than a cunning woman willing to do anything just to get him.

A two-minute video showing Xander and Melody having sex spread to the media and became the talk of the public, since the video went viral, Xander received criticism from several business colleagues who decided to end their businesses . work with them.

A year has passed since the video went viral, now whether he likes it or not, Xander has to be willing to enter into a fake relationship with Melody in order to restore his and Melody's good name. The relationship is established strictly on black and white agreements without involving feelings. Because Xander doesn't like Melody.

He did all this because he had to. And for now, Xander just needs to prove that the video definitely has something to do with Melody.

If this is proven, Xander will not hesitate to send Melody to prison.

"Actually, I'm too lazy to meet that girl! Just tell her I'm busy!" Xander replied as he loosened the tie around his neck.

The journey continues after Xander asks Harvey to take him to Grogol Mental Hospital, the place where his beloved father is currently being treated.

Xander stopped his car at an overpass, temporarily away from the hustle and bustle of the capital's highway.

From here, Xander could feel the gentle night breeze caress his body. He rolled his shirt sleeves up to his elbows and half turned his back to the front hood of the car.

Tonight Xander wanted to be alone that's why he sent Harvey and the driver home in a taxi after they returned from the hospital.

Still no significant change in behavior was shown by the father. The middle-aged man still often throws tantrums and calls his wife.

Is Dad's love for Mom that deep? Until Dad forgot, that all this time, I was always there to watch over Dad.

Mama left us a long time ago, but Papa still remembers her.

Xander just groaned in his heart. He poured out his pain alone.

He still remembers the years when he often went to his mother's house, just to beg his mother to see how his father was doing.

Even after that, all he got was disappointment.

"Mom... Mom... Go home Mom... Dad is sick Mom... Dad needs Mom..." asked little Xander at his mother's feet. He cried and begged for mercy from his mother who didn't even look at him.