REBIRTH : Chasing The Limelight-Chapter 32: Mr Vale... Miss Relanie. What an honor
That day became more troublesome for Elara than it should have been. The man who had called himself Tonio, and his friends kept ordering more and more.
Elara lost count after a while. She was new so she couldn’t complain. She walked back and forth between their table and the kitchen until her feet started hurting. And every single time—
"Hey, you," Tonio would call pointing at her. Not Mia. Not any other worker.
By the twentieth time, Mia was openly amused.
By the twenty-second time, Elara was barely holding her patience together. When she walked over again, Tonio leaned back lazily in his chair and slid a card across the table.
"You should contact me sometime," he said, smiling like he was offering a gift to the world.
Elara stared at the card. She wanted to refuse politely but she knew refusing might only encourage him more. So she took it quietly.
"I’ll think about it," she said, though she was already planning to throw it away later.
Finally, after what felt like an entire decade for Elara, Tonio stood up followed by his friends. But before leaving, he turned and winked at her again.
"I’m really looking forward to our next meeting."he said while Elara forced a polite nod. The moment they stepped outside, she let out a long breath. She watched them enter a black sports car through the glass window. It looked very expensive and shiny even from a distance. When they drove away, peace returned to the restaurant.
Later, she learned from the other workers who he was. He was Tonio Adrelo, the second son of the Adrelo family. One of the oldest and wealthiest dynasties in Aurelia.
Elara frowned slightly. Why would someone from that kind of family behave like that?
In Aurelia, people from major families carried heavy expectations. Image. Discipline. Reputation.
But Tonio seemed to carry none of it. He was handsome, yes. But he is loud. Careless. And clearly a player. Not only in the ball games, but in relationship games as well. Just today alone, she had heard him call at least fifteen different girls.
"Fluffernutter."
"BouncyBella."
"BabyDollFace."
"SweetPeach."
"SunshineMuffin."
The names alone were exhausting. Which kind of man gives his women names as such. It wasn’t that she had time to focus on him. But even the most reserved girl had a small curious side.
And unfortunately, Tonio was loud enough that even if she tried to not listen, the words would enter her ears effortlessly.
Elara shook her head with a tired sigh. Men like him were trouble but she had more important things to focus on...
–
Two figures walked into the Grand Meridian Sky Hall, one of the fanciest private lounge in the Aurelia Crown Hotel.
The hall sat on the top floor of the building. It looked over the whole city. Big glass walls went from floor to ceiling, so you could see all the city lights below. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling like stars. Soft classical music played in the background. Every table had shiny silverware, expensive wine, and people engaging in conversations worth millions.
This was not just a random party. It was a gathering of power. The Vale family had been invited as honored guests and Adrian Vale had been specifically requested to attend with a date. And of course, that date was Relanie.
Relanie walked in with her arm wrapped gently around Adrian’s. She was elegance in its purest form. Her black gown fit closely from her shoulders down to her waist, hugging her curves perfectly before flaring out from the knee in a smooth mermaid style. It highlighted her beautifully shaped hips and long legs without being excessive. Her tinted hair was styled neatly, resting over one shoulder. The diamond earrings on her ear kept glittering every now and then.
Beside her, Adrian who looked good in whatever he wore, is dressed in a dark charcoal suit tailored expertly. His white shirt was crisp, no tie, just the top button undone in a way that seemed casual. But anyone familiar with luxury could recognize the fabric and the quiet cost behind it.
Together, they looked like a picture from a high-end magazine. A perfect couple.
The moment they stepped inside, the host of the evening quickly rose from his seat. He was the chairman of Von Technologies, a company that had recently expanded its influence across Aurelia’s financial market. Tonight’s celebration was for a breakthrough that had doubled his company’s value in less than a year.
"Mr. Vale, Miss Relanie. What an honor." he said with a wide smile. Relanie smiled gracefully, tightening her hold on Adrian’s arm. Adrian only gave a short nod in return.
He walked calmly to the seats reserved for them near the center table. He sat down. Relanie also followed, taking the seat beside him.
Soon, the host raised his glass and resumed speaking. "There was a time when I thought expansion was impossible. Investors doubted us. Competitors underestimated us. But the moment you stop fearing risk is the moment opportunity finds you."the man said, his voice filled with pride.
He spoke about resilience. About calculating losses before daring to chase profit. And about knowing when to retreat and when to strike.
"In business...success does not come when you are comfortable. It comes when the least you expected it. When you’re cornered." he continued
"And of course, none of this would have been possible without strategic support."
His gaze moved toward Adrian.
"I must give special thanks to the Vale family. Particularly Mr. Adrian Vale. A year ago, when our liquidity was at its lowest point, Mr. Vale provided financial backing at a critical moment. A decisive investment."
The man said chuckling lightly.
"Many would call it generosity but I call it foresight."
Adrian did not react but he scoffed inwardly. It had not been kindness. It had been calculation.
The investment gave him minor shares in Von Technologies, enough to influence future decisions without exposing his involvement publicly.
After the man finished his thanksgiving speech, applause rose again. Relanie also clapped softly beside Adrian. As the man continued talking about growth and victory, Relanie let her gaze drift toward Adrian.
She studied him from the corner of her eyes.
He sat straight, hands wrapped around a glass of wine looking forward. His expression remained unreadable. As if none of the praise mattered.
Her heart fluttered and she smiled unconsciously. A memory surfaced in her head. But the memory faded as soon as it appeared.
Nothing ever happened in the way she wanted.
Relanie lowered her eyes again. Her smile still remained perfect. But in that moment, she seems to have traveled back to several years ago...
