'What the heck? Did he plan all this?' Valeria thought to herself while being confused and frightful as hell. It wasn't that her concern was related to Markos' respect. Somewhere deep down it was also connected. But what worried her more was the chaos which would erupt after everyone knew. Valeria glanced at Markos and saw him exchanging a smile with her.
"Shall we?" He extended his hand and made the gesture. Meanwhile, Valeria was equally quizzical and eager to see the drama unfolding. She knew there was something ongoing in Markos' head. Valeria grabbed his hand and they both headed inside. Upon reaching the midst of the hall they were stopped by someone. The man placed the hand over Markos' shoulder to stop him rudely.
"Get me a drink right now." The young business tycoon named Michael ordered him to get something to drink. Markos nodded and headed towards the bar counter. Meanwhile, Valeria looked around to observe everyone and everything. She could see that Castello had invited all the famous business names. What she couldn't comprehend was Markos' plan. Taking a non-alcoholic fruit juice she observed everything.
'Why Markos is doing all of this?' She glanced at him with a tray having different beverages. 'Why is he serving everyone like a waiter? It cannot be a coincidence that his attire matches with the servitude staff.' She put two into two and realised that Markos was intentionally planning to create chaos. She observed him serving everyone without hiding his face. It made her curious as to why he had been doing it.
Just then Patrick walked in the scenario and stopped Markos. "Oh my my!" Placing his hand over Markos' chest, he threw the tray aside in mock. "Look who we have here!" Patrick spread his hands and gathered everyone's attention by shouting. Slipping his hand inside the pockets of his jeans Patrick, he attempted to taunt Markos. "I guess not everyone has a bright future despite being a topper."
Patrick, Markos, Stella and Valeria had been batchmates. Only Markos and Stella were the toppers of the batch. Valeria and Patrick were in the same circle of backbenchers who were known for being social butterflies. Patrick was in his own misconception and Castello's connection with him fueled it. Pushing Markos he mocked him once again. "A little grooming cannot change the fact that you are working here under me."
Valeria stood behind the crowd which had circulated the guys. She didn't want to jump into the burning fire knowing it wouldn't benefit her. However, her curious eyes were unable to guess Markos' plan, as he wasn't responding to Patrick's insults. Castello walked in the scene with a sarcastic laugh. "Whoa! I had no idea you knew this guy. Goodness, you two had a history."
Castello walked forward, nearly a foot away from Markos when he whispered to him. "Weren't you boasting high and mighty that day? Turns out you are no one but a mere servant." He lifted his hand holding the wine glass and poured that over Markos' shoulder. Valeria was stunned to see that he didn't react, despite that she could see his angry fists. What was he planning to do?
Markos glared at him without saying anything while Castello smirked and Patrick laughed. "What is happening here?" A middle aged man's enraged voice snagged everyone's attention. Valeria turned her head to see the man clad in a suit, his powerful aura made him distinct. "Did you invite me here to sign the deal with Moreno corp or to witness this nonsensical act? Is this how you are going to waste my time?
Castello panicked and approached the president of Moreno corp. "I am sorry you had to witness that, sir. We can proceed with the signing in the hall next door." Patrick raised his wine glass as a boastful toast to the huge deal. Whereas, the president stopped Castello by lifting his hand. "I am not going to deal with someone who doesn't practise ethics." The president's words made everyone gasp.
Valeria was equally shocked but she could see through Markos' plan now. "A successful business is the result of a team. Thousands of employees who have invested their blood and sweat." The president's brief speech made Castello feel ashamed due to public humiliation. "And a man's ethics surface in front of the people who are below him. You have failed to display one of the most important traits."
Markos glanced at the president who clutched the file and stepped back. "We cannot sign the deal anymore. Good night." The middle aged man walked out of the hall leaving Castello numb and blank. Patrick approached him and placed his hand over Castello's shoulder to console him. They both were partners in the business though Castello had the biggest share. The deal with Moreno corp was a huge boost for them.
"You–!" Castello turned around, glaring at Markos in rage and throwing a punch over his face. Valeria nearly jumped in her place out of fright. Reflexively she placed the glass on the table and moved one step. Nobody had noticed her in the party due to the mess Markos had created. "All of this has happened because of you. You are responsible!" Castello kept on punching him while Patrick tried to stop him.
"Stop it, Castello." Patrick pulled him and gestured to the security guard. "We can talk to the CEO about this. They cannot back off over such a stupid reason." The guards walked inside running when Patrick grabbed Markos from his collar. His vision was a bit blurry due to the punches while his lower lip was bleeding along with bruises. "Throw this bastard out!" They lifted Markos and carried him out of the hall.
Valeria sneakily and silently crept out of the hall. She spotted Markos on the ground near the vehicles. Lunging towards him she supported his face in her lap. "Hey, hey. Markos." Seeing him in such a bruised and helpless state because of her made Valeria shed tears. Markos opened his eyes, smiling at her while touching her face. "You idiot!" Valeria rebuked him as a sneaky teardrop fell over his cheek.