Cooperate Event

Elias POV

Four weeks had passed since that painful morning in my father’s office. Four weeks have passed since I handed over every file, every contact, and every carefully negotiated detail of the building project to Fred.

In that time, he had thrown money at the project like it was endless — hiring dozens of extra workers, rushing construction around the clock, and dipping deep into the company’s finances.

He kept promising Father that the returns would be massive, that it would be “worth every penny.”

Only the first phase was ready for launch today. And of course, the entire corporate event was centered around celebrating Fred’s success.

I adjusted the black masquerade mask on my face as I stepped into the grand ballroom of the five-star hotel my father had rented for the occasion.

The room was alive with soft golden lighting, crystal chandeliers, and the murmur of important clients, investors, and business partners. Everyone wore elegant masks — some simple and refined, others ornate and dramatic. It was supposed to add an air of mystery and celebration.

I felt none of it.

Emily walked a respectful step behind me, tablet in hand, dressed in a sleek black gown with a silver mask. She had been like this for weeks now — purely professional, distant, and cold.

No more warm words or regular support as it used to be. My harsh words that day had cost me her friendship, and the guilt still sat heavy in my stomach.

“Mr. Elias,” she said formally, her voice neutral, “the list of confirmed guests is updated. Mr. Carter wants you to stay close to Mr. Fred and offer guidance where needed. He emphasized that this is still a team effort.”

I nodded without looking back at her. “Thank you, Emily. I’ll do that.”

We moved further into the crowd. I could recognize most of the important clients even with their masks on. It was easy because of the way they stood, the cut of their expensive suits, their distinctive mannerisms, and the way they carried themselves. I had spent years building these relationships.

I approached a tall man in a dark navy suit and a simple gold mask. His confident posture and the way he gestured with his left hand gave him away immediately.

“Mr. Langford,” I said warmly, extending my hand. “It’s good to see you here tonight. Thank you for making time despite your busy schedule in Singapore.”

Mr. Langford chuckled, shaking my hand firmly. “Elias, my boy. Even with the mask, I’d know that voice anywhere. Excellent work on securing the land for this project. The location is perfect. When will the full residential complex be ready?”

Before I could answer, Fred appeared beside me, wearing a bold red and black mask that somehow made him look even more arrogant. He clapped a hand hard on my shoulder.

“Ah, Mr. Langford! Thank you for the compliment,” Fred said loudly, steering the conversation away from me. “The full complex will be ready sooner than expected. I had made sure we accelerated everything. It is my vision, after all.”

Mr. Langford raised an eyebrow. “Your vision? I thought Elias was the one who—”

Fred cut him off with a laugh. “Elias helped with some preliminary work, of course. But I took over and made it shine. Isn’t that right, brother?”

I forced a small smile. “Yes. Fred has been leading the charge on this phase.”

Emily stood silently behind me, offering no word to rebut him.

We moved on to another group. A woman in a feathered mask and emerald gown — Mrs. Harrington, one of our biggest investors.

“Mrs. Harrington,” I greeted politely, “you look stunning tonight. I hope the market projections I sent last month were helpful.”

She smiled. “They were excellent, Elias. You always think of the long-term stability. That’s why I trust your judgment on these developments.”

Fred stepped forward again, flashing his perfect teeth. “Mrs. Harrington, I’m glad you noticed. I pushed for higher standards in the villas. Only the best materials. Elias gave some advice here and there, but I made the final calls. The first phase is already generating buzz.”

Mrs. Harrington glanced between us, sensing the tension. “Well… both of you have contributed, I’m sure.”

Fred’s grip on my shoulder tightened. He leaned in close while pretending to smile for the guests. “Keep smiling, bastard,” he whispered under his breath. “This is my night. You’re just here to make me look good. Father’s orders, remember? How does it feel watching your hard work become mine?”

I kept my expression calm. “The important thing is the success of the company, Fred.”

He laughed taunting at my words. “Always the humble one. Tell me, how’s that limp these days? Still sore from your… rough nights?”

My stomach clenched. I didn’t reply.

We continued circulating. I greeted more clients — Mr. Chen, the Tanaka Group representatives, and old Mr. Whitaker — offering sincere compliments and answering questions about future phases. Fred followed, taking credit at every turn and throwing subtle jabs whenever he could.

“You see, Elias,” Fred said loudly during one conversation, “this is why Father trusts me more. I know how to close deals with flair. You’re too… careful and even boring.”

One of the investors laughed awkwardly. I simply nodded. “Fred has a strong presence. It works well for launches like this.”

Emily remained a few steps behind, occasionally handing me documents when asked, but never speaking beyond professional necessities.

“Mr. Elias, the program schedule,” she said once, her tone flat. “The ribbon-cutting for the first phase model is in twenty minutes.”

“Thank you, Emily.”

She gave a curt nod and stepped back again.

As the evening progressed, I felt drained. The mask hid my exhaustion, but inside, the heaviness became too much. Every praise directed at Fred felt like another piece of me being erased.

I had found that land.

I had negotiated the permits. I had worked sleepless nights on the designs. And now I was reduced to smiling support.

Fred pulled me aside near the champagne tower, his voice low and mocking. “Look at you, playing the perfect subordinate. Does it hurt, knowing I’ll be the one standing on that stage soon? Father already told the board this was my idea from the start. Just like you agreed.”

I met his eyes through our masks. “I did what Father asked. That’s all.”

Fred smirked. “Good boy. Keep being useful and maybe I’ll let you stay in the company a little longer. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll thank me for taking this burden off your shoulders.”

Before I could respond, the lights dimmed slightly as the MC announced the upcoming ribbon-cutting ceremony. Fred straightened his jacket and put on his most charming public smile.

“Time to shine,” he said. “Stay behind me like the good little assistant you are.”

I followed, heart heavy, unaware that among the masked guests moving through the crowd tonight, my real tormentors had already arrived.