Between the Lines of Us

Chapter 04

7:45 PM – The Exclusive Corporate Networking Gala, Makati

The soft hum of classical music played in the background, mingling with the murmur of high-profile conversations. The Grand Pavilion Hotel was dressed in luxury—chandeliers casting golden light, servers gliding between guests with trays of champagne, and the air thick with the scent of expensive cologne and ambition.

It was exactly the kind of event that Joaquin "Quin" Alvarez was expected to attend.

Standing near the ballroom entrance, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, Quin adjusted his cufflinks. His father, Vicente Alvarez Sr., wouldn't be here tonight, but the weight of his expectations still was.

"You look like you want to murder someone," came the dry voice of Patricia "Trish" Mendoza, his longtime corporate ally and probably the only person who could tease him without getting fired.

Quin exhaled sharply. "I don't. Not yet, at least."

Trish smirked, sipping her wine. "Relax, Quinito. Smile. Magpapakita na naman 'yung mga press reps mamaya. Kailangan mo 'yan para sa branding mo as the 'future face of AMS.'"

Quin rolled his eyes. "Don't call me that."

But before Trish could respond, a familiar voice called his name.

"Quin!"

He turned—and there was Andie.

And beside her?

Gabriel "Gab" De Castro.

7:50 PM – A Handshake That Lasted Too Long

"Andie," Quin greeted smoothly, his corporate mask slipping into place. "You made it."

"Of course. Big night, 'di ba?" she smiled before turning to the man beside her. "By the way, may gusto akong ipakilala sa'yo."

Quin already knew. He just didn't expect to meet him like this.

"Gab, this is Quin. Quin, si Gab—"

"Gabriel De Castro. Investigative journalist," Gab interjected, extending a hand.

His smirk was subtle, almost lazy, like he already knew this was going to be interesting.

Quin eyed the outstretched hand before finally taking it. His grip was firm, calculated. Cold.

Gab's fingers curled around his—just as firm, just as steady.

A second too long.

"Alvarez," Gab added, as if tasting the weight of his last name.

"De Castro," Quin returned evenly.

A beat.

Then, the handshake broke.

Patricia, watching from the side, smirked knowingly over the rim of her wine glass.

This was going to be fun.

8:10 PM – The Tension Only Trish Could See

"Andie talks about you," Quin said, his voice neutral, taking a sip of his whiskey.

Gab leaned against the bar, arms crossed. "Ganun ba? Interesting."

Andie, seated nearby, playfully rolled her eyes. "Hindi naman madalas."

"Lagi kang may opinion, Andie," Gab teased. "Malamang nabanggit mo rin kung paano akong 'di marunong sumunod sa rules."

Quin glanced at him. "Madalas ka bang sumuway?"