Chapter 222: Father and Son Again

Little did Michael know, his father, Alexander, was also present at the light show hosted by the Reyes Corporation.

At the banquet hall where the reception was held, Alexander mingled quietly with the crowd, observing his son's success from a distance. He had kept his presence a secret, not wanting to overshadow Michael's big night. It had been years since they had spoken, and Alexander felt pride and regret as he watched his son shine.

The hall was filled with chatter and laughter as guests enjoyed the food and drinks. Alexander found a corner where he could observe without being noticed. He watched Michael interacting with his guests, seeing the confidence in his son's demeanor.

And then, observed him as he walked over to the couple that almost fought during his speech before the light show, Catherine and Joshua. While he was watching them, he didn't notice that someone was already behind him.

"What are you doing here, Mr. Tan?"

It was a familiar voice, and he had heard it many times before.

"Mrs. Estolas," Alexander said without turning his head. "I didn't expect you would walk up behind me like that. To answer your question, I was simply attending the event."

"But were you invited?" Antoinette asked.

Alexander shook his head. "I wasn't, but I believe I have the right to attend given my position in this country. And besides, they didn't ask for invitations at the door."

Antoinette narrowed her eyes. "Your presence here could cause a scene, Alexander. Michael doesn't need any distractions tonight."

"I'm not here to cause trouble," Alexander said calmly. "I just wanted to see my son's achievement. It's been a long time."

Antoinette crossed her arms. "You've been absent from his life for years. You will just show up whenever he makes a huge success. I don't think you are genuine or sincere about reconnecting with your son. Is it because of his pharmaceutical company that is gradually getting recognized and then having a huge prospect of becoming big enough to rival your own company?"

Alexander sighed, looking down for a moment before meeting Antoinette's gaze. "I understand your skepticism. I've made mistakes, and I know I haven't been there for Michael. But this isn't about competition or business. This is about family."

Antoinette shook her head. "Words are easy, Alexander. Actions speak louder. If you really care, you need to prove it."

Alexander nodded. "I intend to. Tonight, I'm just here to support my son. That's all."

Antoinette studied him for a moment before stepping back. "Fine. But remember, Michael's worked hard to get here. Don't ruin this for him."

"I won't," Alexander assured her.

Antoinette glanced over at Michael, who was still engrossed in conversation with Catherine and Joshua. She then turned back to Alexander. "I'm going to call Michael over. He deserves to know you're here."

Alexander's eyes widened slightly. "Do you think that's a good idea? He might not want to see me."

"That's not for you to decide," Antoinette replied firmly. "He has the right to know."

With that, Antoinette began walking towards Michael. Alexander hesitated for a moment, then called after her.

"Antoinette, are you sure about this?"

"Michael...I don't want to fight you. In fact, we can just go about our lives separately if that's what you want. But I came here tonight because I genuinely wanted to see your achievement," Alexander said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'm not here to disrupt or compete. I'm here because I'm proud of you."

Michael took a deep breath, his anger still simmering. "Proud? Where was that pride when I needed it the most? You missed out on everything. Every important moment, every struggle, every success."

Alexander's eyes softened. "I know, Michael. I know I can't make up for the lost time."

"If you can't make up for the lost time, perhaps you should speak with my mother. She's here in the event resting in her ..suite upstairs," Michael continued, his voice still tense. "Maybe you should start by apologizing to her."

Alexander looked taken aback. "Your mother is here?"

"Yes, she is," Michael confirmed. "And if you truly want to make amends, you should begin with her. She's the one who suffered the most because of your choices."

Alexander nodded slowly. "You're right, Michael. I owe her an apology, more than anyone."

Michael glanced towards the staircase leading to the suites. "She's resting now. I'll take you to her later. But understand this: even if she forgives you, I don't."

"...I'll keep that in mind," Alexander said, his voice somber.

The hours passed with the reception winding down, and the guests gradually began to leave. Michael had continued to mingle and entertain, but his mind was preoccupied with the impending meeting between his parents. He wasn't sure how it would go, but it needed to happen.

As the last of the guests departed, Michael approached Alexander, who had been keeping to himself for most of the evening.

"It's time," Michael said. "I'll take you to see Mom now."

Alexander nodded, following Michael towards the stairs. The walk to the suite was silent, the tension between them palpable. Michael stopped in front of the door and knocked gently.

"Mom? It's Michael. Can I come in?"

"Come in, Michael," Myra's voice came from inside.

Michael opened the door and stepped aside, allowing Alexander to enter first. Myra was sitting by the window, a look of surprise and confusion crossing her face as she saw Alexander.

"Alexander?! What are you doing here?"

Alexander took a deep breath. "Myra, I...I came to apologize. I know I've hurt you deeply, and I know I can't undo the past. But I wanted to see Michael's achievement tonight, and I realized I needed to make things right with you too."

"You threw me away like nothing that day. You left us with nothing and walked out without a second thought." Myra said sharply, her eyes narrowing as she looked at Alexander.

Alexander swallowed hard. "I know, Myra. And I can't tell you how much I regret that decision. I was selfish and made mistakes that hurt both you and Michael."

Myra shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "Regret doesn't change what happened, Alexander. We struggled for years because of you. But I also figured out that...that...I can provide for him when you are out of my life. So I can't...those bitter memories are coming back to me. Please get out!"

Before Alexander could speak, Michael pushed him out of the door. "See...I don't think she's delighted to see you. So yeah...you better watch your back because I'm a rising superstar now."