“Why the heck are you bringing that up now, Emma? Do you want father to have another heart attack?”"I'm talking about something that save the company, Jerry," Emma said, her voice firm. "Something you seem to be incapable of doing."Jerry's face reddened. "How dare you! I'm trying my best here.""Best? You call this a best? Father is lying in the hospital, and our company is on the verge of bankruptcy. That's your best?"Adriel intervened, placing a hand on Emma's arm. "Babe, you don't have to fight about this now. We need to work together."“Or maybe let's just go a d come back later. This is not a good time?”“So what good time will be there then? I have to say it, at least now when I have the courage.”“Alright but be calm. You don't have to throw words with him.”Emma shook off his hand. "No, Adriel. I won't keep quiet. Jerry's incompetence and the whole family’s incompetence from the beginning has led us to this point. I won't let them ruin my life further.”Jerry's eyes narrowe
Mr. Lucas stepped out of the hospital, the warm sunlight a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him. Adriel and Emma's words still lingered, refusing to be silenced. He couldn't shake off the feeling that his world was crumbling around him.As he entered his home, Mrs. Lucas greeted him with a mix of concern and curiosity. "Welcome back home, darling How are you feeling, dear?”“What’s with that look on your face? I know the company is facing a hard time now but you shouldn't risk your life just yet.”Mr. Lucas forced a weak smile, trying to brush off her concerns. "I am fine, dear. Just a bit tired."“Really? You look too weak. Come, we are going back to the hospital. I feel like you commanded the doctors to discharge you went I left for a few minutes.”“There is nothing like that, woman. Stop assuming things. I am only tired.”He walked past her and up to his bedroom. Mrs Lucas stood watching him until he disappeared out of sight.She knew her husband and she knew definitely
“Surprise!”A voice squeaked out, jumping up a d pulling the duo in to a hug.It took a while the both of them to relax, looking at the familiar figure before then. “Ahh, it's you, darling.” Mrs Lucas said, finding her voice.“Were you expecting someone else?”“No, no darling. It is just that…”Maya took a step, taking in the expression of the two of them.“What's with the gloomy look on your faces? I thought Dad was the only one who was sick and is just recovering. Are you also sick, mom?”Maya's small hand reached up, her fingers gently brushing against her mother's neck. Her thumb pressed softly against the skin, as if searching for a hint of warmth or fever. “No, I am not sick. I guess I am just a little bit tired.”“Okay…” She nodded her head, squinting her eyes back and forth.“How long have you been here?” Mr Lucas cleared his throat, asking Maya. He looked at his wife with one eye to be sure he wasn't giving anything off.“I reached the door when I knocked. Is everything fin
Maya stepped out of the Lucas villa, breathing a heavy sigh. As she stood outside, she stared at the magnificent building, reminiscing on her childhood days. “I wish I could stop him. The hurting is getting too much and I can't believe I am his tool to ruin the family who took care of me all along.” She was too lost in her thoughts and just as she was about to open the door of her car and enter inside, she stood still as if something suddenly struck. “What if I just tell them the truth and stop everything right now?” “You? Stop right now?” A voice sneered in her head. “That is mission impossible. It can never happen. You are as wicked as him so don't think you will go scott free even if you decide to turn in yourself.” Maya's hand wavered on the car door handle, her mind torn apart by the conflicting desires to betray and to protect. The voice in her head kept jeering at her, its words dripping with malice. "You're as wicked as him... you will never go scott free." With a defea
Mrs Lucas could not get the thought of everything she had heard off her mind. The more she tried to push it back, the more force it came back with a severe force to hunt her. “What should I do now? Lucas will definitely get angry and throw Maya into jail with Miguel without even finding out the cause.” “I don't think I want anyone that is innocent to suffer.” Pacing round her room, she finally came to a conclusion to track Maya down. She threw on a casual black gown and grabbed her car keys, rushing down. “I must get to the bottom of this.” “Where are heading out to, ma'am?” The driver who was on standby asked when he saw her rush out. “I can drive y…” “Don't worry. I can drive myself. I want to go alone.” She cut him short before he could complete his statement. She turned on the ignition and zoomed out of the villa. Mrs. Lucas sped through the night, her mind racing with thoughts of Maya and the mysterious conversation she had overheard. She couldn't shake off the feeling
Mrs. Lucas walked into Emma's restaurant, scanning the bustling space for her daughter. She had called Emma on the phone earlier and she needed to speak with her. She spotted Emma in the corner, typing away on her phone. Mrs. Lucas made her way over, her heels clicking on the tile floor. "Hey, Mom," Emma said, standing up to hug her mother. "Hey, sweetie," Mrs. Lucas replied, taking a seat across from Emma. "Thanks for meeting me here. I needed to talk to you about something." Emma raised an eyebrow. "What is it? You sounded serious on the phone." Mrs. Lucas took a deep breath. "It's about Maya. I know you two are not so close, but I need to tell you something." Emma's expression turned cautious. "What is it?" Mrs. Lucas hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I overheard Maya talking to Miguel yesterday. They seem to be working together, Emma. Against us, against the family.” Miguel? Was her mom already aware of Miguel? She guessed immediately that her father, Mr Lucas, must
Emma walked out of her restaurant, the cool evening air blowing softly on her as she made her way to her car. She had agreed to meet Maya at a coffee shop down the street, but her mind was still reeling from the phone call. As she unlocked her car and slid into the driver's seat, Emma could not shake off the feeling of unease. It was the voice in the background, the one that had sent a shiver down her spine. She was certain she had heard it before, but where? Emma started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, her eyes scanning the road as she drove. She tried to focus on the task at hand which meeting Maya and finding out what was going on, but her mind kept wandering back to the voice. It sounded so familiar, yet she could not quite place it. Had she met Miguel from her past? Someone she had met recently? The more she thought about it, the more her head spun. As she pulled into the coffee shop parking lot, Emma took a deep breath and tried to calm her racing thoughts. Sh
Emma's eyes narrowed as she followed Maya's car. Something did not feel right. As she turned a corner, she noticed a black SUV pulling up alongside Maya's car. The driver's eyes locked onto Maya's, a cold, calculating glint in his eye. Emma's heart skipped a beat. She knew that look, knew what it meant. Without hesitation, Emma floored it, speeding up to pull alongside Maya's car. She honked her horn, waving her arms wildly to get Maya's attention. Maya, startled, looked over to see Emma gesturing frantically. She slammed on the brakes, her car skidding to a stop just inches from the black SUV. The driver's eyes widened in surprise, his plan ruined. He glared at Emma, his face twisted in anger. Maya looked at Emma, confusion etched on her face. "What's going on?" Emma did not hesitate. "Get out of the car, Maya. Now." Maya's eyes darted to the black SUV, and for a moment, Emma saw fear flash in her eyes. Then, she quickly got out of the car, her eyes fixed on the SUV. The driv