"Okay, Mr. Logan. And you, come with me," the man instructed, his voice authoritative as he gestured for Rafael to follow him.Rafael's heart skipped a beat at the prospect of being escorted away by this imposing figure. Glancing back at Logan, he found reassurance in the older man's smile."He will help you," Logan assured Rafael, his tone encouraging despite the underlying tension.As Rafael prepared to follow the tall man, his heart pounded with nerves, his mind racing with the urgency of his mission. However, before he could take a step, the man's words halted him in his tracks."Are you forgetting about something?" the man questioned, his tone sharp with expectation.Rafael's brow furrowed in confusion as he turned to face the man, his mind racing to identify what he may have overlooked. It was then that he noticed the box he had been carrying still resting on the table beside Logan.A sheepish smile tugged at Rafael's lips as he realized his oversight."Oh, yes, thank you," he r
"Rafael!" Logan's voice echoed in the empty washroom, his mind consumed by Rafael's warning. With a heavy heart, he crumpled the note in his hand and swiftly disposed of it, watching as it disappeared into the swirling water.Emerging from the washroom, Logan's thoughts remained fixated on his daughter, Hazel. Was Rafael's warning legitimate? Doubt gnawed at him as he grappled with the implications of the message. What dangers lurked beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary lives? And what about this company?Driven by a sense of urgency, Logan hurriedly retrieved his laptop and settled into his chair. With trembling fingers, he began to draft an application for a day's leave, his mind racing with thoughts of Hazel's safety and the need to unravel the truth lurking in the shadows.Meanwhile, on the other side, Rafael diligently completed his task of fixing the board, his movements swift and precise. Despite the lingering presence of the tall man, Rafael remained focused, determ
Hazel was sitting in the garden, enjoying the tranquility as she sipped her coffee and delved into a novel she had found in Francisco's library. The soft chirping of birds provided a soothing background to her reading.Suddenly, the sound of a car pulling into the mansion's grounds broke the peaceful ambiance. Hazel glanced up, her brows furrowing slightly as she noticed Francisco's car arriving. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for his presence.Francisco stepped out of the car, his gaze immediately finding Hazel seated in the garden. He offered her a warm smile before making his way over to her, his coat draped over his arm.Hazel sensed Francisco's approach but kept her focus on her book, unwilling to engage with him. As he neared, Francisco inquired, "What are you reading?"Hazel sighed softly, her tone tinged with indifference, "Nothing much."Francisco's smile widened at her response as he settled down beside her, his gaze lingering on her. "Then talk to me," he encoura
"Just one night," Francisco's voice, dripping with seduction, caressed Hazel's ear as he whispered his proposal.Hazel's breath caught in her throat as she felt his warm breath against her skin. Their eyes met once more, locking in a silent exchange of desire and uncertainty. Francisco's proximity was intoxicating, leaving Hazel feeling dizzy with conflicting emotions. She struggled to regain her composure, her heart pounding in her chest.Unable to form a coherent response, Hazel remained silent as Francisco pressed her for an answer. His words hung in the air, heavy with anticipation, as he awaited her reply."Should I take it as yes?" Francisco's voice, tinged with a hint of impatience, pierced the tense silence between them.Hazel lifted her gaze to meet his, her expression guarded yet resolute. She refused to succumb to his manipulative charms, determined to assert her independence in the face of his persistent advances."You are too much," Hazel retorted, her tone laced with exa
Doris paused, her hand freezing in midair as she looked at Logan with a mixture of confusion and concern."But why? We need to talk to her," she protested, her voice filled with a sense of urgency.Logan hesitated for a moment, his mind grappling with the gravity of the situation. "I know, but we need to tread carefully," he explained, his tone grave. "If Rafael's warning is to be believed, Hazel could be in danger. We can't risk tipping off whoever might be threatening her.""And Rafael said the company is also a trap for us," Logan added, his brow furrowing in deep thought."That means they are keeping eyes on us?"Doris asked, her voice tinged with worry.Logan nodded solemnly. "I think so," he replied, his expression reflecting the weight of their predicament.He rubbed his temples in frustration, feeling the weight of their uncertain circumstances pressing down on him."We need to act carefully; it seems they are so powerful," Logan remarked, his voice heavy with concern.Doris n
Hazel pressed her lips, her palms clutching her gown tightly as a husky voice interrupted her reverie."Did you like it?"Startled, Hazel spun around to find Francisco standing there, his presence looming over her like a shadow. His hands hovered near her waist, but he made no move to touch her. Their faces were mere inches apart, his intense gaze locking onto hers.Hazel swallowed hard, feeling a flutter of nerves in her stomach. Francisco looked breathtakingly handsome, his hair styled back in a sleek brush that accentuated his rugged features. Despite herself, Hazel couldn't help but feel a twinge of attraction toward him."Did you like it?" Francisco repeated, his voice low and smooth.Hazel's brows furrowed slightly as she took a step back, creating some distance between them. She forced herself to maintain a neutral expression, not wanting to betray the tumult of emotions swirling inside her."It's okay," she replied, her tone guarded. "It's nothing special."Francisco chuckled
Francisco's teasing tone did little to ease her anxiety, and she felt a knot forming in her stomach as she reached for the phone. "I thought they would also be alone spending time together, but here they started missing their daughter," he added with a smile.Hazel managed a weak chuckle, "Mom," Hazel murmured softly, her voice filled with emotion.Francisco's smile widened as he observed Hazel's reaction, silently acknowledging the significance of the moment. He appreciated her willingness to engage, despite the complexities of their relationship.With a reassuring nod, Francisco handed her the phone, urging her to take the call. "Come on, talk to her," he encouraged gently, his tone softening with understanding.Hazel hesitated for a moment before accepting the phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she prepared to answer the video call from her mother."Hello?""Mom," she greeted, her voice filled with affection and longing.Doris returned her daughter's greeting with a warm smil
Francisco remained silent, his features set in a mask of unreadable stoicism. Hazel felt the weight of his silence bearing down on her, each passing moment amplifying the gravity of her mistake.As Francisco tightened his jaw, Hazel sensed his unease, a flicker of understanding passing between them. She knew she had to act quickly before her father's suspicions grew any further.With determination burning in her chest, Hazel rose from her seat, her movements deliberate as she approached Francisco."I need to do something, or else he may start doubting my dad," Hazel thought, her mind racing with possibilities.She reached out and gently clasped Francisco's hand, her touch seeking reassurance amidst the tension that hung in the air.Francisco narrowed his eyes, studying her with a mix of concern and curiosity."My dad is always like this. I think he was just a bit tense for me," Hazel offered, her voice soft but resolute.A flicker of understanding crossed Francisco's features as he ab
"Hazel."Francisco gently guided her to sit beside him, closer than before. He didn’t wait for her response."Our baby will play like them, right?" His voice was soft, almost hopeful.Hazel remained silent.Then, suddenly, she felt a touch on her belly.She froze.Francisco's large palm traced over her stomach, slow and deliberate. Her heartbeat quickened."I wonder how much he or she has developed inside you," he murmured. His words echoed in her mind, stirring something deep within her.When Hazel first learned she was pregnant, her immediate thought was to end it. She didn’t want to carry the child of a man who had turned her life into a nightmare. A mafia king—a ruthless, heartless man.And yet… she couldn’t.Francisco was right. Their child would play one day.She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and slowly raised her eyes.The moment she did, she met his gaze.Francisco was leaning in closer, watching her intently.A wave of discomfort washed over her. She didn’t wan
"Francisco..."Diana’s voice was weary. She no longer had the strength to argue. Max had tried and failed. Now, so had she.With a deep sigh, she murmured, "I really don’t know what to say to you."She looked at him, her expression filled with concern. "But I don’t want my brother to lose himself over someone else.""You’ve already made so many mistakes, Francisco."Francisco’s gaze remained cold. "Diana, no matter what happens, I will not leave her."His voice was firm, unwavering. "This is my world… and no one has the power to challenge me."Diana studied his face, searching for even a flicker of doubt. There was none.She sighed again, softer this time. "You don’t understand.""You’ve bound her to your dark world, Francisco. You’ve dragged her into danger. She can easily become prey to your enemies."Francisco arched a brow, his voice turning sharp. "Before that happens, I will destroy everything."Diana’s eyes widened in disbelief.Diana let out a weary sigh and nodded. "Actually,
Francisco and Hazel sat together at the dining table. The warm aroma of chicken soup filled the air as Francisco placed a bowl in front of her.Hazel picked up the spoon, staring at the soup for a moment. She didn’t feel like eating, but she knew Francisco wouldn't let her off so easily.“Just take a sip,” he said, watching her closely.She pressed her lips together, then hesitantly took the spoon to her mouth. The flavor was mild, not too spicy, just warm enough to be comforting. She took another spoonful, then another.Slowly, she finished the bowl.Francisco observed her, satisfied. He turned to Lily and said, “Help her get ready.”Hazel looked at him, brows slightly furrowed.“Are we going somewhere?” she asked.“Yes…” Francisco said, his tone unreadable. “We’re going to the hospital for a check-up.”Hazel blinked, processing his words. She said nothing, simply stood up and went upstairs to get ready.**A short while later, they were in the car, driving toward the hospital. The a
"Yes…"A heavy silence filled the air."Yes, you will be free."Francisco’s voice was firm, unwavering. His blue eyes held no warmth, only a cold determination.Hazel let out a bitter chuckle. "Liar!"Francisco didn’t flinch. Instead, he met her gaze and spoke again, his tone deadly serious."I promise you again…"Hazel’s fingers curled into fists."I will do whatever you ask."Her breath hitched."But—"Her eyes locked onto his, waiting, expecting."But you can’t push me away from you during these months."Francisco leaned closer, his voice almost pleading but still wrapped in authority."I want to be with you… and our child."Hazel inhaled sharply.She searched his face, trying to read beyond his words, beyond his promises.This man—who had taken everything from her—was still trying to claim more.Minutes passed.Francisco called her name again. "Hazel…"She finally exhaled and gave in. "Okay."Francisco shut his eyes for a moment, and then, suddenly, he pulled her into a tight embr
Hazel’s breathing grew ragged, her vision fading into darkness.The world around her blurred.Dizzy… too dizzy…Her body swayed.“Miss…?”“Miss Hazel, what’s wrong?”No response.Then—she collapsed.Lily’s eyes widened in horror. The guards stiffened, panic flashing across their faces.If something happened to Hazel, Francisco would not spare them.“Miss Hazel!” Lily cried, rushing forward, catching Hazel before she hit the ground.Her hands trembled as she patted Hazel’s cheeks, but there was no reaction.“Quickly! Take her to the room! I’ll call Miss Diana!” she ordered.One of the guards wasted no time. He lifted Hazel’s unconscious body into his arms and hurried toward the staircase.But just as he reached the first step—They all froze.A dark figure stood before the door.Francisco.A heavy silence fell over the room.Lily and the guards felt their hearts drop, their faces going pale.Behind Francisco stood Max, his expression unreadable.He had returned.From Italy.And now—he
"Please, let me go from here," Hazel pleaded, her voice trembling with desperation.Lily's face fell, her expression filled with concern.She shook her head and said softly, "Miss, please calm down.""It won’t be good for you."Hazel’s eyes narrowed as she looked up at Lily."What?" she asked, her voice rising."Why?""Let me go! Francisco isn’t even here!"Lily pressed her lips together, trying to find the right words. But before she could respond, Hazel’s breathing grew erratic.She started shaking her head violently, her emotions spiraling out of control."Miss, please," Lily whispered, reaching out to hold her.Hazel’s chest rose and fell rapidly."Let me go!" she screamed.Her hands trembled as she shoved Lily away from her with all her strength.Lily stumbled backward, her eyes widening in shock.Hazel’s heart pounded as she turned toward the door.Without thinking, she rushed forward, yanking the door open.Her pulse spiked when she saw two guards standing there, looking at her
Kevin Hilton, the former leader of the Snake Clan, was a man whose name commanded fear and respect. He was Francisco’s grandfather, a man who had built a legacy so powerful that no one dared to challenge his authority. His influence remained unshaken, his status immovable.As Francisco’s words echoed through the room, Kevin slowly turned back to face him. His expression remained unreadable, but his sharp eyes studied his grandson carefully.Francisco kept his gaze lowered, his hands clenched into fists.After a brief silence, he finally spoke. "And I want to spend my whole life with her."Kevin blinked slowly, fully turning toward Francisco this time. His presence was overwhelming, his voice firm and demanding."Is that so?" He arched a brow. "It seems you’ve already made up your mind."Francisco didn’t respond. He remained silent, his body tense.Kevin exhaled, his patience thinning. He could see that Francisco would not bend to his will, not this time. His voice grew colder, more co
"How are you, my dear?" Francisco said in a low tone.Hazel remained soundly asleep.Francisco gently traced his fingers over her head, his touch soft and lingering. Hazel shifted slightly, as if comforted by his presence.He kept his gaze on her for a few minutes before whispering, "Thank you."The Next MorningHazel woke up, blinking away sleep. She sat up on the bed and gazed out through the Thai glass doors leading to the balcony.Last night... I felt someone was here with me. Was it Francisco? She clenched her jaw. I know he messed up something—that's why he vanished.I don’t know when this will end. When will I be free from this monster?I hate him.I just hate him.One Month LaterIt had been a month, and Hazel felt restless. Her period was late, which made her uneasy.She finally asked Lily to call Diana.Now, Diana sat in front of her, her expression unreadable."I missed my period," Hazel murmured, her voice laced with irritation.She couldn't understand what was wrong with
"Then let me go," Hazel said firmly.Max’s expression remained stern, his eyes narrowing.She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "Francisco isn’t here. Just let me go. I promise I won’t cause any trouble for you or anyone else."Max arched an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced.Hazel’s gaze locked onto his, her heart pounding. For the last time, God, let my manipulation work, she prayed silently. But Max’s face remained impassive. Suddenly, he shoved her backward, his voice cold and sharp. "If you weren’t Francisco’s girl, I’d kill you right here and now.""Better if you cooperate with Francisco and stop thinking about escaping," he added, his tone dripping with finality.Hazel stood still for a moment, trying to steady herself. Her chest tightened as frustration surged through her. "I was just trying to save you and your friend from more trouble," she said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "But it seems you’re not interested."Her tone shifted, quieter but full of bitterness. "Fine, then. Le