Francisco, amused by the assumption, raised his brows and let out a hearty laugh."Me? No, not at all," he responded, adding a hint of mystery to his words."You could say I'm a criminal, and her job is to catch me."Hazel's expression turned stern, a silent warning to Francisco not to play along with her mother's inquiry.Doris laughed at Francisco's response, finding his reaction amusing."What?""This is not a bad joke," she chuckled.Francisco, ever composed, tilted his head and, with a playful smile, he clarified, "Yes, Mom."Doris couldn't help but laugh at the unexpected revelation."This is not—" she began, but Francisco interrupted, "I am a business executive. I think your husband will know me."Hazel, sensing the conversation taking an unexpected turn, interjected, "Anyway, Mom, I will hang up the call. I am so tired, so I need to rest."Without waiting for her mother's response, Hazel swiftly ended the call, leaving a perplexed Doris at the other end. Hazel got up from the
"I told you to call him. I want to talk to him," Hazel reiterated, her impatience palpable.Without further delay, Lily dialed Francisco's number, but to Hazel's dismay, he didn't answer the call. Frustration simmered beneath the surface as she tightened her lips in annoyance.In a swift motion, Hazel ascended the stairs, her mind racing with questions and concerns."What is he planning?" she wondered, her thoughts swirling with unease as she retreated to her room.Hazel's reflection stared back at her from the mirror, her nerves palpable as she tried to decipher Francisco's intentions. The evening descended, and invited guests began to arrive, but Francisco was nowhere to be seen.Fueled by a growing sense of unease, Hazel paced back and forth in her room, her thoughts racing as she grappled with uncertainty. The anticipation weighed heavily on her, rendering her unable to stay still.Her nerves got the better of her as she hastily changed into a short dress, her hands trembling with
Hazel's eyes narrowed as she spotted Andrew, a familiar face amidst the crowd. His smile was polite, but there was a hint of mischief in his gaze as he approached her with a champagne glass in hand."Do you remember me?" Andrew asked, his voice smooth as he sipped from his glass.Hazel's gaze flickered around the room briefly before settling on Andrew. "Yes, Mr. Andrew," she replied curtly, her tone guarded.Andrew's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "So, finally he makes you his girl, right?" he remarked casually, taking another sip of his drink.Hazel's jaw tightened at his words, her discomfort evident. She tried to brush off his question, but Andrew was persistent, refusing to let her evade the conversation."Actually, no law could hold him like you did," Andrew continued, his tone conspiratorial as he leaned in closer. "And also, you were a beautiful lady, so Francisco could not let you go."Hazel's pulse quickened at Andrew's words, a mixture of unease and intrigu
Hazel's eyes flashed with defiance as she struggled against Francisco's tight grip, her frustration mounting as his words hung heavily in the air. She attempted to loosen his hold, but Francisco's grasp remained firm, his gaze intense as he addressed her."Why didn't you break his arm as well, Hazel?" Francisco's words were laced with a menacing undertone, sending a shiver down her spine.Hazel's jaw clenched at the implication of his words, her mind reeling with the weight of his expectations. She met his gaze with a steely resolve, refusing to be intimidated by his ominous demeanor.Meanwhile, Francisco turned his attention to Andrew, his expression inscrutable as he issued his command to Max."Take him to my guest room," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Max's shock was palpable as he processed Francisco's directive. Andrew was one of their most influential business partners, and Francisco's decision to confront him in such a manner sent a ripple of apprehension th
"Rafael," Peter spoke, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope and apprehension.Rafael turned to face him, a question lingering on his lips."I know, I will find her here, right?" he inquired, his tone edged with uncertainty.Peter nodded solemnly, his expression mirroring Rafael's uncertainty."Yes, Rafael. If anyone can help you remember, it's Hazel," he affirmed, his voice tinged with a note of reassurance.Rafael's brows furrowed as he grappled with his doubts."But what if I can't remember anything after seeing her?" he voiced his fear, his words tinged with a sense of vulnerability.Peter placed a comforting hand on Rafael's shoulder, offering him reassurance."As you remember us, then you will remember her as well," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.Adam chimed in, his voice filled with optimism."And once you see her, everything will fall into place. Trust me, Sir," he added, a note of conviction in his voice.Rafael nodded, a glimmer of hope flickering in his eyes as he abs
"We have to accept that the richest man invites us personally," Peter remarked with a smile, though beneath the surface, a palpable undercurrent of resentment simmered in their conversation.Francisco returned Peter's smile, his gaze briefly flickering with amusement before turning to Rafael, who remained lost in his silent exchange with Hazel. Francisco's jaw clenched imperceptibly, but he maintained his facade of geniality as he addressed Rafael."Mr. Rafael!"Francisco's voice cut through the air, drawing Rafael's attention away from Hazel with a start. Rafael's gaze shifted to Francisco, a flicker of surprise crossing his features as he registered the unexpected interruption."Yes?" Rafael replied, his tone tinged with confusion as he tore his gaze away from Hazel, still unable to fully comprehend her presence before him.Hazel, sensing the tension between Francisco and Rafael, observed Rafael's reaction with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. There was a strange vibe emanatin
Francisco's grip on Emily's arm tightened as he spoke with a steely resolve, “Go somewhere. I will talk to you later.”But Emily, fueled by alcohol and her own determination, refused to back down. “No… I want to talk now,” she insisted, her voice slurred.Despite her persistence, Francisco maintained his calm demeanor, his gaze piercing as he silently conveyed his message. Emily, noticing the intensity of his stare, felt her voice falter.“Please,” she pleaded, her tone subdued.Rafael, observing the interaction, felt a surge of disapproval at Francisco's treatment of Emily. He exchanged knowing glances with his colleagues, a silent understanding passing between them. Clearing his throat, Rafael addressed Francisco, his voice tinged with reproach, “Mr. Francisco, it’s not acceptable to treat a woman in this manner.”Francisco's response was unwavering, his tone cold and unyielding.“Mr. Rafael, I do not tolerate ill manners, and I do not entertain garbage in my mansion.”With that, Fr
Rafael remained steadfast, his eyes searching hers for a connection that Hazel couldn't comprehend."I can't be!" he exclaimed, the frustration evident in his voice.With a touch both tender and possessive, Rafael lightly touched Hazel's lips. She lowered her gaze, her mind grappling with the complexities of the situation. She gently held his palm, a mixture of fear and uncertainty etched across her face.Then suddenly Rafael stumbled backward, disoriented from the sudden push. Confusion and frustration etched across his face as he tried to regain his balance.Meanwhile, just a few minutes ago, in the adjacent room, the confrontation between Francisco and Emily unfolded.Francisco had pushed Emily onto the bed, his face displaying irritation."What was that?" he demanded, his tone sharp. Emily, in her intoxicated state, struggled to sit up but failed."Francisco, did you really make her yours?" Emily slurred, a drunken chuckle escaping her lips. Francisco's gaze remained stern, his ex